Consultancy - Specialist in Sustainable Blue Economy for Vanuatu

Result of Service

1. Initial project workplan outlining the methodology, timeline, and stakeholder engagement strategy. 2. Inception and stakeholder familiarization report including final methodology and workplan: Inception meeting to confirm mutual understanding, refine the methodology with input from the national coordinator and stakeholders, and ensure all key actors are oriented to the RRA process; and an inception report which sets out a detailed work plan and methodology, including proposed stakeholder engagement methods, for assessment of the current SBE landscape 3. Initial RRA assessment report – review of existing policies, data, infrastructures, governance structure and institutional capacities towards an SBE transition. Collect and synthesise information on Vanuatu’s current status across the enabling conditions, through desk review, interviews and stakeholder inputs, to inform the RRA. This forms the evidence base and preliminary findings that will be validated and elaborated in a multi-stakeholder workshop. 4. Readiness assessment report for Vanuatu's transition to a sustainable blue economy, including an analysis of challenges and opportunities, capacity gaps and needs. 5. Draft SBE RRA theory of change and strategic action plan- with a questionnaire and interview guide for in-person/remote stakeholder validation. 6. Integrated theory of change and strategic action plan for a successful transition, proposing concrete recommendations for capacity building and financing mobilization. 7. Validation workshop and consultation report summarizing stakeholder contributions and adjusting recommendations across SBE deliverables accordingly.

Work Location

Home-based

Expected duration

6 months

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. 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 in 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. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) plays a key role in supporting the transition to a Sustainable Blue Economy, including within the framework of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030). As part of this global effort, the UN Decade SIDS Restoration Flagship aims to enhance ecosystem resilience, promote sustainable livelihoods, and foster the conservation and restoration of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including Vanuatu. Vanuatu possesses a rich maritime and coastal heritage, which constitutes an essential resource for its economy and the well-being of local communities. Fishing, tourism, aquaculture, and other ocean-related activities offer significant opportunities for economic development and climate resilience. However, natural resources face increasing threats such as overexploitation, pollution, and climate change. The transition to an environmentally sustainable, resilient and equitable blue economy is critical to ensuring the responsible and sustainable utilization of biodiversity and associated ecosystem services, and halt environmental impacts from human activities that degrade marine and coastal ecosystem health and productivity. In this context, this project, under the leadership of UNEP and within the framework of the SIDS Restoration Flagship, aims to conduct a rapid assessment of Vanuatu's readiness to transition towards a sustainable blue economy, including preparation of a tailored SBE strategy and action plan, to guide and enable the transition. This initiative will provide valuable insights into the institutional capacities, policies, and challenges that need to be addressed to achieve a more resilient and sustainable ocean-based economy. This position is hosted by the UNEP Marine and Coastal Ecosystems Unit in the Marine and Freshwater Branch. For the implementation and coordination of Flagship’s Component 1, UNEP is recruiting an international consultant, specializing in sustainable blue economy, who will be part of the SIDS Flagship project core team. Under the SIDS Flagship Global Coordinator with overall guidance of the Chief of the Marine & Ecosystem Unit and in close partnership with FAO and the National Team in Vanuatu, the consultant will be responsible for: a) conducting a rapid assessment of Vanuatu's readiness to transition to a sustainable blue economy, based on UNEP's Sustainable Blue Economy Transition Framework and Rapid Readiness Assessment methodology. This assessment will provide an overview of institutional capacities, existing policies, challenges, and opportunities to support a successful transition. b) Close consultation with the Government of Vanuatu and relevant stakeholders, prepare an integrated SBE strategic action plan and associated theory of change to support the sustainable blue economy transition. Scope of Work The consultant will work closely with the global SIDS Flagship team, national government and national stakeholders, including relevant ministries, research institutions, bilateral development partners, the private sector, NGOs and local communities, and utilise the UNEP Sustainable Blue Economy Transition Framework and related Rapid Readiness Assessment tool to: • Analyze relevant legislative and policy frameworks related to a sustainable blue economy in Vanuatu. • Assess institutional capacities, infrastructures, cross-sectoral coordination systems, • Compile and assess existing data on marine and coastal ecosystem services and resource management, social and economic features, etc • Identify key economic sectors, challenges, and opportunities to advance a sustainable blue economy in Vanuatu. • Propose strategic recommendations to strengthen SBE governance, including application of area-based management framework and tools (e.g ICZM, IWRM, Land-Sea Planning, marine spatial planning. • Organize inclusive multi-stakeholder consultations, in collaboration with the National Team, to ensure ownership of the process. • Compile and review existing national frameworks, policies, strategies, financing plans relevant to sustainable blue economy in terms of the ability to support a sustainable blue economy transition. • In close consultation with Govt of Vanuatu and relevant stakeholders, prepare an integrated SBE strategic action plan and associated theory of change to support the sustainable blue economy transition for feedback and consultations with relevant national and local stakeholders.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced degree (master’s or PhD) in marine sciences, environmental economics, natural resource management, coastal development or a related field is required. A first level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. 7 years of experience in designing sustainable blue economy strategy and policy, marine resource management, integrated coastal zone management or marine spatial planning protocols and guidelines is required. Experience working in SIDS, preferably in the Pacific region is required. Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills preferably with proven experience working in subjects related to Sustainable Blue Economy is required. Demonstrate previous experience conducting similar assignments at regional or global level is desirable. Experience conducting assessments and facilitating multi-stakeholder participatory workshops is desirable. Knowledge of international policy frameworks and SDGs, particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water) is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the consultancy 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.