Project Associate

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

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. This post is in UNEP Reginal Office for West Asia at the Beirut duty station.

This UNV assignment is to support the UNEP Regional Office for West Asia in strengthening its capacity and expertise to engage with countries in updating/revising national biodiversity strategy and action plan (NBSAP), advocate for the Whole-of-Society and Whole-of-Government approach to support the implementation of NBSAP and scale up positive incentives for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity to achieve the Global Biodiversity Targets (GBF).

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) was adopted during the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 15) following a four-year consultation and negotiation process. This historic Framework supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. It sets out an ambitious pathway to reach the global vision of a world living in harmony with nature by 2050. Among the Framework's key elements are four goals for 2050 and 23 targets for 2030, the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework will be guided and supported through a comprehensive package of decisions also adopted at COP 15, which includes a monitoring framework for the GBF, an enhanced mechanism for planning, monitoring, reporting and reviewing implementation, the necessary financial resources for implementation, strategic frameworks for capacity development and technical and scientific cooperation, and an agreement on digital sequence information on genetic resources. UNEP Regional Office for West Asia specifically aims to strengthen the capacity of stakeholders for the implementation of NBSAP and create a better understanding of goals and targets through translating them to national planning processes.

In addition to the GBF, the UN Assignment will contribute to other initiatives such as One Health, Sustainable Food System Transformation, and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration in the region.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Programme Management Officer, Nature Action Sub-programme, or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Project Associate will: • Support the overall facilitation and coordination to support the countries in the West Asia region to revise/update the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) in line with Global Biodiversity Framework. • Support in analysis data and information relating natural capital accounting. • Support in developing concepts on financing/positive incentives for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in regional context. • Support in the drafting of project reporting and other documentation. • Support in organizing meetings, webinars, etc. This would also include the preparation of technical materials, info notes, and meeting reports. • Perform other duties, as required, relating to NBSAP and its implementation, including communication activities and social media. • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

• Professionalism • Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning • Planning and organizing • Communication • Flexibility • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement

, or knowledge or affinity in, environmental and natural resource economics, environmental-economic policy is desirable. • Experience in project management, data analysis, and implementation is desirable. • Excellent writing and reporting skills in English and Arabic is required. • Accuracy and attention to details in data collection, analysis and reporting. • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, and authorities at different levels; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint etc.); familiarity with database management; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines. • Sound security awareness. • Have affinity with or interest in the environment, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in UN house, Beirut, Lebanon. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions.

National UN Specialist Volunteers in Lebanon are entitled to:

• Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) at the amount of USD 1,606.58; • Annual and learning leaves; • Free Medical and life insurance; • Free access to different learning platforms.

For more information on UN Volunteer benefits, entitlements and support, please visit: https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service