Project Development and Biodiversity Specialist at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Job Description

The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the world’s 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 environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

In consultation with the Branch Coordinator, Head of the Nature Transformation & Mainstreaming Unit, and the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership Global Coordinator, the consultant will undertake the following assignments: Develop a Project Document for an umbrella NBSAP Acceleration and Implementation project. To this end, the consultant will: Review existing materials including the concept note approved by the Concept Approval Group and Project Preparation Proposal and map existing NBSAP acceleration and implementation activities by UNEP and core partners Undertake relevant consultations within the Biodiversity and Land Branch, other branches and divisions in UNEP, other UN agencies and external stakeholders on the role of UNEP in providing NBSAP acceleration and implementation services. Develop of a Theory of Change (ToC) and results framework to form the basis of the logical framework for UNEP’s NBSAP acceleration and implementation strategy and demonstrate how it will contribute to UNEPs Programme of Work and Medium-Term Strategy and overall long-term impact. Develop a full “NBSAP Acceleration and Implementation” project document according to the specifications in the UNEP Programme Manual including Environmental and Social Safeguards, gender mainstreaming and Sustainability. This must be undertaken in close collaboration with the responsible UNEP staff. Review, fact check and finalise the project document to ensure that all UN Environment project development guidelines are met and that the proposed project addresses priority needs and is both cost effective and implementable. Invite review from colleagues across UNEP. Address reviewer comments including those from the Project Review Committee and prepare resubmission.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree in environmental sciences, law, conservation, ecology, project management, natural resource management or economics, or a related subject is required. A first degree together with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in the development of project proposals, management, and sustainable use of biodiversity or related areas of work is required. Required field of work and where applicable, area of specialty: Environmental Management, Environmental Law, Conservation, Natural resources management, and resource economics is required. Previous experience in developing Project Documents for UNEP is required. Demonstrated skills in results-based management using a Theory of Change and logical framework approach is desirable In-depth knowledge of UNEP internal processes and project frameworks is required Excellent, persuasive writing skills in particular in the context of communicating complex project documentation is desirable. Good knowledge of different international donor processes and mechanisms is desirable. Excellent networking and communication skills, and experience engaging with multiple parties and stakeholders using participatory techniques is desirable Skills in safeguards development and gender mainstreaming is desirable Project budgeting skills is desirable Demonstrated skills in the preparation of complex project documents is desirable