Current Openings at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Under the technical supervision of the Programme Management Officer and the overall guidance of the Chief of the Marine and Ecosystem Unit, the Individual Contractor support the unit by undertaking the following tasks and responsibilities:

• Support the implementation of the UNEP Small Grants Programmes for marine and coastal ecosystems
• Liaise with implementing partners to request timely reporting, and review outputs and impacts of the projects
• Liaise with the donor partners to provide timely and complete reporting
• Organize learning opportunities between implementing partners, develop resource mobilization proposals for continued implementation and expansion of conservation and restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems, including the small grants programme
• Regularly analyze impacts, quality of deliverables, implementation rates and capacity of partners to deliver as part of the small grants programme
• Support Marine and Coastal Ecosystem Unit reporting to IPMR and other relevant platforms
• Collate and analyze inputs and data sets from across the unit
• Ensure timely submission of data sets and reports to IPMR and other periodic reporting requirements
• Ensure publication of the Marine and Coastal Ecosystems Unit flagship report on indigenous peoples and coral reefs
• Liaise with the UNEP publications board to ensure that the report complies with all requirements for publications 
• Collect and analyze data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.

Qualifications/special skills

• Academic Qualifications: Masters’ Degree or equivalent in project management, environment management, environment finance, environmental sciences, marine science, or related field is required. A first level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A minimum of two (2) years of relevant working experience in project or programme management in the context of marine ecosystem management and restoration; environmental management, marine, oceans or related fields is required.
• At least two (2) years of experience in the field at international level is required. Experience in project design, management, supervision, monitoring, and evaluation in the fields of marine ecosystem management and restoration, blue and/or green economy, in developing countries context is desirable. Experience working with different climate and environment funds such as GEF, GCF, GFCR, and other climate trust funds in a multicounty context is desirable.
• Work experience within UN or other international Organisations is desirable. Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics and reporting or related area is desirable.

go to method of application »

Specific tasks and responsibilities:

• Develop and implement the Unit’s annual knowledge management plans covering all of the Units Funds and facilities and ensure alignment with other knowledge management and communications priorities of the Unit and the organization;
• Research, drafting and publishing the bimonthly Global Adaptation Network (GAN) Newsletter and assist GAN’s Regional Network with communications and outreach for their major events, such as the APAN Forum;
• Develop and implement a communications strategy and action plan for the Global EbA Fund Fund, including key messages, target audiences, communications channels;
• Distilling lessons learned from UNEP’s adaptation projects into publications, such as lessons learned brochures.
• Manage a lessons learned database to capture key lessons from adaptation projects; 
• Actively monitor and report on the success of the above knowledge management efforts in reaching key target audiences and enhancing the relevance of the Unit as a source of insight and knowledge.

Qualifications/special skills

• A Masters Degree in communications, journalism, media relations, environmental science, climate change, or other related fields is required. A first-level university degree, combined with two additional years of relevant professional experience in the required field, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• At least 5 years working in communications, journalism, media and organisation of international knowledge events is required
• Proven ability to produce high-quality communications materials, including written, photo and video products is required
• Experience of working in climate change topics, especially climate adaptation and resilience is required
• Experience with developing and implementing communication plans and strategies for international organizations is required
• Experience working with a United Nations agency, including knowledge of UN communication policies and protocols is desired • Experience in managing and maintaining websites and web content is desired

go to method of application »

Specific tasks and responsibilities, to be undertaken in coordination with the programme team, include:

