Openings at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Responsibilities

•  Advises and assists the Director on technical and functional issues across the operational spectrum the impact the effectiveness of the division and agency.
•  Assists the Director in overseeing the programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Division, including preparation of budgets, financial management, reporting on budget/programme performance, evaluation of staff performance, interviews of candidates for job openings, evaluation of candidates and preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting.
•  Leads and supervises the organization of meetings, seminars, etc. on substantive issues.
•  Manages the substantive preparation and organization of such meetings or seminars.
•  Manages, guides, develops and trains staff under his/her supervision and also oversees corporate wide training activities.
•  Fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the Division and across organizational boundaries.
•  Supports the review and redesign of inter divisional processes that address simplification and efficiency whilst maintain essential internal control frameworks: Ensures that the outputs produced by the Division maintain high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data. Ensures that all outputs produced by the Sections under his/her supervision meet required standards before completion to ensure they comply with the relevant mandates.
•  Develops and reviews processes to support the preparation of the work programme of the Division, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery.
•  Plans, directs and coordinates the preparation of reports for presentation to intergovernmental bodies such as the Committee of Permanent Representatives, UN Environment Assembly and other UN headquarters bodies like the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budget Questions, Committee for Programme Coordination, Economic and Social Council, the General Assembly and other policy-making organs, as appropriate.
•  Engages with key stakeholders across the UN system to support relevant UN reform and strategic business alliances and initiatives.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: 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.

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.

ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of 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.

LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. 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.

MANAGING PERFORMANCE: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority. Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member. Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills. Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines. Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff. Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative. Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff. Appraises performance fairly.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, finance, accounting, social sciences, management is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Professional certification in any of the management disciplines is desirable.

Work Experience

• A minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in human resources management, administration, financial management, internal control frameworks or budget culminating in leadership roles is required.
• Experience in strategy setting and implementation is required.
• Demonstrated leadership in change management initiatives and senior engagement in organizational reform activities is required.
• Experience in resource mobilization and donor reporting in an international organization is desirable.
• Experience engaging at senior levels within the UN or other intergovernmental bodies is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of French or Spanish is desirable.

Deadline: April 26th 2022

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Responsibilities

PROJECT DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT:

•  Verify documents for overall budgetary accuracy, consistency and uniformity in presentation and ensure comprehensiveness and compliance with formats prescribed; Cross-check consistency of figures in tables with the text of the reports, and verify references to other reports and documents, suggest corrections to be made to the Fund Management Officer and Programme Manager concerned;
•  Co-ordinate with other finance and programme staff in preparing budgets with respect to project documents;
•  Liaise with Programme Management Team and UNON to obtain and review banking details forms, F.249 and required supporting information.
•  Coordinate input of data in the Integrated, Planning, Monitoring and Reporting Tool to facilitate Results Based Management Reporting

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION:

•  Prepare/review funding documents for budget allotments,
•  Review expenditure reports from executing agencies to ensure:
• correct expenditure coding block has been charged
• validity of charges
• availability of funds;
•  Prepare fund commitments in Umoja Extension 2, review and process cash advances, UNDP authorizations and fund transfers to EAs, ensuring that the advances are within the approved budget and approved by the FMO;
•  Initiate processing of cash advances and expenditures through UMOJA and follow up with UNON for remittances of funds and approval of recorded expenditure reports and liquidation of issued advances.
•  Assist FMO with regular review of UNDP IOVs to ensure that they have been properly recorded; - Review of UNOPS Expenditures and process payments and ensure recording of expenditure.
•  Notify payees on status of payments and investigate complaints of non-receipt.
•  Monitor expenditures to ensure they remain within authorized levels; prepares adjustments as necessary
•  Analyse variances between approved budgets and expenditures and prepare requests for adjustments as necessary;
•  Reviews requisitions for goods and services to ensure (a) correct objects of expenditure have been charged,and (b) availability of funds.
•  Monitors integrity of various financial databases.
•  Assist in preparation of annual project revisions and supporting schedules;
•  Reconcile project accounts against independent audit certificates received from executing agencies.
•  Review/prepare project structure and commitments in Umoja;
•  Conduct project management training on use of various project reporting templates during the inception workshop.

