Consultant - Biodiversity

Result of Service

I. The monitoring and reporting framework of the Common Approach to Biodiversity has been formally adopted.
II. Knowledge and information are shared within the UN system to create opportunities for collective action and joint delivery in support of the implementation of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework

Work Location

Homebased

Expected duration

5 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Management Group (UNEMG) was established in 1999 by the UN General Assembly as a UN system-wide coordination body on the environment. Its main goal is to integrate the environmental dimension of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development into the policies, plans and strategies of United Nations entities. As one of its activities, the EMG works to strengthen the biodiversity agenda in the UN system.

In September 2019, with a mandate from the Open-ended Working Group (WG2020) on the post-2020 global biodiversity framework, the EMG established an interagency Consultative Process on Biodiversity with representatives from 51 entities to provide coordinated inputs to the preparation of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework and its implementation. The work of the Consultative Process paved the way for the development of the Common approach to integrating biodiversity and nature-based solutions for sustainable development into the United Nations policy and programme planning and delivery (UN Common Approach to Biodiversity), which was launched in May 2021 and approved by the UN Chief Executives Board. Through the Common Approach, the UN system commits to mainstreaming biodiversity in its programming, catalysing collective actions to address the drivers of biodiversity loss and restoring biodiversity in view of achieving the 2050 Vision of ‘living in harmony with nature’.

As a multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral convener, the EMG has been mandated to coordinate and mobilize UN system-wide implementation of the Common Approach. The EMG Secretariat is seeking a consultant to support its activities related to the follow-up of the UN Common Approach to Biodiversity in the UN system.

Specific tasks and responsibilities
• Plan, organize and report from webinars for knowledge exchange on biodiversity and the GBF in the UN system
• Coordinate input to the inventory of knowledge products on biodiversity
• Provide substantive inputs to consultations on indicators and finalize the monitoring framework for the Common Approach to Biodiversity
• Compile data from identified sources for the establishment of baselines for reporting under the Common Approach to Biodiversity
• Prepare a baseline report for the Common Approach to Biodiversity
• Develop and coordinate an interagency review of an outline for the midterm report under the Common Approach to Biodiversity

Outputs
• Finalized monitoring framework for the Common Approach to Biodiversity;
• Baselines for the reporting on progress towards the Common Approach to Biodiversity;
• Baseline report;
• Outline of midterm report under the Common Approach to Biodiversity;
• Webinars for knowledge/information exchange on biodiversity and the GBF in the UN system;
• Updated inventory of knowledge products on biodiversity.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree in the area of sustainable development and environmental science including biodiversity. A first level university degree in combination with four additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. An additional degree in the field of communication would be an asset.

Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience in the field of environment and sustainable development. Demonstrate good knowledge and understanding of biodiversity and related reporting is required.

Work experience in UN reporting mechanisms and/or UN digital platforms (e.g. QCPR, UN INFO etc.) is desirable.

Experience in preparing analytical reports and concept notes; and organizing multi-stakeholder meetings is an advantage.

The candidate should demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research and analysis, excellent communications and organization skills, and competence in data analysis and reporting. The candidate should have the ability to deliver outputs and work under pressure to meet the deadlines mentioned in this Terms of Reference.

Languages

For the advertised post, fluency in oral and written English is an absolute requirement. Knowledge of French or any other UN language would be an additional advantage.

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.