Biodiversity Expert Consultant

Result of ServiceThe overarching goal is to contribute to the successful implementation of the China Trust Fund Project in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region, ensuring alignment with other UNEP initiatives and with priorities identified by the Forum of Ministers of Environment of LAC. The consultant will conduct regional analyses and development of at least one project proposal that responds to the priorities of Latin American and Caribbean countries for their effective implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF). Specific tasks and responsibilities: • Conduct a rapid assessment of the status of NBSAP revision and implementation to identify countries’ needs and priorities for implementing the KM-GBF. • Develop project concept notes for submission to relevant funding mechanisms, in collaboration with UNEP’s Ecosystems Division and based on country demands. • Develop and conduct surveys, collect and analyze data, and draft comprehensive reports based on findings and event outcomes. • Participate in coordination meetings with UNEP’s Ecosystems Division, regional and subregional offices, Member States, and key stakeholders. • Attend bilateral meetings with key stakeholders and partners. • Conduct discussions with development banks to increase their engagement in biodiversity financing and explore co-financing opportunities. • Attend regional capacity-building and high-level events to support the scale-up of NBSAP implementation in LAC, in collaboration with UNEP’s Ecosystems Division and partners. • Ensure alignment among UNEP initiatives and platforms, such as the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership and the Forum of Ministers of Environment of LAC. Outputs and deliverables: Output 1: Assessment of NBSAP revision and implementation in LAC Conduct a rapid assessment of the status of NBSAP revision and implementation across the 33 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean to identify countries’ needs and priorities in implementing the KM-GBF. The assessment will follow a global methodology developed in collaboration with UNEP’s Ecosystems Division and this output will result in the LAC chapter of a global assessment. Product 1: Document with the results of the rapid assessment of NBSAP revision and implementation in LAC. The document should analyse all 33 countries in the LAC region and provide a baseline on the status of the KM-GBF review and implementation, priorities, challenges, and opportunities. It will assess the extent to which NBSAP revision processes are creating synergies with other national plans, such as NDCs and NAPs, and how these synergies can be enhanced. The analysis should also identify countries for one-on-one targeted support for GBF implementation. To conduct this analysis, online consultations with countries and key partners might be required. Output 2: Development of project proposals Prepare two project proposals suitable for submission to the Kunming Biodiversity Fund and other potential funding mechanisms, such as the GEF, the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, or the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership, among others. The proposals will include the participation of national counterparts and in close collaboration with UNEP’s Ecosystems Division and Regional Office. The preparation of these proposals is expected to include consultations with countries and key stakeholders, with a focus on the identification of specific needs and priorities, as well as to explore additional funding opportunities. This output might require online consultations and in-person participation (as technical expert) in at least one regional event (travel costs will be covered by UNEP). Product 2.a: Document with two (02) project proposals developed according to UNEP standards (including theory of change, preliminary budget and stakeholder mapping). The project proposals must reflect the priorities identified in the rapid assessment and consultations to Members States and partners and fit the requirements for submission to the Kunming Biodiversity Fund or other relevant funding mechanisms, in accordance with the requirements agreed upon by the supervisor and the consultant. Product 2.b: A comprehensive document including the project proposals with the incorporation of feedback and reviews from UNEP, national counterparts and stakeholders, ensuring full alignment with donor requirements and UNEP’s standards for submission. Work LocationHome-based Expected duration4-months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe 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. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, Panama, works closely with the 33 countries of the region and its activities are integrated into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). UNEP’s Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. 1. Purpose At the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), held in Montreal, Canada in December 2022, the Parties to the Convention adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF) along with other important decisions. The KM-GBF provides a comprehensive framework to achieve the global vision of a world “living in harmony with nature” by 2050 and the mission to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. The core of the Framework consists of four overarching goals for 2050 and 23 action-oriented targets to be achieved by 2030, focused on accelerating our actions towards conservation, protection and restoration of nature. Following the adoption of the KM-GBF, all Parties committed to setting national targets for its implementation, with national biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs) to be revised and updated. There is now an urgent need for Parties to the Convention to accelerate their efforts in the implementation of the KM-GBF, including through the updating their NBSAPs. The China Trust Fund Project - Accelerated implementation by countries of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) through South-South cooperation in alignment with the Action Initiative for KMGBF (hereinafter “China Trust Fund Project”) aims to contribute to implementation of the KM-GBF through building the capacity of countries to implement it, whilst facilitating knowledge sharing, networking and south-south cooperation. The Biodiversity Expert Consultant will provide technical expertise to UNEP´s Nature Action Subprogramme to execute the China Trust Fund Project in close collaboration with UNEP Ecosystems Division and key stakeholders. The consultant will contribute to advancing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF) in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region, with a particular focus on fostering alignment among UNEP initiatives and platforms, such as the Forum of Ministers of Environment of LAC, to promote coordinated action and enhance impact. This consultancy is expected to work closely with another consultancy focused on organizing consultations, workshops and a high-level event to support stakeholder engagement and capacity-building in the region. The incumbent will work remotely, home-based, and will be supervised by the Regional Director and Representative of UNEP LACO. Qualifications/special skillsAcademic Requirements: • A bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, biodiversity conservation, ecology, international development, political sciences, or closely related field is required. • A master’s degree in environmental sciences, conservation, ecology, international development or politics, or closely related field is required. Professional experience: • A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in biodiversity, environmental governance and policies, project planning and implementation in biodiversity and/or environment is required. • Experience with implementing projects at national or regional levels is desirable. • Experience in the United Nations system or other international organizations is desirable. Languages• Fluency in English is required. • Fluency in Spanish is required. • Fluency in Portuguese is desirable. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.