PROJECT EVALUATION AND CLOSURE:

•  Update project database with relevant project information on revision/closure of projects;
•  Provide financial information required in Project Implementation Review (PIR), Mid-term review/evaluation and Terminal Evaluation;
•  Assist in the preparation of project completion and closing revision and supporting schedules.
•  Process disposal of non-expendable equipment in accordance with UNEP procedures before closure of projects.
•  Prepare request for refund of unspent balances for approval by Fund Management Officer; Track receipt of expected income through Treasury deposit report and ensures credit is posted correctly to the proper Trust Fund.

GENERAL

•  Provide general administrative support to Fund Management Programme Management Officers and other team members;
•  Drafts or prepares correspondence to respond to enquiries in respect to relevant financial and budget matters
•  Provide guidance and training to colleagues and supervise other General Service staff as required;
•  Archive documentation as required, Keep log of archived files and track of archived information.
•  Track and follow-up on administrative processes in progress; Maintain and keep up-to-date project files.
•  Perform any other related duties as may be assigned.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of, and ability to apply financial rules, regulations and procedures in the UN environment. Knowledge, skills and ability to extract, interpret, analyse and format data across the full range of finance and budget functions, including programme development and database management, claims and treasury operations. Ability to identify and resolve data discrepancies and operational problems. 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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.

COMMUNCIATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education

• Completion of High school diploma or equivalent. Finance related training would be an advantage.
• Passing the Global General Service Test (GGST) is a prerequisite for recruitment consideration in the General Services and related categories in the United Nations Secretariat. Successful passing of the Administrative Support Assessment Test (ASAT) in English at the United Nations Headquarters (UNHQ), Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) or International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) may be accepted in lieu of the GGST.
• The GGST is administered to applicants when required before the administration of a written assessment and/or interview.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in finance, budget, accounting, administrative services or related area is required.
• Experience with SAP or similar Enterprise Resource Planning system (ERP) is required.
• Experience with Global funds such as GEF, AF and GCF is required.
• Experience with an international organization is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Deadline: 19 May 2022

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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 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. UNEP's Communications Division communicates UNEP's core messages to all stakeholders and partners, raising environmental awareness and enhancing the profile of UNEP worldwide.

This position is located in the Public Advocacy and Outreach Unit in the Communications Division.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Public Advocacy and Communication Section, the Division intends to recruit an Advocacy Lead dedicated to one of the strategic thematic sub-programmes of the new Medium-Term Strategy, namely, Climate Action.

The consultant will:

• Develop operational plan covering second half of 2022 based on mapping and calendar of communications and advocacy activities.
• Extend reach and scope of Media for Climate Action campaign by bring onboard and engaging partners, in partnership with blue life.
• Execute and manage partnership with DGC for joint campaigning under the Act Now campaign for 'Speak Up' Call to Action.
• In close coordination with account managers, develop launch and marketing plans for relevant flagship publications.
• Produce a quarterly data-rich summary of communication activities

Qualifications/special skills

• Academic Qualifications: University degree in journalism, communication, international relations, social sciences, or other related field, or a first university degree with an additional two years of qualifying experience is required.
• Experience: Minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in public information, communication, programme management or related field is required.
• Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in written and spoken English is required; knowledge of another official UN language is desirable.

Deadline: 28 April 2022

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Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations systems 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. This consultancy is located at Headquarters in the Evaluation Office which reports directly to the Executive Director. The consultant reports to the Evaluation Officer managing the evaluation and the Director of the Evaluation Office.

The Evaluation

In line with the UNEP Evaluation Policy and the UNEP Programme Manual, the Terminal Evaluation is undertaken at operational completion of the project to assess project performance (in terms of relevance, effectiveness and efficiency), and determine outcomes and impacts (actual and potential) stemming from the project, including their sustainability. The Evaluation has two primary purposes: (i) to provide evidence of results to meet accountability requirements, and (ii) to promote operational improvement, learning and knowledge sharing through results and lessons learned among UNEP, GEF and the main project partners. Therefore, the Evaluation will identify lessons of operational relevance for future project formulation and implementation, especially where a second phase of the project is being considered. Recommendations relevant to the whole house may also be identified during the evaluation process.

