Climate Change and Biodiversity Specialist

Result of Service

Expert contribution to delivery against relevant outputs and indicators and milestones according to approved logframe of the related project (components) with a particular focus on the South Caucasus region, including: Resilient Mountains a. An in-person regional consultation meeting with key stakeholders from government, research, civil society and international organizations is organized in the South Caucasus region, to provide feedback on regional implementation strategies for enhanced governance and science-policy collaboration. b. The Regional Adaptation Dialogue in the South Caucasus (RADISC) is further strengthened with one meeting organized and the work plan further consolidated. c. The Mountains ADAPT scheme is further consolidated and refined with lessons learned from pilot testing and prepared for roll-out in the South Caucasus. d. TORs for a Mountains ADAPT Advisory group with experts and representatives from the South Caucasus are finalized. e. Inputs for a developed communication strategy to promote the roll-out of the Mountains ADAPT small grants funding scheme are provided f. Accompanying capacity development and training measures for Mountains ADAPT are developed, both for single project support for grant beneficiaries and other stakeholders concerned with mountain ecosystems management and adaptation at various governance scales. g. Communication needs and audiences of the Resilient Mountains project are identified and a gender-responsive communications strategy to define outreach channels is drafted. h. A revised concept for interregional exchange and learning workshop among mountain regions in Q4 2025 is prepared i. Inputs to internal and external reporting are provided. Overall j. Liaison with government representatives and authorities of the South Caucasus countries responsible for climate change and sustainable mountain development for project implementation, organization of relevant event, exchange of information etc (in close coordination with Regional Office for Europe) is undertaken k. Advocacy events are organized at key events and fora, such as UNFCCC COP. l. Mapping of regional adaptation priorities for the planned “Regional Adaptation Dialogue in the South Caucasus” structure and related stakeholder consultations together with project team and Resilient Mountains regional implementing partner is undertaking m. Screening of further resource mobilization opportunities, targeting multilateral climate funds, is undertaken

Work Location

Home-based

Expected duration

The proposed contract period is 8 months, with the possibility of extension.

Duties and Responsibilities

The 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. UNEP maintains a number of different project (components) related to sustainable mountain development, managed by the Biodiversity, People and Landscapes Unit (BPLU) in Ecosystems Division, including the second phase of the SDC-funded and led programme „Adaptation at Altitude: Taking Action in the Mountains“ (2024-2028) and a planned second phase of the Austrian funded project “Mountains ADAPT: Advancing Climate Action” (2024-2027). These projects constitute main components of the Project Preparation Proposal (PPP) for developing a comprehensive UNEP project “Strengthening the Resilience and Adaptive Capacity of Mountain Communities and Ecosystems” (“Resilient Mountains”). This position is located in the BPLU of Ecosystems Division, working remotely, and reporting to the Programme Manager responsible for implementation of the “Resilient Mountains” PPP and respective project components. The services of a consultant are required for implementing the “Resilient Mountains” PPP along the agreed logframe. The Consultant will undertake the following duties and responsibilities under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer. PPP Resilient Mountains – Overall expert contribution to implementation of tasks under the Resilient Mountains project preparation proposal, specifically to Outputs A and B, including the Mountains ADAPT and Adaptation at Altitude components with a specific focus on the South Caucasus region. – Co-organize consultations in the South Caucasus to provide feedback on regional implementation strategies for enhanced regional science-policy collaboration and governance. – Consolidate pilot tested Mountains ADAPT small grants funding scheme for mountain communities in the South Caucasus and prepare for roll-out through gender responsive communication strategy/plan. – Prepare the setting up a Mountains ADAPT Advisory group with experts and representatives from the South Caucasus. – Elaborate guidance documents for accompanying capacity development and training measures for Mountains ADAPT project component. – Contribute to the development of a tailored communication strategy and capacity development and training measures for Mountains ADAPT. – Co-develop implementation plan and concept for interregional exchange and learning among mountain regions. – Contribute to scoping of resource mobilization opportunities to support scaling up of activities. – Co-organize and participate to relevant partners meeting, where deemed necessary, and support advocacy opportunities in regional and global frameworks and fora. – Undertake outreach activities related to the UNEP global mountains programme, assigned projects and topics; participates in the development of training workshops, seminars, etc.; participates in and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. – Participate in field missions, including provision of substantive and administrative support, data collection, etc. – Prepare required internal and external reporting.

Qualifications/special skills

a. Education / Academic Qualifications A Master’s Degree in Environmental Governance, Environment/Natural Resources Management, Environmental Technology and / or International Affairs or similar is required. b. Work Experience • A minimum of 4 years of work experience in environmental sector / international affairs, preferably with a focus on sustainable mountain development / climate change adaptation / regional governance-related aspects is required. • Excellent interpersonal skills are desired, being able to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communication for development. • Experience in developing tools, methodologies, and guidance, preferably with a focus on climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation is required. • Excellent oral and written skills, excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills are required. • Experience of working in the South Caucasus region is desired.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of a language of the South Caucasus region will be considered an asset.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE 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.