Climate Change-biodiversity synergies in SIDS

Result of Service Under the supervision of the RCO Economist / Technical Lead for COP28, the consultant will be expected to perform the following tasks:

1. Conduct a comprehensive review of the relevant literature on NbS and climate finance, with a focus on SIDS, including official documents, reports, academic publications, and media coverage.

2. Develop a clear and concise primer report that explains the main concepts, principles, and processes of NbS and climate finance, using accessible language and visuals.

3. Incorporate case studies and examples from different SIDS that illustrate the practical implications of NbS for financing climate action, including the opportunities and limitations of blue credits and mangrove credits.

4. Develop key and concise messages that can be used for advocacy purposes, in consultation with partners such as the SIDS Coalition for Nature, AOISIS, and others.

5. Revise the report based on feedback from the project manager and other stakeholders, ensuring that it is accurate, well-written, and relevant to a broad audience.

Work Location Remotely

Expected duration 3 months

Duties and Responsibilities The United Nations recognizes the importance of addressing climate change and biodiversity loss as two interrelated global challenges that require urgent action. Climate change has been identified as a major driver of biodiversity loss, affecting ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity. Similarly, biodiversity conservation and nature-based solutions (NbS) play a vital role in climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The consultant will be responsible for producing a primer report that covers how nature-based solutions in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) can be useful advocacy tool for financing climate action in SIDS. This includes efforts in the context of Articles 6.2 and 6.4 of the Paris Climate Agreement, with a focus on the following objectives:

- Identify the main types of NbS that are relevant for SIDS, including blue carbon, terrestrial carbon, and other ecosystem services, and assess their potential for carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and socio-economic development. - Explain the main mechanisms and frameworks that are available for financing NbS in SIDS, such as carbon markets, climate funds, and public-private partnerships, and analyze their advantages, challenges, and opportunities. - Analyze the role of Articles 6.2 and 6.4 of the Paris Climate Agreement in promoting NbS as a viable means of mitigating and adapting to climate change in SIDS. This can extend to costing the contributions of NbS in SIDS and other provisions for carbon pricing, carbon offsetting, and sustainable development.

Qualifications/special skills A Master’s degree or equivalent degree in ecology, environmental science/policy, or any other related field is required. A Ph.D is desirable.

All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of five years of professional experience in conducting research and writing reports related to environmental science and international policy is required. A minimum of five years of professional experience in working on climate change and biodiversity issues is required. Strong analytical and writing skills, with a proven ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to non-expert audiences is required. Familiarity with the United Nations system and international environmental policy frameworks is desirable.

Languages Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA.

For this position, fluency in English is required.

Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas.

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.