The individual contractor (IC) will ensure the effective and efficient engagement with Peru and Colombia as GPI partner countries as well as other key South American peatland countries and GPI partners toward the refinement of the UNEP components of the South American Mountain and Patagonian Peatlands (SAMPeat) project document. Tasks will include coordinating and accompanying the consortium partners for meetings including field visits and engagement with government institutions, stakeholders and GPI partners to refine UNEP's work package(s) in the SAMPeat full project proposal in line with our comparative advantage and role as lead of the Global Peatlands Initiative. The (IC) will also ensure the effective support to Colombia and Peru as part of the GPI project Phase II including supporting the delivery of the GPI 4th Meeting of the Partners, an in-person event with approximately 80-120 participants from around the world co-hosted by Peru. Tasks will include in person meetings to enable the substantive finalization, choreography and translation of agendas, meeting documents and other materials in preparation for and after the meeting, and the organization of a field visit in close coordination with meeting co-organizers in Peru. The contractor will play a key part in the timely implementation of key meetings and events in the crucial initial months of the GPI Phase II project. Core responsibilities will include meeting coordination, both in substance and logistics, preparation and engagement with GPI partners and SAMPeat consortium partners, drafting technical materials, concept notes, reports, peatland science papers and pieces, preparing high-level science-based briefing documents, OpEds, video scripts, media briefing packages and speeches, meeting report summary and associated products.

Panama City

5 months

Background: Organizational Setting 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". Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP's Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and capacity development for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. The Global Peatlands Initiative (GPI), led by UNEP is hosted in the Biodiversity and Land Branch, aims to develop and implement innovative approaches for the conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of peatlands. By linking science, practice, and policy making, the GPI harnesses cutting-edge research to drive informed action, build a comprehensive evidence base, and assess the state of the world's peatlands to secure their protection and restoration for the long term. Under the leadership of UNEP, the GPI Phase II project titled "Conserving, Restoring, and Sustainably Managing Peatlands for Nature and People" aims to mitigate the climate and development impacts on biodiversity, water and carbon globally by providing science, best practice and policy guidance accompanied by expert technical support from UNEP and our GPI partners. The consultant will be based in Panama City and will report to the Programme Management Officer and Coordinator of the Global Peatlands Initiative in the Biodiversity, People and Landscapes Unit of the Ecosystems Division. Duties and Responsibilities Under the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer, within the Biodiversity, People and Landscapes Unit, the individual contractor will support UNEP’s effective and efficient engagement the finalization of the SAMPeat project document, the planning, coordination, and delivery of key meetings and events related to the GPI Phase II project including direct support and engagement with Peru and Colombia. Responsibilities will include: 1 Support the update and validation of the UNEP components of the SAMPeat project, including through desk research, engagement with consortium. Tasks will include: a. Coordinating and accompanying the consortium partners for meetings including field visits. b. Engaging with government institutions, stakeholders and GPI partners to refine UNEP’s workpackage(s) in the SAMPeat full project proposal, in line with our comparative advantage and role as lead of the Global Peatlands Initiative. 2 Support the preparations and delivery of the GPI Partners Meeting and field visit with the Peru Government and in collaboration with GPI partners (e.g., speaker invitations, finalization and translation of agendas, meeting documents, summaries). Tasks will include: a. Stakeholder and Partner Collaboration: Coordinate with Peruvian government agencies (e.g., MINAM, SERNANP, IIAP), Colombian government representatives and international partners for the successful delivery of the GPI Partners Meeting and related events. b. Participant Engagement and Accessibility: Ensure high attendance of relevant participants through leveraging UNEP and partner networks. Ensure accessibility and smooth participation for attendees from diverse sectors and countries, with consideration of gender aspects and geographical balance. c. Manage all aspects of speaker engagement, including preparation, logistics, briefing materials, and post-event follow-up. Develop moderator guides and session scripts to ensure coherent and impactful delivery. d. Content Development and Outreach: Produce outreach materials and support the design of event agendas, including thematic sessions. Collaborate with the GPI Coordinator to develop a curtain raiser for UNEP, which may include opening and closing remarks, moderation guides for panel discussions sessions, talking points for UNEP officials and GPI partners. e. Support positioning of UNEP speakers in media engagements, press conferences, and strategic platforms. 3. Support the organization and delivery of other key events, including the Peatland Breakthrough launch event, and the Venice Agreement annual meeting. 4. Support the development of project concepts for funding for Peru and Colombia and with initial emphasis in South American Mountain and Patagonia Peatland project countries.

Qualifications: An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in biology, ecology or a closely related field is required. A first-level university degree, combined with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. Work experience (requirements and desirables): • Minimum of 5 years of professional work experience at the international level on environmental topics related to peatlands ecosystems and/or nature-based solutions is required. • Experience in planning large national or international meetings and events, including substance and logistics, is required. • Experience in technical science writing for meeting and outreach materials, including presentations, briefing notes, substantive background documents and other information products is required. • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Word, Power Point, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision and with tight deadlines is required. • Excellent drafting, formulation, and reporting skills is required. • Experience in project concept development, monitoring and reporting with the UN is desirable. • 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 is desirable.

English and Spanish are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English and Spanish is required. Fluency in another UN official language is desirable.

Not available.

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.