International expert to support the development of Guidance Factsheets for IMAP Common Indicators related to Ecological Objective 4 (Marine Food Webs) (Level B)

Result of Service

The ultimate result of this assignment is to provide UNEP/MAP and Contracting Parties with: (a) Eight (8) Guidance Factsheets for EO4 IMAP Common Indicators; (b) A draft regional definition of Good Environmental Status (GES) for EO4; (c) Proposed targets associated with EO4; and (d) technical inputs to support IMAP/EcAp governance discussions, in particular within CORMON.

Work Location

Home based

Expected duration

12 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system’s designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional levels. Within UNEP, the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) supports the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention in the protection of the Mediterranean marine and coastal environment, including through the implementation of the Ecosystem Approach (EcAp), as adopted by COP 15 Decision IG.17/6. To support the implementation of the Ecosystem Approach, the Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme of the Mediterranean Sea and Coast (IMAP) was adopted in 2016 through COP 19 Decision IG.22/7, providing a coherent regional framework for monitoring and assessment. Building on national IMAP implementation and the findings of the 2023 Mediterranean Quality Status Report (MED QSR), a revised Ecosystem Approach (EcAp) policy and an updated version of the Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme (IMAP) were developed following the mandate of the Contracting Parties at COP 23, with a view to strengthening monitoring and assessment capacities, improving data quality and ensuring reliable regional assessments. COP24 Decision IG.27/6 Ecosystem Approach (EcAp) Policy and Roadmap 2026-2035, and Third Cycle of the Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme for the Mediterranean Sea and Coast (IMAP), included the addition of 10 new biodiversity and 5 new climate-change indicators. Within this context, Ecological Objective 4 (EO4) on Marine Food Webs has been identified as a priority area requiring further development. Initial proposals for EO4, including elements related to the definition of Good Environmental Status (GES), indicators and targets, were discussed during the early stages of the EcAp implementation process. However, due to data limitations and knowledge gaps in the Mediterranean region, further scientific and technical work is required. To address these gaps, a series of actions aimed at advancing the development of EO4 were initiated, including a regional desk review on available data sources, methodologies and best practices for monitoring and assessing marine food webs, as well as the establishment of an Online Working Group on Marine Food Webs, following recommendations of the CORMON Biodiversity and Fisheries Meeting. Based on the work of the Online Working Group, a list of candidate IMAP Common Indicators for EO4 was developed. These proposals were further considered within the framework of the revision of the Ecosystem Approach and IMAP, as requested by COP23, and were reviewed and validated as a basis for advancing the integration of EO4 into the IMAP framework. In order to move from Candidate Common Indicators to operational IMAP Common Indicators, there is now a clear need to further develop Guidance Factsheets, as well as to advance the definition of Good Environmental Status (GES) and the associated thresholds and targets for EO4. This consultancy is implemented within the framework of the SEMPA Project, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNEP/MAP. It contributes directly to the SEMPA Project Output 3.1 “Support provided to the development of the IMAP toward the integration of climate change, biodiversity and hydrography related indicators and indicators related to pressures and drivers, in synergy with H2020 indicators” by supporting the development of harmonized technical guidance and scientifically robust elements for EO4, to be discussed and validated through the IMAP/EcAp governance structure. The Consultant will work under the direct supervision of the SEMPA Project Manager in coordination with the SPA/RAC EcAp/IMAP Officer and the overall guidance of the QSR/EcAp Head of Unit, and SPA/RAC Director. Under the direct supervision of the SEMPA Project Manager in coordination with the SPA/RAC EcAp/IMAP Officer and the overall guidance of the QSR/EcAp Head of Unit and SPA/RAC Director, the consultant will be responsible for the following tasks: 1)Prepare a detailed work plan, including annotations and a timetable for the implementation of the assignment. 2)Prepare a document presenting the progress and next steps for developing GES definitions and targets forEO4 IMAP Candidate Common Indicators. 3)Develop eight (8) draft Guidance Factsheets (GFS) for the EO4 IMAP Candidate Common Indicators, inline with the IMAP GFS template and using a harmonized approach. 4)Prepare draft regional definitions of Good Environmental Status (GES) for EO4 Candidate Common Indicators, and associated GES targets. 5)Support in managing the Online Working Group on Marine Food Webs, participate in all relevant virtual meetings, as well as in the preparation of pre- and post-meeting documents and reports ensuring that relevant technical input is incorporated. 6)Revise the Guidance Factsheets for EO4 IMAP Candidate Common Indicators, to incorporate new GES elements, taking also into consideration the OWG consultations and recommendations. 7)Support UNEP/MAP in the preparation of working documents and provide relevant input to the CORMON Biodiversity and Fisheries Meetings to be held in 2026 and 2027. 8)Finalize the Guidance Factsheets for EO4 IMAP Candidate Common Indicators after incorporating input from UNEP/MAP governance meetings.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in marine ecology, environmental sciences or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with additional 2 years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in marine environmental assessment, indicator development or ecosystem-based approaches is required; Demonstrated experience related to marine food webs, ecosystem functioning or biodiversity assessment is desirable; Proven knowledge of the IMAP / EcAp framework under the Barcelona Convention; Excellent drafting skills and fluency in English (oral and written) are required; Knowledge of standard office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Languages

• Fluency (oral and written) in English is required; • Working knowledge of French and/or Arabic is desirable.

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.