International expert to support the preparation of Guidance Factsheets, including GES definition, targets & assessment method for the Candidate Common Indicators on forest fires & flooding (Level B)

Result of Service

The ultimate result of this assignment is to deliver: (a) Guidance Factsheets for cCI 42 and cCI 43 (b) A draft regional definition of Good Environmental Status (GES) for cCI 42 and cCI 43; (c) Proposed GES targets associated with cCI 42 and cCI 43; (d) Technical inputs to support IMAP/EcAp governance discussions, in particular within CORMON on Coast and Hydrography to be held in 2026/2027.

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, the new climate change indicators have been identified as a priority area requiring further development. The development of Guidance Factsheets and the definition of Good Environmental Status (GES), targets and assessment method has to be prepared Candidate Common Indicators (cCIs) 42 Extent and frequency of coastal flooding and cCI 43 Changes in burnt forest areas. However, due to data limitations and knowledge gaps in the Mediterranean region, further scientific and technical work is required. In order to move from Candidate common indicators to operational IMAP Common Indicators, there is now a clear need to develop Guidance Fact Sheets, as well as to advance the definition of Good Environmental Status (GES) and the associated thresholds and targets for cCI 42 and cCI 43. 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 PAP/RAC Deputy Director and the overall guidance of the QSR/EcAp Head of Unit and PAP/RAC Director. Under the direct supervision of the SEMPA Project Manager in coordination with the PAP/RAC Deputy Director and the overall guidance of the QSR/EcAp Head of Unit, the consultant will be responsible for the following tasks: 1) Prepare a detailed work plan with annotations and timetable. 2) Prepare the first drafts of the two (2) Guidance Factsheets (GFS) for cCI 42 and cCI 43 including GES definition and associated targets, and assessment methods in line with the IMAP GFS template and using a harmonized approach. 3) Participate and present the first drafts at the online CORMON on Coast and Hydrography meeting (end September 2026 TBC) and prepare a consolidated report capturing the inputs of the meeting also reflecting relevant conclusions. 4) Based on the 2026 CORMON Coast and Hydrography conclusions and recommendations, revise and prepare the second drafts of the two (2) GFS for cCI 42 and cCI 43, including GES definitions and associated targets and assessment methods. 5) Participate and present the second drafts of the two (2) GFS for cCI 42 and cCI 43 at the CORMON Coast and Hydrography in-person meeting (March 2027TBC) and prepare a consolidated report capturing the inputs of the meeting also reflecting relevant conclusions. 6) Prepare the final version of the two (2) GFS for cCI 42 and cCI 43, including GES definitions and associated targets, and assessment methods incorporating all CORMONs’ conclusions and recommendations as well as inputs from UNEP/MAP governance meetings.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in environmental science or a related field with a particular focus on forest ecosystem management and coastal flooding; a first-level university degree combined with 2-year relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A minimum of 5 years of professional work experience in one or more of the following areas: sustainable forest management and flooding practices, forest assessment, flooding risk assessment, development of environmental policy documents; Previous experience on issues related to the marine and coastal environment assessment in the Mediterranean is desirable; Good knowledge in office automation software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required; Fluency in English (oral and written) is required

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.