Ecosystem Technical Specialist at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Duties and Responsibilities

• Under the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer, within the Biodiversity, People and Landscapes Unit, the individual contractor will support UNEP’s effective and efficient engagement the finalization of the SAMPeat project document, the planning, coordination, and delivery of key meetings and events related to the GPI Phase II project including direct support and engagement with Peru and Colombia.
• Responsibilities will include: Support the update and validation of the UNEP components of the SAMPeat project, including through desk research, engagement with consortium.
• Tasks will include: Coordinating and accompanying the consortium partners for meetings including field visits. b. Engaging with government institutions, stakeholders and GPI partners to refine UNEP’s workpackage(s) in the SAMPeat full project proposal, in line with our comparative advantage and role as lead of the Global Peatlands Initiative.
• Support the preparations and delivery of the GPI Partners Meeting and field visit with the Peru Government and in collaboration with GPI partners (e.g., speaker invitations, finalization and translation of agendas, meeting documents, summaries).
• Tasks will include: Stakeholder and Partner Collaboration: Coordinate with Peruvian government agencies (e.g., MINAM, SERNANP, IIAP), Colombian government representatives and international partners for the successful delivery of the GPI Partners Meeting and related events.
• Participant Engagement and Accessibility: Ensure high attendance of relevant participants through leveraging UNEP and partner networks. Ensure accessibility and smooth participation for attendees from diverse sectors and countries, with consideration of gender aspects and geographical balance.
• Manage all aspects of speaker engagement, including preparation, logistics, briefing materials, and post-event follow-up. Develop moderator guides and session scripts to ensure coherent and impactful delivery.
• Content Development and Outreach: Produce outreach materials and support the design of event agendas, including thematic sessions. Collaborate with the GPI Coordinator to develop a curtain raiser for UNEP, which may include opening and closing remarks, moderation guides for panel discussions sessions, talking points for UNEP officials and GPI partners. e
• Support positioning of UNEP speakers in media engagements, press conferences, and strategic platforms.
• Support the organization and delivery of other key events, including the Peatland Breakthrough launch event, and the Venice Agreement annual meeting.
• Support the development of project concepts for funding for Peru and Colombia and with initial emphasis in South American Mountain and Patagonia Peatland project countries.

Qualifications/special skills

• Qualifications: An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in biology, ecology or a closely related field is required. A first-level university degree, combined with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. Work experience (requirements and desirables):
• Minimum of 5 years of professional work experience at the international level on environmental topics related to peatlands ecosystems and/or nature-based solutions is required.
•  Experience in planning large national or international meetings and events, including substance and logistics, is required.
• Experience in technical science writing for meeting and outreach materials, including presentations, briefing notes, substantive background documents and other information products is required.
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Word, Power Point, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision and with tight deadlines is required.