Countries targeted in the Sustainable Land Management (SLM) Portfolio include Serbia, Albania, Bangladesh, Madagascar, Kenya and Cuba. This consultancy will evaluate SLM project in Madagascar.

The Project - GEF 5354

The project's objective was 'to reverse land degradation and improve living conditions in the Bongolava Region of Western Madagascar through participatory sustainable management of the grasslands'. The project design incorporates deep community engagement and participation, being embedded in strengthened local institutions.

The Evaluation Consultant

For this Evaluation, the Evaluation Team will consist of an Evaluation Consultant who will work under the overall responsibility of the Evaluation Office represented by an Evaluation Manager, in consultation with UNEP/GEF Task Manager, Fund Management Officer and Coordinator of Health and Productive Ecosystems Sub-programme.

Specific Responsibilities

In close consultation with the Evaluation Manager, the Evaluation Consultant will be responsible for the overall management of the evaluation and timely delivery of its outputs, data collection and analysis and report-writing. More specifically the following process will be applied: Inception phase of the evaluation, including:

•  conduct a preliminary desk review and introductory interviews with project staff;
•  draft the reconstructed Theory of Change of the project;
•  prepare the evaluation framework;
•  develop the desk review and interview protocols;
•  draft the survey protocols (if relevant);
•  Develop and present criteria for country and site selection for the evaluation mission;
•  plan the evaluation schedule;
•  prepare the inception report, incorporating comments received from the Evaluation Office.

Data collection and analysis phase of the evaluation, including:

•  conduct further desk review and in-depth interviews with project implementing and executing agencies, project partners and project stakeholders;
•  (where appropriate and agreed) conduct an evaluation mission, visit the project locations, interview project partners and stakeholders, including a good representation of local communities.
•  Ensure independence of the evaluation and confidentiality of evaluation interviews.
•  keep the Task Manager/Project Manager informed of the evaluation progress and engage the Task Manager/Project Manager in discussions on evaluation findings throughout the evaluation process; and
•  regularly report back to the Evaluation Office on progress and inform of any possible problems or issues encountered.

Reporting phase, including:

•  draft the Main Evaluation Report, ensuring that the evaluation report is complete, coherent and consistent with the Evaluation Manager guidelines both in substance and style;
•  liaise with the Evaluation Manager on comments received and finalize the Main Evaluation Report, ensuring that comments are taken into account until approved by the Evaluation Manager
•  prepare a Response to Comments annex for the main report, listing those comments not accepted by the evaluation consultant and indicating the reason for the rejection; and
•  (where agreed with the Evaluation Manager) prepare an Evaluation Brief (2-page summary of the evaluand and the key evaluation findings and lessons)

Managing relations, including:

•  maintain a positive relationship with evaluation stakeholders, ensuring that the evaluation process is as participatory as possible but at the same time maintains its independence;
•  communicate in a timely manner with the Evaluation Office on any issues requiring its attention and intervention.
• The evaluation consultant shall have had no prior involvement in the formulation or implementation of the project and will be independent from the participating institutions. The consultant will sign the Evaluation Consultant Code of Conduct Agreement Form.
• The evaluation consultant will be selected and recruited by the UNEP Evaluation Office through an individual consultancy contract.
• Comprehensive terms of reference will be shared with consultant separately.

Qualifications/special skills

• Academic Qualifications: A university degree in environmental sciences, international development or other relevant political or social sciences area is required. An advanced degree is desirable
• Experience: A minimum of 8 years of technical / evaluation experience is required, preferably including evaluating large, regional or global research programmes and using a Theory of Change approach; and a good/broad understanding of Sustainable Land Management is desired.
• Working knowledge of development oriented organizations is an added advantage.
• Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this consultancy, fluency in oral and written English and French is a requirement.

Deadline: 30 April 2022

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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." 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. UNEP'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. This consultancy post is located in UNEP / Ecosystems Division / GEF Biodiversity and Land Degradation unit and reports to the GEF Task Manager. The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Task Manager and the overall guidance of the Portfolio Manager of the GEF Biodiversity and Land Degradation Unit based in Nairobi.

