Biodiversity Planning consultant

Result of Service

The consultant will lead and assist, in developing a number of documents and guidance notes to help countries receiving support through the GEF Early Action Support programme to prepare for updating/revising the NBSAPs that align fully with the newly adopted GBF.

Work Location

Homebased

Expected duration

6 months

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.
UNEP's Law Division is the lead Division charged with carrying out the functions of UNEP in the field of environmental
law and environmental governance through law, national and international governance, and related policy issues,
including those related to Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs).
This position is to help and support the activities under the GEF supported NBSAP Early Action Support project. The
initial duration of this consultancy will be for a 6-month period, starting 22 May 2023.
The consultant will work under the direct supervision of Head, Environment Policy Unit, as well as other team members
including with the DaRT Team on joint activities working on the GEF NBSAP Early Action Support project.

Responsibilities:
Specific tasks and responsibilities include:
1. Prepare a checklist of key elements, thematic and cross-cutting issues that should be a part of the updated NBSAPs.
2. Draft a guide on undertaking rapid assessments of existing National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) with a view to identify gaps and prepare for updating the NBSAPs in line with priorities and targets under the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
3. Draft Guidance document on how to ensure whole of society approach in implementing the new NBSAPs and GBF
4. Prepare a checklist of key policies related to elements of GBF, also focusing on new elements of the GBF, to help countries prepare for policy coherence related actions in the new NBSAPs.
5. Prepare briefs on UN agencies contributions to GBF, in consultation with relevant agencies and the Environment Management Group (EMG).
6. Lead the organization of one training or webinar on each on the following issues: Undertaking rapid assessments of NBSAP needs in light of GBF; Operationalizing the whole of society approach and whole of government approaches in NBSAP development and implementation; understanding new elements of the GBF and related targets (such as consumption, trade and the related); strengthening role of youth and Indigenous People and Local Communities in NBSAP revision and implementation.
7. Liaise with UNEP divisions, MEAs Collaboration Unit, UNDP, Secretariat to Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and other partners in drafting the finalizing the documents and activities listed above.
8. Prepare a final report combining actions and deliverables and lessons learnt during the period of consultancy.
9. Provide substantial inputs to develop communication material related to the actions above.
10. Prepare presentations, briefs and related outreach material in support of the above activities.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in environmental sciences, social sciences or environmental law or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in supporting CBD implementation is required.
Experience in supporting development and implementation of national action plans on environment and biodiversity management is required.
Familiarity of CBD and its mandates, national action plans/implementation plans preparation/review/implementation will be needed knowledge/skill for this assignment.

Languages

Fluency in written, oral skills in English is required. Additional language proficiency will be an added asset.

Additional Information

Output 1: Checklist of key elements, thematic and cross-cutting issues that should be a part of the updated NBSAPs.
Deliverable: Checklist developed - 15/06/2023

Output 2: Guide on undertaking rapid assessment of existing National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), including undertaking gap analyses of NBSAPs with new targets.
Deliverable: Completed Guide - 15/06/2023

Output 3: Prepare briefs on UN agencies contributions to implementing the GBF.
Deliverable: Briefs prepared - 15/07/2023

Output 4: Guidance document on how to ensure whole of society approach in implementing the new NBSAPs and GBF.
Deliverable: Completed guidance document submitted - 31/08/2023

Output 5: Checklist of key policies related to elements of GBF, and options for policy coherence.
Deliverable: Completed checklist and options document - 15/07/2023

Output 6: Organization of 4 webinars.
Deliverable: Presentations and webinar reports from the 4 webinars - 30/09/2023

Output 7: Action briefs and related outreach material.
Deliverable: Completed briefs, presentations related to the activities mentioned in items 1-5 above - 31/10/2023

Output 8: Preparation of final report.
Deliverable: Final report with relevant annexures - 15/11/2023

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.