Consultant to Develop an Integrated UN System Strategy for Biodiversity in Armenia

Result of ServiceArmenia’s location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East places it within four major biogeographical realms-Mediterranean, Central Asian, Iranian, and Caucasian. Its dramatic altitudinal range creates diverse microclimates, supporting alpine meadows, semi-deserts, forests, and wetlands in proximity. The country hosts over 3,800 plant species, including more than 100 endemics, and shelters rare wildlife such as bears, wolves, lynx, and the endangered Caucasian leopard. With over 350 bird species, Armenia is a premier birdwatching destination. At the United Nation’s special session in Cali, Columbia on 31 October 2024, Armenia was elected to host COP-17 in 2026 and assume the role of its presidency. Armenia will guide international negotiations, facilitate consensus among the parties, and drive the global agenda for biodiversity conservation. This is a significant leadership position for the country. COP17 will focus on global review of progress towards the achievement of the goals and targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework. To track this progress and identify areas where implementation of targets and goals should be strengthened, countries must submit National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAPs) before COP17. This document is fundamental for guiding national policies on biodiversity management and protection. Armenia is updating its 2016 NBSAP to reflect evolving national and global priorities. The United Nations system in Armenia, consisting of both resident and non-resident agencies, fund and programmes, plays a pivotal role in supporting the Armenian government in meeting its biodiversity and other environmental commitments. To support the country in this endeavor, a comprehensive and integrated strategy is required to maximize synergies across the UN system, harness collective expertise, and ensure coherent support to national priorities. • Mapping Report: Stocktaking analysis of existing efforts of UN agencies on biodiversity in Armenia. Due by 30 September 2025. • Inception Report: Methodology, initial stakeholder mapping, and work plan. Due by 15 October 2025. • Stakeholder Consultation Summary: Documentation of consultation process, participants, and key findings. Due by 30 October 2025. • Draft Strategy Document, including situational analysis, strategic framework, and implementation plan: Due by 30 November 2025. • Validation Workshop: Facilitation of a stakeholder workshop to review and refine the strategy, incorporating feedback mechanisms. Due by 15 December. • Final Strategy Document: Including implementation roadmap, coordination mechanisms, and monitoring framework. Due by 30 December 2025. Note: Dates for deliverables can be subject to change due to stakeholder requirements. Work LocationArmenia Expected duration15 Sept-31 Dec 2025 Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe United Nations in Armenia seeks to engage a consultant to design an Integrated UN System Strategy for Biodiversity in Armenia. The Strategy will serve as a unified blueprint for UN entities, facilitating coordinated action, resource mobilization, and effective contribution to Armenia’s biodiversity conservation and green agenda. The Strategy will aim to: • Strengthen UN internal coherence on biodiversity initiatives. • Mainstream biodiversity into UN policy, programmes, coordination structures, communication and advocacy within the implementation of the next UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2026-2030. Preference will be given to joint initiatives involving 2 or more UN agencies. • Capitalize on UN expertise in the form of technical skills, convening power, and resource mobilization. This includes linking up with global and regional knowledge available in relevant agencies, and with the UN Environmental Management Group (EMG). The EMG membership consists of the 51 specialized agencies, programmes and organs of the United Nations including the secretariats of the Multilateral Environmental Agreements. The group is chaired by the Executive Director of UN Environment (UNEP) and supported by a secretariat provided by UN Environment. • Enhance multilateral partnership platforms by strengthening UN and Armenian government collaboration through the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and other platforms. • Showcase Armenia’s commitment to biodiversity to external stakeholders and promote Armenia’s leadership on biodiversity on the international stage. • Leverage international financial instruments & strengthen national financial mechanisms to support biodiversity. • Leverage the UN’s digital strength for monitoring, managing, reporting, sharing data on biodiversity. The consultant will work under the supervision of the UN Resident Coordinator and in close consultation with the UN country team and associated UN bodies engaged in the biodiversity agenda, key government counterparts, development partners, academia, civil society, and private sector. Regular check-ins and progress reporting will be expected. Key tasks and responsibilities include: • Liaise with the UN Environmental Management Group for guidance and compliance purposes. • Assess the current portfolio of UN biodiversity-related projects, initiatives, and partnerships in Armenia, identifying overlaps, gaps, and potential synergies. • Map key stakeholders and facilitate inclusive consultations, ensuring representation from marginalized and high-impacted groups. • Conduct a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) of the UN system’s biodiversity engagement in Armenia. • Participate in activities related to COP17 and biological diversity to enrich data collection and analysis. • Draft the Integrated UN System Strategy for Biodiversity in Armenia, including a theory of change, strategic priorities, outcomes, and proposed interventions. • Develop an implementation framework with clear roles, responsibilities, timelines, and resource requirements. • Recommend mechanisms for monitoring, evaluation, learning, and adaptive management. • Present the draft strategy to key stakeholders for validation and incorporate feedback. • Prepare a final report and strategic communication materials for dissemination. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree in environmental sciences, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, sustainable development, or a related field is required. At least 7 years of progressive experience in biodiversity strategy development, policy analysis, or programme management, preferably in the context of the UN or other international organizations, is required. Demonstrated experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder processes and conducting strategic environmental assessments is required. Excellent knowledge of global and regional biodiversity frameworks, including the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and SDGs is required. Proven ability to deliver high-quality results within tight deadlines and complex environments is required. LanguagesEnglish fluency is required. Knowledge of Armenian and/or Russian 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.