Decade for Ecosystem Restoration Regional Coordinator for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)

Result of Service The objective of the Decade for Ecosystem Restoration Regional Coordinator for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) consultancy is to coordinate a host of actions to kick-start implementation of the Action Plan for the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration in Latin America and the Caribbean in collaboration with UNEP outposted offices, countries and strategic partners in the region. These activities will include at least a roadmap for innovative ecosystem restoration investment and financing in LAC, a project proposal for an ecosystem restoration flagship initiative, and a basic course on ecosystem restoration for schools.

The process for producing requested outputs and deliverables will entail the following steps and sub-products:

1. Assignment 1: Identification of strategic partners in the region that can participate actively in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and the implementation of the Regional Action Plan - Identification of at least 50 strategic partners plus target audiences for the implementation of the UN Decade in LAC, including through the Forum of Ministers’ Working Group on Biodiversity. - Organization of webinars and bilateral meetings with potential strategic partners; discussion of engagement modalities and strategic partnerships and agreements. - Agreement on individual work plans with strategic partners targeting ecosystem restoration priorities in LAC.

2. Assignment 2: Develop a Roadmap for Innovative Ecosystem Restoration Investment & Financing in LAC - Identification, recruitment and management of a regional partner charged with the development of a practical guide - Identification of innovative strategies to mobilise funding for ecosystem restoration in LAC - Workshops with the Working Group on Biodiversity and strategic partners to discuss and select the strategies, lessons learnt and guidelines - Initial dissemination of the guide

3. Assignment 3: Organization of a High-Level Regional Dialogue on the Action Plan for Ecosystem Restoration in LAC - Facilitate the engagement of a multistakeholder audience inclusive of Ministries, private sector stakeholders, academia and civil society from across the region in support of Action 6 of the Regional Action Plan of Latin America and the Caribbean. - Organize meetings with the Working Group on Biodiversity and strategic partners to identify topics and speakers for the high-level dialogue - Development and validation of concept note - Preparation and organization of the high-level dialogue - Preparation of the meeting report and communication materials with key messages from the high-level dialogue

4. Assignment 4: Development of training and communications materials and a broad audience in LAC and tailored to the socio-ecological contexts of the region - Mobilize LAC’s Environmental Training Network, Forum of Ministers Biodiversity Focal Points, and key strategic partners from the region in the course development process in line with Action 3 of the LAC Regional Action Plan - Identification of strategic partners from the LAC Environmental Training Network - Guide the development of guidelines

5. Assignment 5: At least one project proposal for an ecosystem restoration flagship programme in Latin America developed and introduced to at least 3 potential funding partners. - Organize meetings with the Working Group on Biodiversity and strategic partners to identify priorities, opportunities, and approaches for an ecosystem restoration flagship programme in LAC - Develop a flagship proposal and support UNEP offices in the development of specific project concepts. - Facilitate meetings and secure participation in events to present the flagship programme to potential funding partners

Any other task assigned by UNEP regional office related to the implementation of the Regional Action Plan on Ecosystems Restoration.

Work Location Home-based

Expected duration 8 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 UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LAC Office), located in Panama City, works closely with the 33 countries of the region and its activities are integrated into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). The Forum of Ministers of Environment of Latin America and the Caribbean (Forum of Ministers) was established in 1982 and is the oldest and most relevant cooperation body for environmental authorities in the region. The Office for Latin America and the Caribbean of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) hosts the Secretary of this forum.

In February 2021, the Action Plan for the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration in Latin America and the Caribbean was approved during the XXII Forum of Ministers of Environment. The Action Plan seeks to support the regional implementation of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) by promoting, accelerating and scaling-up ecosystem restoration in the region. It is a regional-level voluntary effort that focuses on cooperation mechanisms and enabling conditions designed to effectively support countries according to their national needs while promoting synergies and complementarity with existing initiatives.

UNEP is looking for a home-based consultant to act as the Decade for Ecosystem Restoration Regional Coordinator for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) to facilitate the implementation of the approved abovementioned Action Plan in the region.

The National Ecosystem Restoration Regional Coordinator will be supervised by the UNEP’s Biodiversity and Ecosystems Regional Coordinator for LAC.

Qualifications/special skills ACADEMIC: - Advanced University degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in conservation, ecology, environmental sciences, natural resource management, international development or management is required.

PROFESSIONAL: - Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in environmental project management is required. - Demonstrated track-record of multi-stakeholder engagement (government, academia, civil society and private sector) is required - Demonstrated track-record of project concept drafting is required - Excellent technical knowledge and understanding of ecosystem conservation and restoration in Latin America and the Caribbean is required

LANGUAGE: - Written and oral proficiency in either English or Spanish is requested and working level knowledge of the other one. Knowledge of Portuguese would be an advantage. .

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: - Strong analytical, writing and communication skills. - Demonstrated ability to prepare concept notes and proposals. - Highly motivated with the ability to work and deliver under short deadlines. - Able to work independently with little or no supervision. - Familiarity engaging Latin American governments strongly desired. - Standard computer software application literacy is expected

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.