Expert on Biodiversity and Climate Change Adaptation in Central Asia

Result of Service - Provided expertise to the timely and effective implementation of UNEP’s mountain biodiversity and climate change portfolio, in particular towards the “Central Asian Mammals and Climate Adaptation (CAMCA)” project, and where necessary towards the “Vanishing Treasures” programme and its Central Asia component - Provision of relevant expertise and technical guidance to implementing partners (in particular national and local) towards the execution of project activities - Contribution thorough project to monitoring and reporting - Actively engagement with stakeholders to support UNEP on issues pertaining to mountain biodiversity in the Central Asian region

Work Location Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Expected duration The contract will be for 6 months, from 15 June 2022 until 15 December 2022. Total payment of 30,000 USD to be paid in 6 instalments of 5,000 USD upon delivery of expected tasks.

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. UNEPs Medium Term Strategy (MTS) is built on three pillars: action on Climate, on Nature and on Chemicals and Pollution. Its actions on Nature aim to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem integrity, to have sustainable management of nature included in development frameworks, and to enhance nature conservation and restoration efforts across the globe. To achieve these aims, UNEP’s work includes working with countries to develop policies and incentives that address the drivers of biodiversity loss and promote sustainable and inclusive economic activities, promoting sustainable approaches to natural resource management, supporting sustainable habitat management, promote social and behavioural change, and more. Together, the activities should help UNEP and the world articulate a pathway to living in harmony with nature, realizing the necessary impact and strength through extensive partnerships. Some related initiatives by UNEP in the region related to mountain biodiversity include the following: UNEP´s “Central Asian Mammals and Climate Adaptation” (CAMCA) project (funded by IKI) Migratory species in Central Asia are highly vulnerable to climate change. As a result of changing migration patterns, protected areas are rendered ineffective. Changes in the use of pastures (extension of grazing periods and shifting grazing areas to higher elevations) are expected to lead to increased human-wildlife conflicts. In order to increase the resilience of people and wildlife in Central Asia to climate change, UNEP, CMS (the Convention on Migratory Species) and the project partners will test ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) measures and climate change-informed wildlife management in a set of pilot sites. Given the focus on migratory species, a transboundary approach across the three target countries will be used. The implementation of pilot measures with economic potential and their integration into political framework documents is of particular importance. Comprehensive communication activities will communicate project results and measures to the public and to decision-makers.

UNEP´s “Vanishing Treasures” Programme¿ Despite the growing evidence of species’ vulnerability to climate change, adaptation of wildlife to climate change still remains a gap. Therefore, UNEP’s Vanishing Treasures Programme supports climate change adaptation of vulnerable mountain species such as Royal Bengal tiger in the Hindu-Kush Himalayas (Bhutan), snow leopard in Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan) and mountain gorilla in the Virunga region (Rwanda and Uganda). The Programme is funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and aims to generate maximum synergy between climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation by improving the adaptive capacity of mountain ecosystems while maintaining related ecosystem services, protecting mountain flagship species who are key to ecosystem functioning, and promoting alternative livelihoods for local communities.¿

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the respective programme manager of the IKI-funded “Central Asian Mammals and Climate Adaptation” (CAMCA) project and the “Vanishing Treasures” programme or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the expert will:

• Provide specific knowledge and expertise on the implementation of UNEP’s mountain biodiversity and climate change portfolio in Central Asia with a particular focus on the CAMCA project, in close collaboration with international, national and local implementing partners
• Provide expert contribution to the implementation of the CAMCA project through: o Provision of expertise/knowledge in support of project in coordination with project partners including provision of technical guidance to these o contribute to coordination of project advisory board activities o Supporting the identification and selection of target species and pilot areas
• Contribute to the rounding-off of the inception phase, including the conclusion of the o Stakeholder analysis; o Sustainability plan. o Communication and Knowledge Management Strategy
• Implementation of activities in the region according to the logframes/workplans, including: o organization of workshops and meetings o provision of advice on data collection and analysis, support to pilot work etc. in coordination with project partners o review of milestones/deliverables against logframe
• Contribute to the development of a communication and data sharing plan and internal and external reporting
• Identify communication opportunities and the production of communication materials & products and outreach to relevant stakeholders,
• Liaison and consultation with national and regional stakeholders including follow-up at policy level to support the implementation of the project in the targeted countries
• Provision of expertise with regards to mountain biodiversity and climate change, community engagement
• Establish synergies and cooperation with other activities and initiatives in the field /region
• Participate in and contribute to relevant meetings with a focus on mountain biodiversity activities, including preparation and review of relevant background material, meeting records etc.

• Represent UNEP in the region where necessary, as coordinated with UNEP’s Central Asia office in Almaty and participate to relevant missions as assigned to

  Qualifications/special skills Competency: Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyse and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. 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 databases. Ability to apply judgement in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; 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; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work;

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors’s language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed;

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Academic Qualifications: A master's degree in environmental studies, forestry, biology, or other related fields to the environment is required. Experience: - Minimum of 5 years of work experience in Biodiversity conservation and wildlife management is required - Work experience in climate change adaptation is required. - Experience in project development and implementation is required. - Experience and knowledge of the environmental conditions on Central Asia is desirable. Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Russian or other Central Asian language is desirable.

Additional Information Outputs / Works Assignment: The expert will be required to coordinate and liaise with the project team towards the achievement of the following milestones: - Overall expert contribution to the implementation of activities according to Workplan - Ensure external reporting to the donor and internal reporting is complete according to the requested schedule by the donor - Set up the project implementation structure including the Advisory Board - Provide expertise to and kept track of implementation plans - Review the quality of Implementing partner reporting - Review and contribute with expertise to the annual Workplan for 2023 - Contribute to the coordination of national and local partners for efficient collaboration - Contribution to Project Communication and Knowledge Management Strategy, project website and project identity (logo etc.) - Provision of expert collaboration with regards to the development of project proposals with a focus on mountain biodiversity and climate adaptation in Central Asia.

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.