Biodiversity Expert

Result of Service Development of biological surveys, wetlands management and biodiversity hotspots.

Work Location Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Expected duration 3 months

Duties and Responsibilities Organizational Setting, Purpose and Objective:

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 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.

Duties and Responsibilities (Included in JO Posting):

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager in UNEP West Asia Office and in coordination with the National Centre for Wildlife (NCW) and 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 a monitoring plan for the achievement of the national biodiversity conservation targets. 2. Develop biodiversity pressure, state, response indicators, with baseline and targets. 3. Prepare training courses and conduct training on tracking tool for protected areas. 4. Review the baseline data collected and advice on enhancing survey methodologies for fauna and support the data analysis and reporting. 5. Design an inventory of fauna diversity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 6. Technical guidelines and review on the ex-situ management of the threatened fauna. 7. Conduct data analysis and evaluation against the new KBA standard. 8. Develop refining methodology for fauna survey and data analysis and documentation according to best international practices. 9. Conduct assessment of the vulnerability of biodiversity and protected areas. 10. Provide technical advice to the NCW management on emerging issues related to fauna ( management of animals in private collection, control of invasive species, animal care in captivity). 11. Draft and review scientific documents to be published, in collaboration with other experts or researchers, in international scientific journals, based on the available results and emergencies at the moment. 12. Technical guidance in the establishment of reference Saudi original scientific zoological collections for any biogeographic, genetic, or conservation survey.

Expected outputs and deliverables include:

1. Develop a monitoring plan for biodiversity targets, baseline, and indicators. 2. Design an inventory for fauna diversity and methodology for fauna survey and analysis. 3. Prepare training courses and conduct trainings. 4. Monthly progress reports. 5. Final progress reports.

Qualifications/special skills Master’s (or higher) in environmental sciences, biodiversity, wildlife, or related fields is required. PHD is an asset. A minimum of 10 years of experience in biodiversity conservation, wildlife and or environmental management is required. Previous practical experience in similar tasks and familiarity with wildlife and terrestrial species is desirable. Knowledge of biodiversity and environment issues in Saudi Arabia is an asset.

Languages Fluency in written and spoken English is required, proficiency in 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.