In the Pacific region, 87% of recorded introduced species are plants, 10% animals and 3% other taxa. Terrestrial ecosystems are the most invaded followed by freshwater and marine. However, there is a lack of information about introduced and invasive species in marine ecosystems. Invasive plants have had a profound impact on forest structure and composition, causing reductions in native plant diversity, changes in soil fertility, altered nutrient cycling and increased erosion. At least 30 invasive plants are considered to have become serious threats to native habitats on Pacific islands. Invasive animals such as pigs, cattle and goats degrade forests by eating or damaging tree seedlings; invasive mammals such as rats, cats, mongooses and dogs have greatly reduced the number of native bird species; invasive birds can spread invasive plants in their droppings and outcompete native bird species; invasive ants have significantly reduced populations of crabs, snails and aquatic and semi-aquatic invertebrates; and invasive land snails have decimated native snail species. In the marine environment, Invasive Alien Species (IAS) have been known to impact native species through predation and competition for food and habitat and to impact ecosystem functioning through altering natural cycles and habitats. The threats to biodiversity from marine IAS, both deliberate and accidental introductions (e.g. in contaminated ballast water or as encrusting organisms on ships), are an increasingly serious, but very poorly understood, threat throughout the region. The four countries included in this project (Tonga, Niue, Republic of Marshall Islands and Tuvalu) are all parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Other SIDSs in the Pacific region who have ratified the CBD (all) will also benefit. As such these small island states recognize that there is an urgent need to address the impact of IAS and this is consistent with Article 8(h) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) which states that, "Each contracting Party shall, as far as possible and as appropriate, prevent the introduction of, control or eradicate those alien species which threaten ecosystems, habitats or species". Since the early 1990's on becoming parties to the CBD these small island states have undertaken various initiatives to satisfy their commitment under the CBD in general and article 8(h) in particular. However, the vulnerabilities to IAS due to their relatively large border to land mass; difficult topography; large numbers of tourist arrivals; relatively high volume of trade; insufficient technical capacity and poor coordination among stakeholders made it imperative that these SIDS collaborate to tackle the issue of IAS in a manner that will build capacity, create greater awareness while eradicating, controlling and managing IAS that are affecting native biodiversity currently and lead to sustainable actions for preventing further negative impacts from IAS. In the project countries, the management of IAS is not yet adequately addressed in terms of policy/legislation, professional capacity and active management. Thus, the impacts that IAS currently present and threats of future IAS introductions/incursions remain very high and is increasing as a result of poor biosecurity (national borders and internal) including pressure from globalization and habitat disturbance such as for agriculture. In its analysis of the threats to biodiversity in the Polynesia-Micronesia Hotspot Ecosystem Profile, IAS and habitat loss (in that order) were identified as the two most serious threats. In addition to being implicated in the extinction of many native plants and animals (e.g. land mammals, birds, amphibians, snails, plants), IAS have also degraded native ecosystems and ecological communities, and caused a reduction in key ecosystem functions such as water provision (by obstructing waterways) and fisheries production (by degrading habitat, predating on native species, etc.). IAS also impact agricultural production, tourism, trade and transportation, and other productive sectors. Because most island countries are highly dependent on natural resources production, introduced pests and weeds can seriously impact the agricultural and forestry sectors, and create regional or international trade barriers, leading to poverty and reduced priority given to conservation in national policies. IAS have also been known to endanger human health and decrease labour productivity (through allergies and poisonings and the transmission of pathogens). The National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plans (NISSAP's) for Niue, Tonga and Republic of Marshall Islands detail the priority actions necessary to mitigate the impacts of IAS (Tuvalu's NISSAP is in draft form). The NISSAP's will guide most of the work Programme for this project and hence operationalize them.

The GEE-Biodiversity and Land Degradation unit is seeking to recruit a consultant to conduct the Mid Term Review of the project to assess the achievements of the project to date, the challenges faced and engage with project counterparts to overcome the issues.

