Ecosystem Restoration Consultant for Colombia

Result of Service Objective. The objective of the Ecosystem Restoration consultancy is to support the implementation of the Action Plan for the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration in Latin America and the Caribbean in Colombia, in collaboration with strategic partners in the country. These activities will include a roadmap for innovative ecosystem restoration investments and financing in the country, at least one project proposal for an ecosystem restoration flagship initiative in Colombia, and communication inputs on ecosystem restoration to be published in UNEP´s social networks.

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

1. Assignment 1: Dissemination of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and the Regional Action Plan in Colombia - Dissemination of the UN Decade with partners in government, academic institutions, civil society and private sector. - In close coordination with the Regional Office Communications Unit, promote communications on the UN Decade and ensure impactful restoration stories from Colombia by drafting webstories, social media content, and other communications materials. - Undertake at least one webinar on the Regional Action Plan for Ecosystem Restoration in Colombia.

2. Assignment 2: identification of strategic partners in Colombia that can participate actively in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and the implementation of the Regional Action Plan - Identification of at least 10 strategic partners plus target audiences for the implementation of the UN Decade in Colombia. - 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 Colombia.

3. Assignment 3: Support the organization of virtual High-Level Regional Dialogues on the Action Plan for Ecosystem Restoration in LAC - Support the UNEP Regional Coordinator for Biodiversity and Ecosystems and the Regional Restoration Coordinator in the organization of a virtual High-Level Regional Dialogue. - Facilitate the engagement of a multistakeholder audience inclusive of Ministries, private sector stakeholders, academia and civil society from Colombia in support of Action 6 of the Regional Action Plan of Latin America and the Caribbean. - Support the organization of meetings with the Working Group on Biodiversity and strategic partners to identify topics and speakers for the high-level dialogue. - Provide inputs to the development of a concept note. - Support the preparation and organization of the high-level dialogue. - Support the preparation of the meeting report and communication materials with key messages from the high-level dialogue.

4. Assignment 4: One project proposal for an ecosystem restoration flagship programme in Colombia developed and introduced to at least 3 potential funding partners. - Support meetings with the Working Group on Biodiversity and strategic partners to identify priorities, opportunities, and approaches for an ecosystem restoration flagship programme in Colombia. - Liaise with relevant partners in Colombia to develop the flagship proposal. - Facilitate meetings and secure participation in events to present the flagship programme to potential funding partners.

Work Location Home-based

Expected duration 6 months

Duties and Responsibilities Purpose.

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, 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 by regional Ministers of Environment during the XXI Forum of Ministers. The Action Plan seeks to support the 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 consultant to act as Ecosystem Restoration Consultant and facilitate the implementation of the Regional Action Plan in Colombia.

The Colombia Ecosystem Restoration Consultant will respond to the Colombia Office Coordinator and coordinate closely with UNEP’s Biodiversity and Ecosystems Regional Coordinator for LAC and the UNEP´s Ecosystem Restoration Regional Consultant; both located in Panama City. Additionally, Colombia Ecosystem Restoration Consultant will coordinate and communicate with UNEP´s Partnership Coordinator, UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration based in Nairobi. The incumbent will be supervised by the Regional Subprogramme Coordinator - Biodiversity and Ecosystems and will work home based but will have to attend regular meetings in UNEP’s office in Bogotá.

Qualifications/special skills Academic Qualifications: - Advanced University degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in biology, conservation, ecology, environmental sciences, natural resource management, international development or management is required Experience: PROFESSIONAL: - Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in environmental project management - Demonstrated track-record of multi-stakeholder engagement (government, academia, civil society and private sector) is required. - Desirable track-record of project concept drafting - Required technical knowledge and understanding of ecosystem conservation and restoration in Colombia Language: - Fluency in Spanish and English is required.

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.