• Map existing and planned knowledge activities and materials of key partners (CBD Secretariat, NBSAP Accelerator Partnership, BIOFIN, National Monitoring Support Initiative) and identify opportunities and potential for collaboration under the GEF 8 NBSAP Update and 7th National Report project;
• In coordination with the Biodiversity Monitoring and Reporting Consultant and the Policy Coherence and Integration Consultants, review a sample of UNEP-supported countries’ outputs produced under the GEF 8 project (NBSAPs and 7th National Reports), including any related knowledge management strategies, and provide a summary analysis of approaches taken, key themes and knowledge and capacity needs;
• Prepare a needs assessment identifying country needs related to knowledge management (information and knowledge materials produced from UNEP, and internal knowledge management) drawing on information obtained through recent surveys and assessments carried out by UNEP and partners, and interviews with a sample of UNEP-supported country project leads from different regions;
• Identify and develop interventions, in coordination with Biodiversity Monitoring and Reporting Consultant and the Policy Coherence and Integration Consultants, to meet key knowledge management needs, to be carried out under the GEF 8 NBSAP Update and 7th National Report project over the next approximately one-year period, based on information obtained through the mapping of partner’s knowledge activities and materials and needs assessment;
• Determine how UNEP should track and assess use of existing and new knowledge materials and approaches produced and undertaken under the EAS and NBSAP/7NR projects and provide recommendations, and revise/develop tracking tools as needed;
• Prepare a final report summarizing actions undertaken, deliverables achieved, and lessons learnt during the period of consultancy.
• The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Head of the Nature Frameworks Support Unit, in coordination with the Programme Management Officers working on the EAS and NBSAP Update and 7th National Reports projects. The consultancy will build on existing monitoring and reporting activities and relevant ongoing efforts by UNEP, UNDP and CBD.

Qualifications/special skills

• An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in knowledge management, social or behavioural sciences, communications, international development or a related social science field with a combination of ten years of qualifying experience in the field is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
• A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in developing knowledge management strategies, approaches, interventions and mechanisms is required.
• Experience in review and analysis of national, regional and global knowledge management strategies, plans and implementation, including supporting monitoring and reporting-related activities, is required.

go to method of application »

Responsibilities

• Takes the lead to develop, implement and evaluate assigned programmes/projects, etc.; directs subordinates in programme/ project development, implementation, monitoring and assessment; directs review of relevant documents and reports; identifies priorities, problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and initiates follow-up actions.
• Ensures implementation of gender mainstreaming guidelines by assessing the implications for men and women of any planned action, including legislation, policies or programmes, in all areas and at all levels.
• Directs research and programme evaluation and presents information gathered from diverse sources.
• Coordinates policy development; reviews the assessments of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or research activities and studies.
• Undertakes survey initiatives; guides design of data collection instruments; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems /issues and prepares conclusions.
• Supervises preparation of various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analysis, substantial sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
• Directs substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
• Manages outreach activities; designs and conducts training workshops, seminars, etc., makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Leads field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.
• Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and ensures preparation of related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
• Serves as an effective spokesperson and establishes collaboration and partnerships with key officials at all levels inside and outside the organization.
• Ensures effective utilization, supervision and development of staff; Guides, evaluates and mentors staff.
• Leads team members efforts to collect and analyze data and provides insight to identify trends or patterns for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Ensures that everyone can discover, access, integrate and share the data they need.
• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• May perform other duties as required.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Masters degree or equivalent) in environment, ecosystem health, or a related field is required.
• A first level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the same fields in combination with two (2) additional years of relevant qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management in biodiversity or ecosystem health is required. Experience working in environmental dimensions of health, particularly biodiversity, climate and/or ecosystem aspects is required.
• At least five (5) years of experience working with governments and diverse stakeholders at international level is required.
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex and/or multidisciplinary teams is desirable. Experience in inter-agency secretariats and/or the management of multi-partner funds is desirable. Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

go to method of application »

Tasks:

• Assessment of Current Financial Situation: analyzing current funding sources, expenditures and financial management practices of the NMHS. Assess the effectiveness of existing resource mobilisation mechanisms
• Identification of Funding & Sustainability Gaps: identify any shortfalls in finance and non-finance factors, needed to maintain and improve NMHS, including infrastructure, equipment, personnel, services.
• Develop list of all equipment/ products/ services developed/supplied under the programme and maintenance requirements (financial and non-financial) • Complement the National Financing Policy.
• Development of funding mechanisms: Explore various options for sustainable funding such as: o Government Budget Allocations o User Fees: implementing cost recovery for specific services used by commercial entities or other stakeholders o Public-Private partnerships: using the lessons and recommendations from the Climate Services Market Assessment o Climate Finance: accessing funds from regional and international climate change adaptation and mitigation initiatives o Innovative Financing: investigating options like green bonds, carbon finance and other emerging financial instruments.
• Cost Effectiveness Analysis: assess cost effectiveness of existing and proposed meteorological services and identify opportunities for efficiency gains
• Risk Assessment: identify potential financial risks such as changes in government priorities or development partners funding patterns; and developing mitigation strategies
• Sustainability Framework: develop a framework to ensure long term sustainability of meteorological services, including mechanisms for monitoring, evaluation and adaptive management • Capacity Building: identify any capacity gaps within the NMHS that is required to support sustainability of the equipment, products and services (financial and non-financial) and develop a practical action plan to address them
• Reporting and Monitoring: establish clear reporting and monitoring mechanisms to track the implementation of the plan and its impacts on the sustainability of the NMHS.
• Output 4: Recommendations Report and Final Presentation Tasks:  Compile recommendations from the assignment and present final Financing Policy and Sustainability Plan to the PSC

Qualifications/special skills

• An advanced university degree in financing, public policy, climate information services, economics or a similar related field is required.
•  A first level degree with an additional two year of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 7 years of demonstrated experience in developing institutional or national financing policies or sustainability plans or cost recovery plans in climate related or Early Warning System areas is desirable. Demonstrated knowledge of climate information services or multi hazard early warning systems.
• Experience in working and collaborating with governments, development partners and NMHS in the Pacific region is desirable. Previous work experience undertaking similar activities in the Pacific region is highly desirable.

go to method of application »

Scope of Work

• The consultant will work closely with the global SIDS Flagship team, national government and national stakeholders, including relevant ministries, research institutions, bilateral development partners, the private sector, NGOs and local communities, and utilise the UNEP Sustainable Blue Economy Transition Framework and related Rapid Readiness Assessment tool to:
• Analyze relevant legislative and policy frameworks related to a sustainable blue economy in Vanuatu.
• Assess institutional capacities, infrastructures, cross-sectoral coordination systems, • Compile and assess existing data on marine and coastal ecosystem services and resource management, social and economic features, etc
•  Identify key economic sectors, challenges, and opportunities to advance a sustainable blue economy in Vanuatu.
• Propose strategic recommendations to strengthen SBE governance, including application of area-based management framework and tools (e.g ICZM, IWRM, Land-Sea Planning, marine spatial planning.
• Organize inclusive multi-stakeholder consultations, in collaboration with the National Team, to ensure ownership of the process.
• Compile and review existing national frameworks, policies, strategies, financing plans relevant to sustainable blue economy in terms of the ability to support a sustainable blue economy transition.
• In close consultation with Govt of Vanuatu and relevant stakeholders, prepare an integrated SBE strategic action plan and associated theory of change to support the sustainable blue economy transition for feedback and consultations with relevant national and local stakeholders.

Qualifications/special skills

• Advanced degree (master’s or PhD) in marine sciences, environmental economics, natural resource management, coastal development or a related field is required. A first level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• 7 years of experience in designing sustainable blue economy strategy and policy, marine resource management, integrated coastal zone management or marine spatial planning protocols and guidelines is required.
• Experience working in SIDS, preferably in the Pacific region is required.
• Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills preferably with proven experience working in subjects related to Sustainable Blue Economy is required.
• Demonstrate previous experience conducting similar assignments at regional or global level is desirable.
• Experience conducting assessments and facilitating multi-stakeholder participatory workshops is desirable.
• Knowledge of international policy frameworks and SDGs, particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water) is desirable.