Specifically, the consultant will be required to complete the following tasks: Inception phase:

•  preliminary desk review and introductory interviews with project staff;
•  prepare the review framework in line with UNEP's evaluation guidelines;
•  identify stakeholders;
•  develop the interview/questions matrix;
•  plan the review schedule;
•  prepare the Inception Report;

Data collection and analysis phase of the review, including:

•  conduct further desk review and in-depth interviews with project implementing and executing agencies, project partners and project stakeholders;
•  regularly report back to the Task Manager on progress and inform of any possible problems or issues encountered and;

Reporting phase, including:

•  draft the Review Report, ensuring that the review report is complete, coherent and consistent with the Task Manager guidelines both in substance and style;
•  liaise with the Task Manager on comments received and finalize the Review Report, ensuring that comments are taken into account until approved by the Task Manager
•  prepare a Response to Comments annex for the main report, listing those comments not accepted indicating the reason for the rejection; and

Managing relations, including:

•  maintain a positive relationship with stakeholders, ensuring that the review process is as participatory as possible but at the same time maintains its independence;
•  communicate in a timely manner with the Task Manager on any issues requiring its attention and intervention.

The consultant will prepare the following documents, in consultation and collaboration with the Project team: 1. Inception Report: containing an assessment of project, project stakeholder analysis, review framework and a tentative review schedule.

• Preliminary Findings Note: typically, in the form of a PowerPoint presentation, the sharing of preliminary findings is intended to support the participation of the project team, act as a means to ensure all information sources have been accessed and provide an opportunity to verify emerging findings.
• Draft and Final Review Report: containing an executive summary that can act as a stand-alone document; detailed analysis of the review findings organized by review criteria and supported with evidence; lessons learned and recommendations and an annotated ratings table.
• The consultancy will be home-based.

Qualifications/special skills

Academic Qualifications: -

• An advanced university degree in environmental sciences, marine science, international development or other relevant political or social sciences area is required.
•  A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) years' experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree
• Experience: - A minimum of 10 years of technical / evaluation experience, including of evaluating large, global programmes, including overseeing project teams, managing complex budgets, interacting with oversight personnel or committees, and demonstrating adaptive management when necessary is required.
•  Hands-on experience in managing national and international natural resources projects, in particular, concerning biodiversity, natural resources management, protected area management, environmental information

management, capacity building etc. is highly desirable.

•  Knowledge of the UN system, specifically of the work of UNEP is desirable.
•  Experience in the project target area Palau or Pacific countries is an asset.
• Language: - English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English with strong writing and editing skills is required.

