Consultant on Peace and Biodiversity Dialogue Initiative (PBDI)

Contract

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Result of Service

The work of the consultant will coordinate the PBDI as well as provide inputs to the scientific, technical, and organizational support to the work of the Secretariat relating to Target 3 and its transboundary elements 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.

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 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.

Duties and responsibilities

The consultant will undertake the coordination of the Peace and Biodiversity Initiative, including developing work plans and budgets, reviewing project proposals, preparing activity and donor reports; contribute to the work of the Secretariat related to protected and conserved areas and implementation of Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, 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. The consultant will ensure timely preparation of evidence-based documents based on the review of scientific and technical data and information to facilitate decision making by the Conference of the Parties and its subsidiary bodies as well as other relevant expert meetings of the Convention.

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 incumbent will perform the following duties, with respect to the Peace and Biodiversity Dialogue Initiative (PBDI), Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and the work of the Convention related to protected and conserved areas:

1. Coordinate implementation of the PBDI including, (a) developing concept notes and proposals for donor support to the PBDI; (b) planning and execution of workplans and budgets; (c) reviewing requests for funding and project proposals received from project proponents; (d) ensuring effective implementation of projects funded by the Initiative; (e) preparing quarterly and annual progress reports on the implementation of the PBDI.

2. Support capacity building activities and partnerships relating to transboundary conservation areas, including by catalyzing, and facilitating development and application of common and integrated gender-sensitive tools, methodologies, and approaches.

3. Liaise with relevant UN/International organizations/agreements/processes to enhance synergies and ensure coherent approaches, in particular IUCN, the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention), the Convention on Migratory Species, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and, as well as other relevant bodies and organizations to enhance collaboration and synergies related to transboundary conservation areas.

4. Provide scientific, technical, and organizational support to the work of the Secretariat relating to Target 3 and its transboundary elements 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.

5. Promote the work of the PBDI, within the Secretariat, and externally. This includes preparation of communication and outreach materials about the PBDI, transboundary conservation areas, and Target 3 and its transboundary elements. Disseminate the materials online, in meetings and events, and through various social media channels. Keep the PBDI website under review and up to date.

6. 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.

Working Experience

A minimum of 5 years of working experience in the field of project management, environmental science, assessment and related research, development, biodiversity-related research, project implementation and monitoring, review and assessment of project reports, provision of guidance and report writing is required.

Experience with the United Nations, International Organizations, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Aichi Biodiversity Targets 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.

Competencies required:

Planning and organizing Communication Teamwork

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in written and oral English is required. Working knowledge of other UN languages is also desirable.

Additional Information

TRAVEL

Travel as it may be required. Travel cost would be borne by the SCBD. The Secretariat will cover the costs as per the UN Travel policy.

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.