Conservation Strategist (Level D)

Result of Service As a result of this consultancy, a strategic and comprehensive review of the Great Apes Survival Partnership will be produced.

Work Location Remote Working.

Expected duration 9 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. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action.

UNEP’s Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners providing technical assistance and capacity development for the implementation of environmental policy and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. The Division engages with governments and other partners to develop and promote ecosystem-based solutions for sustainable development. This position is in the Biodiversity, People and Landscapes Unit of the Ecosystems Division and will contribute to the work of the Great Apes Survival Partnership (GRASP).

This consultancy is required to do a strategic review of the Great Apes Survival Partnership, to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of GRASP and assess the relevance of its work areas against the current and emerging priorities in great ape conservation including climate change, and provide suggestions on how to revise them accordingly, considering the collective value and position of the partnership.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief, Biodiversity, People and Landscapes Unit in the Ecosystems Division and of the GRASP coordinator, the consultant will undertake the following tasks:

1. Develop survey to be disseminated to GRASP partners, to the Executive Committee, the Scientific Commission as well as GRASP Ambassadors. The purpose of the survey will be to gauge the effectiveness and added value of GRASP, through a series of questions focused on the key components of the GRASP Partnership, such as: - GRASP organs (Secretariat, Scientific Commission, Executive Committee, GRASP partners incl. Range states focal point and GRASP Ambassadors); - Analyse how GRASP implemented the 2012 council decisions and adopted priorities. 2. Conduct in-depth structured interviews with 5-10 key stakeholders (to be identified in collaboration with the GRASP Secretariat) on issues covered by the survey 3. Compile results of the survey in a summary report. 4. Conduct consultations on additional items GRASP’s mandate should tackle. Since the last council in 2012 many things have changed and the “old” priorities have to be reviewed. Also, the GRASP Secretariat was asked at the last Council meeting in 2012 to explore the feasibility of including gibbons into its mandate and has been requested by CMS to take over the management of the CMS Gorilla Agreement. - Elaborate on new priorities based on the survey results and consultations with specific reference to GRASP’s work on climate change mitigation and adaptation. - Develop scenarios how the GRASP organs have to be adjusted to accommodate gibbons in its mandate. - Consider what changes would be necessary in order to add management of the CMS Gorilla Agreement to GRASP’s functions. 5. Produce first draft of the Review with recommendations and present at GRASP Executive Committee meeting. - Draft review to be available in both English and French versions (with support from Secretariat for translation). 6. Contribute to the development of the GRASP Council agenda and present the findings at the GRASP Council meeting scheduled for Q4 2023 and make further amendments based on any discussions there. 7. Submit final version of the Review.

Qualifications/special skills- A University degree in human science, social science and natural science or a related subject is required. - At least 20 years of progressively responsible experience in natural resource management and biodiversity conservation is required. - Programme/project management and evaluation experience in the wildlife conservation is an advantage.

Skills: i. Strong networking and communications skills and proven skills in working with multiple parties and stakeholders is required.

Competencies: a) Professionalism - Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. b) Teamwork - Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organisational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Builds consensus for task purpose and direction with team members. c) Client orientation - Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients" and seeks to see things from clients' point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. d) Takes ownership for all responsibilities and honors commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules.

Languages Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Working Knowledge of the French Language 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.