Environmental Adviser

Result of Service The consultancy core objective is to strengthen the RC and the UNCTs capacity to support good governance in the mentioned areas, to help UN agencies come together to establish an interagency effort to promote protection of biodiversity -both marine and terrestrial- and strengthen advocacy efforts in those topics.

This 6-month consultancy aims to advise the Resident Coordinator Office, to help promote good governance of biodiversity, ecosystems, multilateral environmental agreements and the potential blue economy in Costa Rica.

The consultant will be responsible for the following duties:

• Advise the UN Resident Coordinator and members of the UN Country Team on critical environmental issues and possible areas of action.
• Provide added value to the inter-agency work of the UN in Costa Rica, promoting the integration of environmental considerations in UN analysis, planning and programming, with a focus on Joint Programmes, Joint Work Plans and CCA up-date.
• Actively participate in UN Results Groups, Thematic Groups, Donors-climate Group, as well as other groups and task forces as required to support and advise on the integration of environmental considerations into UN programmes and activities;
• In cooperation with UN agencies, develop and maintain relationships with MINAE, SINAC and other relevant national partners to determine their needs, identify areas of cooperation and inform them about UN priorities and programmes in relation to the environment;
• Facilitate UN Environment’s contribution to the development of joint UN programmes, analysis and initiatives in Costa Rica;
• Attend relevant meetings and events, in Costa Rica and abroad, if necessary;
• Support the RCO in identifying priorities and developing communication products related to the environment and its protection;
• Performs other duties as required.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

Establish and maintain relationships with counterparts, senior officers and technical staff in the Government of Costa Rica and UN programmes or agencies.

Increase the collaboration, leadership and visibility of the UN in environmental issues within the United Nations team in Costa Rica.

• Advice provided to Resident Coordinator and UNCT.
• Promote the integration of environmental considerations in UN analysis, planning and programming, with a focus on Joint Programmes, Joint Work Plans and CCA up-date.
• Active participation in UN Results Groups, Thematic Groups, Donors-climate Group, as well as other groups and task forces.
• Develop and maintain relationships with MINAE, SINAC and other relevant national partners.

• Identify priorities and develop communication products.

  Work Location UN Resident Coordinator´s Office, San Jose, Costa Rica

  Expected duration 6 months

  Duties and Responsibilities The United Nations Environment Programme is the leading 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 advocate for the global environment.

The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, Panama, 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).

In Costa Rica, UN Environment’s work is guided by the United Nations 2023-2027 Cooperation Framework: Closing gaps for a Sustainable and inclusive Costa Rica (which reflects national environmental priorities as both a substantive and cross-cutting issue) and delivered jointly as One UN.

The consultancy is supported by UN Environment and is based in the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) in Costa Rica. Under the overall guidance of the UN Resident Coordinator in Costa Rica and of UN Environment Regional Director and Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, the consultant will provide technical assistance to help promote good governance of biodiversity, ecosystems, blue economy potential of the country and multilateral environmental agreements.

The consultant will report to the UN Environment Regional Development Coordinator (fist reporting Officer) who will work closely in supervision with the Resident Coordinator of Costa Rica.

The incumbent is expected to work 40 hours per week Monday to Friday full time, and to be located in RC Office in San Jose, Costa Rica.

UNEP “ Surge Funds” have been allocated by the Ecosystems Division to UNEPs Regional Office LAC to support the demands of the RCs and UNCTs for dedicated support on areas for which there is a need. The Resident Coordinator of Costa Rica has requested stronger and dedicate support to establish interagency efforts in promoting the protection of biodiversity- both marine and terrestrial- and the strengthening advocacy in these areas. UNEP LACO has requested these funds specifically for a consultant given it has no available capacity to provide this support directly.

Qualifications/special skills ACADEMIC:

- A Bachelor´s degree in biodiversity, environment planning, economy, agriculture, geography, or any relevant area linked to the post(required) - Master’s degree in environmental science, natural resources management and environmental economics or related fields (required).

PROFESSIONAL:

- A minimum of 3 years of professional experience, in environmental science, natural resources management and environmental economics or related fields of which preferably 1 year in an international context (required), - Good analytical and problem-solving skills(required). - Experience with national level policy processes in Costa Rica, and knowledge of the UN system, would be distinct advantages(desirable).

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

- Solid knowledge in the natural resources management and the use of economic incentives. - Ability to interact in a strategic manner with different political actors and stakeholders at national and provincial levels, and to build consensus among very diverse groups of stakeholders. - Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. - Persistent when facing difficult tasks and challenges. - Advanced level in Microsoft Office.

Languages Fluent Spanish is required Fluent English is desirable Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage

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.