Urban Nature Project Implementation Support Consultant (Cameroon)

Consultant Environment Finance & Economy

Contract

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Result of Service

• The implementation of UNEP’s Generation Restoration Douala IV pilot project activities is supported, including achievement of planned timelines, reporting needs, and deliverables as described in the SSFA with the city. - Coordination between the UNEP Cities Unit, the Douala IV Subdivisional Council, other districts of Douala, UN Habitat, and other cities in Cameroon and the wider region is strengthened. - Support the Douala IV pilot project implementation of the project’s activities, including: o Development of a database and inventory of the mangrove ecosystem within the intervention zone. o Formulation and adoption of an action plan for mangrove protection and restoration. o Establishment of a legal and institutional framework for participatory mangrove governance. Implementation of governance structures and sustainable financing mechanisms in Douala IV. o Execution of an awareness campaign to sensitize local communities on mangrove conservation. o Demonstration of reforestation activities in partnership with civil society organizations. o Promotion of environmental education in schools to enhance awareness among students. - Douala IV is supported in the participation of online and in-person workshops, knowledge exchanges, and project activities, and their engagement with other UNEP teams working on the project is ensured. - Fundraising efforts for further activities related to sustainable urbanisation in Cameroon are strengthened. - Urban action on nature and climate in Cameroon is enhanced and highlighted at the national level, including through enhanced coordination between UNEP Cities and the UNEP Africa and Cameroon Office.

Work Location

Douala, Cameroon

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. The Cities Unit within the Climate Change Division contributes to the UN system-wide strategy on sustainable urban development and the implementation of the New Urban Agenda. The Unit is currently exploring strategies to support local government's accelerated action towards addressing the triple crisis of biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution through the deployment of NbS, to achieve the targets set by the Global Biodiversity Framework and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Over three years (2023-2025), Generation Restoration's objective is to implement a package of measures to address selected political, technical, and financial challenges to promote restoration at scale, particularly in urban areas, within the framework of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. The Cities Component, implemented by the Cities Unit, will increase the engagement of city stakeholders, including vulnerable groups, in replicating and scaling the restoration of urban and peri-urban ecosystems. Fourteen pilot cities and fourteen role model cities will take part in the project, including Douala in Cameroon as a pilot city. The primary focus of the pilot project will be on strengthening the protection and restoration of mangrove ecosystems in Douala IV to protect biodiversity and reduce climate risks for the local population. In this context, UNEP is looking for a full-time (level A) consultant to support the development and implementation of UNEP's work in Cameroon on implementing the pilot project in Douala, integrating climate action and NbS in the city’s planning and strategies, as well as supporting the Unit’s efforts on overall project management, communications, advocacy and knowledge management for the Douala IV pilot project. The consultant will also support the coordination with key stakeholders in the country, including UN Habitat, and explore opportunities to establish synergies and connections with UN Habitat efforts in Cameroon and the Generation Restoration project when possible. The consultant will work as part of the UNEP’s Cities Unit under the supervision of Sharon Gil, Programme Management Officer. The consultant will support the UNEP Cities Unit in implementing the Generation Restoration project and Urban Nature Programme in Cameroon, in partnership with the Douala IV District Municipality, through its Hygiene and Sanitation Service team under the General Secretariat, strengthening coordination and synergies across projects and initiatives on climate and nature within UNEP and with UN Habitat in the region, provide support services to cities on the planning and implementation of nature-based solutions (NbS), support the project manager in fundraising, communication, knowledge management and advocacy to disseminate the results of these efforts.

Qualifications/special skills

Postgraduate diploma in urban planning, urbanism, social sciences, political sciences, economics or related fields. 5 years of demonstrated experience in urban planning, project management, and/or climate and nature planning. Comprehensive understanding of climate and environmental issues related to nature, urbanism, cities, and the local context in Douala and Cameroon. Ability to work effectively, precisely and autonomously in a fast-paced environment with multiple competing tasks across teams. Works harmoniously in international teams, openness and flexibility, and ability to integrate feedback. Comprehensive knowledge of Cameroon’s environmental and urban frameworks and networks is required. Relevant experience working with the UN system, especially in urban and environmental planning.

Languages

Fluency in French and English is required for this position. Working knowledge of any other local languages will be an asset.

Additional Information

Output/Work Assignments: Support the implementation of the piloting efforts in Douala, including the coordination of the cities’ and implementing partners’ engagement in technical workshops, meeting regularly with the local team, monitoring the progress of the project’s activities, providing technical support to the city, and learning exchanges, and of the relation with the UNEP and ICLEI team to communicate and report the progress of the city’s efforts, including through regular meetings with UNEP Cities Unit, Douala IV, and UN Habitat. Support the implementation of project activities, including the development of diagnostic study and action plans; governance structuring and sustainable financing; and the development of capacity building and awareness-raising programmes. Coordinate strategic technical advisory services to Cameroon cities leadership and relevant departments at national and subnational levels, to help strengthen urban nature and climate actions. Assist in the dissemination of the results and efforts of Generation Restoration cities through the website, PR/stories, social media, and mass and targeted mailings, in coordination with outreach partners. Perform other tasks associated with the implementation of the UNEP Cities Unit efforts, as needed and directed by supervising staff members. Participate in weekly team meetings and report progress to project managers.

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.

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Added 4 hours ago - Updated 4 hours ago - Source: careers.un.org