Biodiversity and ESD Project Specialist - Level A

Result of Service

• Provided contributions to a revised International Action Plan on Conservation of Large Carnivores and Ensuring Ecological Connectivity in the Carpathians with inputs from identified stakeholders • Provided contributions to the implementation of the projects such as CARPATHIAN LIFE, NaturaConnect and “Linking biodiversity, pastoralism and cultural heritage through ESD in the Carpathian Region” and others, as relevant. • Coordinated and/or -contributed written inputs to project applications and background documents, as relevant. • Contributions to the organization of Carpathian Convention meetings and events, including but not limited to project meetings, 17th/18th CCIC meetings, Working Group on Biodiversity meeting, Carpathian Convention COP8. • Provided contributions to relevant activities of the Carpathian ESD Expert Network, especially coordination of activities for Carpathian Day and the development of stock takes on educational resources related to pastoralism, as well as contribution to capacity-building activities • Provided contributions to technical documents by the Secretariat, including background papers, policy notes and briefing materials, ensuring scientific accuracy and alignment with Convention objectives and EU and global frameworks • Provided strategic approaches for strengthening thematic networks relevant to the Convention, including working groups, CNPA, CWI. • Provided input to the development of an internal resource mobilization strategy for the Secretariat • Contributions to Carpathian Convention website, platforms and database, as necessary • Provided guidance for communication and dissemination activities

Work Location

Vienna, Austria

Expected duration

7 Months

Duties and Responsibilities

Organizational Setting: The United Nations Environment Programme 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 has the mandate to keep the state of the global and regional environment under review, in order to inform decision making on the state and trends of our changing environment, and to foresee emerging environmental problems and threats, particularly those of a transboundary nature. The Carpathian Convention Secretariat administered by UNEP promotes ratification and facilitates cooperation between signatory states, as well as other relevant international bodies and conventions. It furthermore encourages and supports research, communication and information exchange between partners, coordinates the preparation and implementation of the Convention’s work programme, prepares relevant documentation and supports further institutional development. Carpathian Biodiversity Framework (CBF) Adopted at the Carpathian Convention COP7 (October 2023), the CBF is the first regional biodiversity framework supporting implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at the regional level. It promotes and supports synergies and cooperation across sectors and contributes to work of relevant networks and initiatives under the Carpathian Convention. The Secretariat is supporting CBF implementation through its Implementation Plan, and various projects, including ongoing and upcoming projects (e.g. CARPATHIAN LIFE, “Linking biodiversity, pastoralism and cultural heritage through ESD in the Carpathians, project” and other relevant projects). Carpathian Convention and ESD The Carpathian Convention recognizes awareness raising, education, and public participation (Article 13) as essential for sustainable development, in line with UNECE and UNESCO ESD frameworks. Following the 2019 Carpathian ESD Seminar, Parties supported stronger regional cooperation, leading to the establishment of the Carpathian ESD Expert Network, officially welcomed at COP7 (2023). COP7 also endorsed further initiatives such as the promotion of a Carpathian Day. The role of the Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention The Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention coordinates the implementation of the CBF and further integration of the Carpathian ESD Expert Network into the Convention activities and networks. This position is in the Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention (SCC) at the Vienna Duty Station. Duties and Responsibilities: • Providing contributions to a revised International Action Plan on Conservation of Large Carnivores and Ensuring Ecological Connectivity in the Carpathians with inputs from identified stakeholders • Providing contributions to the implementation of the projects such as CARPATHIAN LIFE, NaturaConnect and “Linking biodiversity, pastoralism and cultural heritage through ESD in the Carpathian Region” and others, as relevant. • Coordinating and/or contributing written inputs to project applications and background documents, as relevant. • Providing contributions to the organization of Carpathian Convention meetings and events, including but not limited to project meetings, 17th/18th CCIC meetings, Working Group on Biodiversity meeting, Carpathian Convention COP8. • Providing contributions to relevant activities of the Carpathian ESD Expert Network, especially coordination of activities for Carpathian Day and the development of stock takes on educational resources related to pastoralism, as well as contribution to capacity-building activities • Providing contributions to technical documents by the Secretariat, including background papers, policy notes and briefing materials, ensuring scientific accuracy and alignment with Convention objectives and EU and global frameworks • Contributing inputs to strategic approaches for strengthening thematic networks relevant to the Convention, including working groups, CNPA, CWI. • Providing input to the development of an internal resource mobilization strategy for the Secretariat • Contributions to Carpathian Convention website, platforms and database, as necessary • Providing guidance for communication and dissemination activities. Reporting lines: The consultant will work under the day-to-day supervision of the Associate Programme Management Officer - Carpathian Convention Coordinator, and under the overall supervision of the Head of the Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in social science, sustainability sciences, environmental policy, environmental sciences, or a similar field is required. A first-level university degree, combined with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. - At least 3 years of experience in the field of Education for Sustainable Development, Biodiversity, and Communication related to sustainable development is required. - Familiarity with International ESD and Biodiversity Frameworks is required. - Experience participating in Carpathian Convention activities is an asset.

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.

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.