Marine Ecosystem Management at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under the general supervision of the Head of the Secretariat of the Nairobi Convention, and direct supervision of the project manager, the consultant will undertake the following tasks related to enhancing the ecosystem-based management of the resources of the WIO Large Marine Ecosystems, improved ocean governance in the WIO, improved ecosystem monitoring, capacity enhancement on marine spatial planning and enhanced regional and national responses to oil spills.
• Review demonstration project proposals from countries and partners participating in the SAPPHIRE project and draft legal instruments (small-scale funding agreements/Project Cooperation Agreements) for review by programme coordinator.
• Organize the technical components and write a report on a regional meeting linking WIO Ocean Governance approaches to the African Ocean Governance Strategy.
• Work with the SAPPHIRE project management unit, Focal Points in the organization and reporting of the 2024 SAPPHIRE Project Steering Committee meetings.
• In collaboration with the SAPPHIRE Project management unit and the Nairobi Convention Secretariat, organize at least two meetings towards the 11th Nairobi Convention Conference of parties (COP11).
• Organize the technical components and write a report on a regional ABNJ meeting linking MSP as a planning tool.
• Travel to the field to monitor progress in the implementation of demonstration projects and prepare reports as required.
• Work with countries and partners to promote sharing of experiences, lessons learned and best practices from the demonstration projects.
• Work with focal points and partners in updating/development of National Oil Spill Contingency Plans and sensitivity maps in at least two project countries (as required).
• Organize the technical components and write a report on a regional meeting on the adoption and implementation of regional Ecosystem Monitoring indicators and framework.
• Organize the technical components and write a report on leadership training in the WIO region.
• Organize the technical components and write a report on training of water quality management authorities on implementation of water quality framework at a national level.
• Organize the technical components and write a report on training of national data center staff on ecosystem monitoring as per the regional Ecosystem Monitoring Framework.

Qualifications/special skills

• Advanced university degree (a Master's degree or equivalent) is required in Marine Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources Management or similar disciplines. 
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience is required, working on regional marine and coastal-related projects at a technical level.
• Experience in development/review of proposals for small-scale interventions in coastal ecosystems conservation, natural resources management (ecosystem management, climate change, community engagement, water resource management etc.) is desirable.
• Experience working with different stakeholders at both strategic and technical levels is desirable. 
• Working knowledge of the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region and experience of working with the Governments of the WIO region is required.
• Experience in working in a multidisciplinary environment and demonstrated broad understanding of developmental matters in the WIO region is required.
• Demonstrated competency in excellent scientific/technical writing and consistency in critical writing and review of documents is desirable. 
• Ability to work within very short timelines and with minimum supervision with be an added advantage.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required.