Technical Advisor - Environmental at UNOPS

Role Purpose

• The in-country facilitator of the NBSAP Acceleration Partnership plays a crucial role in supporting the implementation of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) aligned with the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). The primary objective of the role of the in-country facilitator is to facilitate the identification and prioritisation of NBSAP needs, mobilise support, foster collaboration among stakeholders, and accelerate NBSAP implementation through supporting a Whole Government and Whole of Society approach.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Duties and responsibilities include:

Assess NBSAP Landscape:

• Identify and monitor country/region-specific biodiversity priorities, capacity needs/demands and implementation challenges. If needed, this might include, e.g., conducting high-level mapping of stakeholders to identify key players, their motivations, commitments, and potential synergies.
• Facilitate national, country-specific, multi-stakeholder dialogues.
• Develop a comprehensive work plan outlining goals, objectives, activities, and timelines for NBSAP implementation support together with the host government/institution.
• Monitor country/region-specific NBSAP priorities and implementation progress, providing ongoing support and guidance as needed.

Mobilize Support:

• On behalf of the host country/region, identify specific needs and requests, e.g. technical capacity, financial resources and increased political will.
• Through a Whole of Government & Whole of Society approach, assist the host government/institution in the design and development of specific requests for support.
• Submit requests for support to relevant stakeholders, e.g. through the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership match-making mechanism or other platforms.
• Support the host government/institution in selecting the best fit of the offered support packages.
• Monitor the implementation of the support packages.
• Identify and support resource mobilization.

Coordinate Action:

• Foster alignment and collaboration among existing and emerging initiatives to ensure a Whole of Government and Whole of Society approach with activities, programs and partnerships to streamline efforts, leverage investments and maximize synergies across the 3 Rio Conventions.
• Support the strengthening and monitoring of existing national structures for NBSAP implementation.
• Sharing global best practices, guidance, tools, and materials in the country/region, but also taking learning, case studies, and sharing with other facilitators.
• Identify and coordinate knowledge and information exchange, e.g. peer-to-peer, south-south, north-south and triangular knowledge exchange opportunities for the host government/institution.
• Facilitate and coordinate exchanges between key partners working on NBSAP implementation and link to services and activities to ensure alignment and avoid duplication.

Monitoring and Progress Controls:

• The assignment is supervised by the Head of the Nature Frameworks Support Unit.
• Maintain regular communication with designated host country National Focal Points to ensure alignment with other ongoing activities.
• Maintain regular communication with the Country Engagement Coordinator of the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership, providing updates on progress, challenges, and achievements.
• Prepare periodic reports on the status of NBSAP implementation, including key milestones, lessons learned, and recommendations for improvement.
• Prepare quarterly progress reports of expenditures to the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership.

Education Requirements
Required

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent), preferably in environmental science, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management or other related discipline, is required.
• First-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in environmental science, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management or other related discipline combination with two (2) additional years of relevant experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree;

Required
Experience Requirements

• At least seven (7) years of relevant experience in biodiversity conservation, project management, facilitation, stakeholder engagement or other relevant areas is required.
• At least two (2) years of experience working at the Federal Government level of Nigeria is required

Desired

• A proven track record of working with government institutions, civil society organisations, and international partners is desirable.
• Previous experience working with NBSAPs and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and other international biodiversity frameworks is desirable.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to act as a bridge and mobilize support across diverse stakeholders is desirable.
• Previous experience working for regional or international organisations is an advantage.