Biodiversity Expert

Result of Service Development of a biodiversity strategy and implementation of biodiversity related initiatives.

Work Location Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Expected duration 7 months

Duties and Responsibilities The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 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. The West Asia Office of UNEP delivers advisory services and capacity building support to countries to achieve environment and sustainable development objectives. This consultancy is established at the West Asia Office within the framework of the Strategic Cooperation Agreement between UNEP and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager in UNEP West Asia Office and in coordination with the respective department in the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Consultant will carry-out, inter alia, the following duties & responsibilities:

1. Develop strategies, plans, and procedures for biodiversity conservation and restoration of its habitats. 2. Technical inputs and advice in the implementation of national commitments related to international agreements and protocols. 3. Develop and review biodiversity documents and reports required from organizations, agencies, agreements and environmental protocols. 4. Technical and scientific inputs in the implementation of national, regional and international environmental initiatives related to biodiversity. 5. Develop and review drafts of environmental projects, agreements and memorandums of understanding with countries, organizations and regional and international agencies, and monitoring their implementation. 6. Prepare documents related to the requirements for joining new regional and international environmental agreements and activities of different international cooperation. 7. Design and monitor activities and programs of international environmental organizations, studying documents, reports and studies issued by them and providing views on them. 8. Technical guidance in the preparations for national, regional and international meetings and conferences. 9. Technical and scientific inputs in the preparation and participation in meetings, conferences and international venues. 10. Perform any other technical task requested to be accomplished by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.

Expected Outputs and Deliverables: 1. A biodiversity conservation strategy. 2. A status report on biodiversity conservation in Saudi Arabia 3. Training manuals and capacity building programmes for MEWA staff on biodiversity conservation. 4. Monthly and quarterly progress reports.

Qualifications/special skills Master’s degree in Biodiversity Conservation, Planning/Natural Resource Management, Environmental Sciences, or related fields is required. PHD is an asset.

A minimum of 10 years professional experience in biodiversity conservation is required.

Previous practical experience in similar tasks in biodiversity conservation, wildlife, land-use protected areas is desirable.

Knowledge of biodiversity issues in Saudi Arabia is an asset.

Languages Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable.

No Fee 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.