Marine Ecosystem Management & Ocean Governance National Consultant at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Result of Service

• Report on a national validation workshop for Blue Economy study in Kenya.
• Progress report on development of new demonstration project proposals for funding under the SAPPHIRE project.
• Progress report on a training programme on the implementation of regional ecosystem monitoring indicators and framework.
• Report on leadership training in the WIO region.
• Progress report on updating National Oil Spill Contingency Plans (where necessary).
• Report on field visits to monitor progress in the implementation of demonstration projects as required.
• Progress report on development of sensitivity maps in the project countries (where necessary).
• Report on a regional meeting on oil spill response and coordination.
• Progress report on development at least two technical studies to support the Ocean Governance Strategy development process.
• Progress report on a training programme on implementation of Marine Spatial Planning strategic framework.

Expected duration

The contract will be for a 12-month (one year) period from the date of signing of contract

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 administers the Nairobi Convention for the Protection, Management and Development of Coastal and Marine Environment of the Western Indian Ocean. The Contracting Parties to the Convention are Comoros, France (Reunion), Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa and United Republic of Tanzania.

The Nairobi Convention, in executing the project on the “Western Indian Ocean Large Marine Ecosystems Strategic Action Programme Policy Harmonisation and Institutional Reforms (SAPPHIRE) requires a highly motivated national consultant, to work with the Project Coordinator on the technical management of the Project.

Objective of the Consultancy

To undertake various activities focusing on enhancing ecosystem-based management of the resources of the WIO Large Marine Ecosystems, improved ocean governance in the WIO, and enhanced regional and national responses to threats such as oil spills.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Under the general supervision of the Head of the Nairobi Convention Secretariat and the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator of the SAPPHIRE Project, the consultant will be responsible for the following:
• Organize the technical components and write a report on a national validation workshop for Blue Economy study in Kenya.
• Work with countries and partners in the development of new project proposals for additional funding under the SAPPHIRE project
• Organize the technical components and write a progress report on a training programme on the implementation of regional ecosystem monitoring indicators and framework.
• Organize the technical components and write a report on leadership training in the WIO region.
• Work with partners and national representatives in updating National Oil Spill Contingency Plans (where necessary).
• Travel to the field to monitor progress in the implementation of demonstration projects and prepare reports as required.
• Work with focal points and partners in development of sensitivity maps in the project countries (where necessary).
• Organize the technical components and write a report on a regional meeting on oil spill response and coordination.
• Work with partners on development of at least two technical studies to support the Ocean Governance Strategy development process.
• Organize the technical components and write a progress report on a training programme on implementation of Marine Spatial Planning strategic framework.

Qualifications/special skills

• Academic Qualifications: Advanced university degree (a Master's degree or equivalent) is required in Marine Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources Management or similar disciplines. A first level degree with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Experience: Experience : A minimum of 3 years of professional experience is required; experience working in a multidisciplinary environment and demonstrated broad understanding of developmental matters in the WIO region is required; working on regional marine and coastal-related projects at a technical level; development/review of proposals for small-scale interventions in coastal ecosystem conservation, natural resources management (ecosystem management, climate change, community engagement, water resource management etc.); working with different stakeholders at both strategic and technical levels is desirable. Demonstrated ability to produce quality products in a timely manner and working knowledge of the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region and experience of working with the Governments of the WIO region would be desirable. Demonstrated competency in excellent scientific/technical writing and consistency in critical writing and review of documents and ability to work within very short timelines and with minimum supervision will be an added advantage.
• Language: English and French are the official working languages of the United Nations. For this position fluency in both oral and written English is required. Knowledge in French is an added advantage.

Closing date 21 April 2022