Consultant for the Protected and Conserved Areas Programme

Result of Service

The work of the consultant will support the implementation of the Protected and Conserved Areas Programme of Work, including developing of reports, coordinating capacity-building workshops and partnerships and coordinate with other relevant thematic programmes of work and cross-cutting issues of the Convention. Collaborate with the relevant UN/international organizations/ agreements/processes to enhance synergies and ensure coherent approaches.

Work Location

Remote - Home-based

Expected duration

12 months

Duties and Responsibilities

ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING

The United Nations Environment Programme is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. At the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, world leaders agreed on a comprehensive strategy for 'sustainable development'. The Convention on Biological Diversity was opened for signature in Rio in 1992. The Convention has three main objectives: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) is located in Montreal and is administered by the United Nations Environment Programme. Its main tasks are to arrange for and service meetings of the Conference of the Parties, including preparation of pertinent documentation, operation of the central node of the clearing-house mechanism, liaison and coordination with other international bodies and processes and, in close collaboration with these partners, the provision of technical support for the effective implementation of the Convention.

The consultant will contribute to the work of the Protected and Conserved Areas Programme of work by supporting the implementation of Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework through workshops, meetings, tracking progress and outreach activities. The consultant will also support the coordination of partnerships and collaborations and support the team in developing work plans and budgets, reviewing project proposals, preparing activity and donor reports.

Under the overall supervision of the Director, Science, Society and Sustainable Futures (SSSF) Division and the Head of the Biodiversity Science, Policy and Governance, the consultant will perform the following duties, with respect to the Protected and Conserved Areas programme, Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework:

1. Support the work of the Protected and Conserved Areas Programme of Work including, (a) developing concept notes, reports and relevant documents; (b) tracking progress of the implementation of Target 3; (c) reviewing requests for information; (d) revision of reports from grants.
2. Support capacity building activities, including regional and subregional workshops to support the implementation of Target 3.
3. Support the development and coordination of partnerships to contribute to the implementation of Target 3.
4. Liaise with relevant UN/International organizations/agreements/processes to enhance synergies and ensure coherent approaches, and enhance collaboration and synergies related to the implementation of Target 3.
5. Provide scientific, technical, and organizational support to the work of the Secretariat relating to Target 3 through, inter alia, preparation of substantive inputs to meetings of the Conference of the Parties and its subsidiary bodies. This includes preparation of notifications, review, compilation and analysis of information, organization of expert meetings, preparations of meeting documents for their consideration, servicing these meetings and following up on relevant recommendations and decisions.
6. Promote the work of the Protected and Conserved Areas programme, within the Secretariat, and externally. This includes preparation of communication and outreach materials.
7. Perform other relevant duties as required.

Qualifications/special skills

Academic qualifications: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree) in environmental assessments, conservation, governance and sustainable development or related fields is required.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of working experience in biodiversity science, biodiversity management, environmental science, assessment and related research, development, biodiversity-related research is required. Experience with the United Nations, International Organizations, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework is desirable. The ability to work with minimum supervision in a team environment is desirable.

Skills: Conceptual, analytical, and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other sources are also required. The ability to access and analyze data and scientific information is required. The ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems is desirable.

Languages: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in reading, writing and speaking in English is required. Knowledge of other United Nations languages is desirable. NOTE: "Fluency equals a rating of "fluent" in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and "Knowledge of" equals a rating of "confident" in two of the four areas.

Additional Information

Travel as it may be required.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.