Technical Advisor – Environmental (Facilitator)

Job Posting Organization:
UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services) is a central resource of the United Nations that supports partners in building a better future by providing services that enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects. Established to serve the UN's mission, UNOPS operates in approximately 125 countries, offering sustainable project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to a diverse range of governments, donors, and UN organizations. The organization is committed to promoting sustainable development and has signed agreements with various UN entities, including the UNDP, to implement significant global programs such as the Global Programme on Nature for Development, which aims to foster nature-based solutions for sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The Technical Advisor – Environmental (Facilitator) position is crucial for advancing the Global Programme on Nature for Development, specifically within the framework of the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership. This role involves acting as a facilitator embedded within relevant ministries or regional institutions to support the implementation of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs). The primary objective is to identify and prioritize NBSAP needs, mobilize support, and foster collaboration among stakeholders to accelerate NBSAP implementation. The facilitator will engage in multi-stakeholder dialogues, develop comprehensive work plans, and monitor progress to ensure alignment with the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). This position requires a proactive approach to mobilizing resources and coordinating actions among various initiatives to promote a Whole of Government and Whole of Society approach to biodiversity action.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Technical Advisor include:

• Assessing the NBSAP landscape by identifying and monitoring country-specific biodiversity priorities, capacity needs, and implementation challenges. This may involve conducting stakeholder mapping to identify key players and their motivations.
• Facilitating national multi-stakeholder dialogues to develop a comprehensive work plan for NBSAP implementation support in collaboration with the host government.
• Monitoring NBSAP priorities and implementation progress, providing ongoing support and guidance.
• Mobilizing support by identifying specific needs for technical capacity, financial resources, and political will, and assisting the host government in designing requests for support.
• Coordinating actions among existing initiatives to ensure alignment and collaboration, sharing global best practices, and facilitating knowledge exchange opportunities.
• Maintaining regular communication with designated National Focal Points and preparing periodic reports on NBSAP implementation status, including financial reports of expenditures.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in environmental science, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, or a related field, along with seven years of relevant experience. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) with nine years of relevant experience is acceptable. Relevant experience includes biodiversity conservation, project management, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement. Desirable experience includes previous work with NBSAPs and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), as well as experience with regional or international organizations. Proven track record of collaboration with government institutions and civil society organizations is also advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as environmental science, biodiversity conservation, or natural resource management. Candidates with a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) may also apply if they have the requisite years of experience. The focus is on candidates who have a strong academic foundation in environmental and biodiversity-related disciplines.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience for candidates with a Master’s degree, or nine years for those with a Bachelor’s degree. Relevant experience is defined as work in biodiversity conservation, project management, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement. Candidates with experience in working with NBSAPs and international biodiversity frameworks will be given preference, as will those who have worked with regional or international organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in English (reading, writing, speaking) is mandatory for this position. Additionally, fluency in a second official UN language is desirable, which may enhance communication and collaboration in a diverse working environment.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is an Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) at the Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA-11) level. The contract duration is open-ended, renewable subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance, with an initial duration set until December 31, 202

• UNOPS encourages applications from qualified women and candidates from underrepresented groups, including racialized and indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. The organization emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, and candidates requiring assistance during the assessment process are encouraged to inform the human resources team.