Deadline: 23rd April 2022

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Duties and Responsibilities

• The consultant will be under the general supervision of the Head of the Secretariat for the Nairobi Convention and direct supervision of the Project Manager- ACP MEAs 3 Programme at the Nairobi Convention secretariat. The consultant will undertake the following activities: 1. Desk literature review from the latest scientific reports on emerging issues and trends on transboundary conservation areas (TBCA) in the Western Indian Ocean - on biophysical, socio-economic, institutional, and legal aspects of each TBCA, including stakeholder engagements, partnerships, and emerging best practises. These recent reports include, among others, the Western Indian Ocean Marine Protected Areas Outlook, Critical Habitats Outlook, Sharks and Rays Review Report, other successful transboundary conservation initiative, alongside enhanced ecological benefits, socio-economic resilience and strengthened political relations, guided by ongoing policy and political processes including CITES, CMS, BRS Conventions and ongoing discussions on protected areas, Sustainable Development Goals, CBD post 2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, the Paris Agreement, African Union Agenda 2063, and all relevant stakeholders active in a proposed TBCA (Governments, non-state actors, and private sector). Where possible, conduct virtual consultation with relevant stakeholders.
• Elaborate, in particular, the justification for the proposed TBCAs between neighbouring countries including the value for conservation, protection, connectivity and applicable co-management, benefits for transboundary cooperation, interest, appropriateness, and relevance of the envisaged TBCA outcome, risks, and challenges.
• Detail emerging risks associated with the TBCAs such as transboundary interactions and relations, biodiversity loss (changes in sea use, species overexploitation, invasive species, pollution, climate change), human environmental damage, and extreme weather. Others may include erosion of social cohesion, livelihoods crisis, and maritime security.
• Using a standard template, develop a high-quality funding project proposal: a. Identify with the implementation of the two Strategic Action Programmes of the Western Indian Ocean.
• Detailing the geographical distribution, historical background, key natural resource issues, specific geographic opportunities for transboundary collaboration, role and the partners involved in the given TBCA and identify new and emerging environmental issues as well as ongoing global and regional discussions that should be taken into account in the literature review.
• Update on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for transboundary cooperation in the proposed TBCA and propose other fronts and issues that may be considered in order for the TBCA to be ecological connected, and to be a modern, practically managed seascape.
• Propose the piloting for eventual establishment of at least one TBCA and the strengthening of at least two other TBCAs and their associated locally managed marine areas.
• In the Theory of Change address the pressures, systemic drivers and stressors on the health of marine and coastal ecosystems in the Western Indian Ocean and in the proposed TBCAs; identify barriers, opportunities, and solutions for an integrated framework of action at transboundary and national level.
• align the efforts on establishment of TBCAs to respond to systemic and transformational change and the urgency to respond to global and national ambitions to address the drivers of change, such as to sustainably manage 100% of the ocean area under national jurisdiction by 2025, the high ambition coalition to bring 30% of oceans under protection by 2030, the ambitions of Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (towards reaching 2050 vision), and the ambition to halt nature loss and ensure that the world is nature-positive by 2030 and carbon neutral by 2050.
• Provide specific strategies to foster transboundary collaboration with other parties and partners to establish an effectively managed TBCA. Explain how the strategies will be achieved, for example, by country driven priorities as included in as included in nationally determined contribution, national biodiversity strategic action plans, and national adaptation plans; mainstream integrated programming by holding joint meetings, developing coordinated management plans, or adjusting management practices, aligning management objectives, cooperating on various management activities such as monitoring and control, and other work plans, and/or forming joint management committees, fostering staff exchanges and knowledge, learning, and experience sharing, coordinated financial planning complemented country-level investments with transboundary action and impact.
• Address efforts to end traditional silo thinking and to address the interrelated and interdependent challenges of marine biodiversity loss in the TBCAs, and associated ocean degradation, pollution, and climate change in an integrated and coherent way in the Theory of Change.
• Propose core ecological and social indicators and targets (medium and long term) leading to the establishment of the TBCA and incorporation of other effective conservation measures (OECM) and expand on policy coherence of TBCA establishment and co-management.
• Propose impactful outcomes leading to healthy and resilient Western Indian Ocean such as Post-COVID19 strategies by state and non-state actors to scale-up blue recovery actions in priority TBCAs and other seascapes, incentives and improved policy options promote innovations and behavior change for sustainability and resilience in transboundary ecosystems, and nature-based solutions and ecosystem services that underpin transformation of TBCAs
• Undertake key stakeholder mapping from each transboundary country who should be involved in the national and transboundary assessments; broaden the set of stakeholders to include those relevant agencies, local community members, and others who would be directly affected by the proposed TBCA.
• Incorporate a gender assessment and mobilization strategy of stakeholders, private sector, including engagement of non-traditional partners as key to co-management of TBCAs.
• Detail the diversity of private sector actors in the TBCAs, how to unlock private sector investment and in-country resources, to include parallel financing, co-financing, and development of multi-stakeholder platforms for technical assistance, capacity development, knowledge and information sharing.
• Detail the legal and governance framework which stipulates why the transboundary conservation area is being created, how it shall be constituted, governed, and financed, as well as who is responsible for what activities within the TBCA, and any other mainstreaming pathways, cooperation, and learning for local, national, and regional upscaling
• Provide technical support, as may be required, to address any reviews of the project proposal.

Qualifications/special skills

• Academic Qualifications: Academic Qualifications: An advanced university degree (Masters or PhD.) is required in ecology, natural resources management, environmental sciences, or ocean governance.A first level degree with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Experience: Minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience is required in natural resources management, including marine and coastal resources.
• Proven track record of engaging with national, regional and/or inter - governmental and non-governmental organisations and science - policy dialogues and extensive international publication record in the fields of natural resources management, ocean governance, coastal and marine resources and climate change policies is desired.
• Proven track record of research on natural resources management, coastal and marine areas in the Western Indian Ocean region.
• Excellent drafting skills is also desired.
• Language: 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.

Deadline: 1st May 2022