Biodiversity Knowledge Management and Learning Consultant

Result of ServiceIn line with the objectives of the GEF Early Action Support project and the GEF-8 Umbrella Programme to Support NBSAP Update and the 7th National Reports, the consultancy will support the identification and application of knowledge management activities to enable effective delivery of technical support to countries. Work LocationHome-Based Expected duration6 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. 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. A Biodiversity Knowledge Management and Learning Consultant will be engaged by the Nature Frameworks Support Unit and will contribute to UNEP's work in supporting the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) through the Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded Biodiversity Enabling Activities: Global Biodiversity Framework - Early Action Support project (EAS), and the associated GEF 8 Umbrella Programme to Support NBSAP Update and the 7th National Reports (NBSAP/7NR project). These enabling activities are country-led efforts to fast-track readiness and early actions to implement the KMGBF. They include support for updating National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and the preparation of the 7th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The projects provide financial and technical assistance to 139 developing, small island, and middle-income nations in their work to align their NBSAPs with the KMGBF; develop and update their national monitoring systems; design strategies for policy and institutional alignment; develop biodiversity finance plans; and prepare their 7th National Reports to the CBD. The projects are country-led with joint implementation support from UNEP and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the CBD Secretariat and the GEF. The EAS project began in 2023 and will continue implementation through early 2026, while the NBSAP/7NR project was launched in mid-2024 and implementation will continue through late 2026. Specific tasks and responsibilities, to be undertaken in coordination with the programme team, include: 1. 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; 2. 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; 3. Identify and develop interventions 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; 4. 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; 5. 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 skillsAn 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. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this Job Opening, fluency in English (written and oral) is required. Fluency in French (written and oral) is desirable. Knowledge of Portuguese or another UN official language is an advantage. 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.