Wildlife Consultant at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) 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. UN Environment’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. UN Environment’s Ecosystems Division engages with governments and other partners to develop and promote ecosystem-based solutions for sustainable development. This position is with the Great Apes Survival Partnership (GRASP) in the Biodiversity, People and Landscapes Unit of the Ecosystems Division. This consultancy is required to support the implementation of the Vanishing Treasures Project and of the GEF regional child project in the Congo Basin.

Under the Vanishing Treasures project, support transboundary collaboration in the Virungas by:

• tracking implementation of project activities and liaising with partners in the field
• Compile project reporting by the deadline
• Liaise with finance and admin staff to ensure disbursements are done as per project workplan

Advancing UNEP’s work in the Congo Basin

• Supporting overall coordination of UNEP’s integrated approach in the Congo Basin
• Facilitate smooth inception phase of the GEF and IKI projects in the Congo Basin, by organizing key stakeholder meetings, liaising with implementing partners and supporting the setting up of the project core team.

Support to the GRASP Secretariat

• Identify opportunities for fundraising
• Develop grant proposals
• Development of GRASP project document under the supervision of the GRASP Coordinator
• Liaise with finance staff to ensure funding allocations are implemented and release of funds is smooth

Contribute to the overall function of the Biodiversity, Landscapes and Peoples Unit

• Provide inputs to divisional reports and newsletter
• Provide support for effective policy exchange and to political dialogues on wildlife
• Explore ways of developing new streams of funding into conservation to make wildlife a
• competitive and legitimate land use option (such as wildlife credit schemes)

Qualifications/special skills

Competencies

• Professionalism. 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.
• Teamwork. Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organisational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Builds consensus for task purpose and direction with team members. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decisions, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
• 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 time line for delivery of product or services to client.
• Accountability. Takes ownership for all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
• Skills: Strong networking and communications skills, and experience engaging with multiple parties and stakeholders are an advantage.
• Academic Qualifications: An advanced university degree in environmental sciences, international development or other relevant political or social sciences area is required
• Experience: At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in wildlife management and biodiversity conservation is required. Programme/project management in the Virunga and Congo Basin is an advantage.
• Language: Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of French is an advantage.