Regional Biodiversity Specialist Consultant

The consultant will facilitate the effective implementation of UNEP's Nature Action Subprogramme in Latin America and the Caribbean through technical coordination, stakeholder engagement, partnership development, knowledge management, intergovernmental support, programme development and resource mobilization. Expected results include strengthened regional collaboration on biodiversity and ecosystem management, enhanced implementation of biodiversity-related regional and global commitments, effective technical advice to the Forum of Ministers of Environment and its relevant working groups, implementation of the Regional Action Plan on Ecosystem Restoration, improved coordination of nature-related activities across UNEP divisions, and the development of project concepts and partnerships that contribute to the delivery of UNEP's Programme of Work in the region. Specific tasks and responsibilities 1. Serve as technical focal point/advisor for the Nature Action Subprogramme for the Latin America and the Caribbean Office. • Serve as regional technical focal point for biodiversity- and ecosystem-related matters under UNEP's Nature Action Subprogramme in Latin America and the Caribbean. • Contribute to the implementation of the UNEP Nature Action Subprogramme in Latin America and the Caribbean, including the Regional Action Plan on Ecosystem Restoration. • Participate in the planning, programming and implementation activities of the regional office. • Provide technical advice to the appointed Regional Nature Action Subprogramme Coordinator for nature-related activities led by UNEP's technical divisions. • Contribute to the programme development, implementation and resource mobilization efforts for the Nature Action Subprogramme in the region. • Contribute to the co-creation and development of concept notes and project proposals related to the implementation of UNEP's Programme of Work under the Nature Action Subprogramme. • Contribute to the collection, curation and reporting of information related to UNEP's nature-related activities in the region. • Contribute to political, technical and policy analyses related to biodiversity and ecosystem management undertaken by the regional office. • In close collaboration with subregional and country offices, support the identification of biodiversity-related needs, priorities and opportunities among Member States in the region. • Establish, strengthen and maintain partnerships with UN agencies, biodiversity-related MEA Secretariats, governments, academic institutions, technical centres, civil society organizations and other relevant stakeholders. • Maintain regular communication and collaboration with UN agencies and biodiversity-related MEA Secretariats to support coordinated implementation of activities in the region, taking into consideration regional priorities and opportunities for collaboration. • Participate in and, where appropriate, lead field missions, including providing guidance to consultants, government officials and other stakeholders, and preparing mission reports and summaries. • Contribute substantively to consultative processes, meetings, conferences and workshops by proposing agenda items, identifying participants, preparing background documents and presentations, and supporting follow-up actions. • Undertake outreach activities, organize and deliver training workshops and seminars, and make presentations on assigned topics. • Contribute to the administrative and operational processes related to programme delivery. 2. Collaborate with the Forum of Ministers of Environment of Latin America and the Caribbean (the Forum) • Facilitate the implementation of biodiversity-related decisions of the Forum, including the Regional Action Plan for Ecosystem Restoration. • Provide technical advice to the appointed Regional Nature Action Subprogramme Coordinator in coordinating and facilitating meetings and activities of the Biodiversity Working Group, the Restoration and Resilience Task Force and the Amazon Task Force on Ecosystem Restoration. • Provide technical guidance and coordination support for the implementation of activities of these groups, with particular emphasis on ecosystem restoration, bioeconomy, biodiversity finance and related themes. • Contribute to the substantive and logistical preparation of activities of the Forum of Ministers, including Ministerial Meetings, Meetings of High-Level Officials and other related events. • Prepare technical briefs, background documents, presentations and meeting reports to support the work of the Forum and its associated mechanisms. • Facilitate coordination and communication among Member States, partners and stakeholders involved in the implementation of Forum decisions related to biodiversity and ecosystem restoration.

Home-based

12-months

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system's designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. 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. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, Panama, works closely with the 33 countries of the region and its activities are integrated into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO) support the implementation of global programs in the regions by initiating, coordinating and catalyzing regional and sub-regional cooperation and action in response to environmental problems and emergencies. The consultant will provide technical expertise to UNEP´s activities in Latin America and the Caribbean to help deliver the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). As such, the incumbent will help engage and promote collaboration across a wide range of actors, including government, UN system, private sector and academia, in the context of UNEP’s activities related to the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of biodiversity in the region. The role includes working with subregional offices and country offices in the identification of biodiversity-related needs, priorities and opportunities in LAC; supporting the Ecosystems Division (and other divisions as relevant) in the implementation of UNEP's projects and initiatives in the region; promoting and facilitating the activities of Nature Action Subprogramme related working groups of the Forum of Ministers of Environment of LAC; supporting the implementation of the Regional Action Plan on Ecosystem Restoration; participating and contributing to the cocreation of nature-related project concepts and proposals; and participating and contributing in other activities of the LAC Office as needed. The consultant will serve as regional technical focal point for biodiversity and ecosystems under the Nature Action Subprogramme, supporting programme development and implementation, stakeholder engagement, intergovernmental coordination, knowledge management, resource mobilization, and the integration of biodiversity and ecosystem considerations across UNEP's work in the region. The incumbent will be supervised by the appointed Regional Nature Action Subprogramme Coordinator. The consultant will be home-based, and will be expected to comply with dedication of 40 hours per week, from Monday to Friday.

Academic Requirements: • A bachelor's degree in biodiversity, environmental sciences, sustainable development, management, international relations, or a related field is required. • A Master’s degree in biodiversity, environmental sciences, sustainable development, management, international relations, or a related field is desired. Professional experience: • A minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in environmental affairs is required. • Experience in the development, implementation or coordination of initiatives related to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, sustainable use of natural resources, or related areas is required. • Experience in the United Nations system or other international organization is desirable. • Experience in stakeholder engagement, partnership-building and intergovernmental processes is desirable.

Language: • Fluency in English is required. • Fluency in Spanish is required. • Knowledge of Portuguese is desirable. Competencies • PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks in the field of environment and development. Ability to generate and communicate broad and compelling organizational direction. Ability to communicate clearly links between the Organization's strategy and the work unit's goals. Demonstrated ability to provide innovative technical leadership by performing and/or overseeing the planning, development, and management of operation. Demonstrated ability to negotiate and apply good judgment. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. • PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently. • CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients" and seeks to see things from clients' point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Not available.