UNOPS
Background Information – Job-specific
UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.
The New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York- based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.
The Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP) It provides Services to partners’ programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York. SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.
UNOPS has signed an agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to implement the project activities for the Global Programme on Nature for Development.
UNDP’s Global Programme on Nature for Development brings together four different initiatives — the Equator Initiative, the National Biodiversity Initiative, and Learning for Nature, and the Nature for Life Hub under one program in order to identify, foster, showcase and celebrate nature-based solutions that help achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at local, national, and international levels. The work of the Global Programme on Nature for Development contributes to UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2018-2021 by charting sustainable development pathways through the conservation, restoration and sustainable management of biodiversity and ecosystems; and by promoting inclusive and effective democratic governance in the area of natural resources.
The Equator Initiative brings together the United Nations, governments, civil society, businesses, and grassroots organizations to recognize and advance local sustainable development solutions for people, nature and resilient communities. The Equator Initiative seeks to:
- Recognize the success of local and indigenous initiatives.
- Create opportunities and platforms to share knowledge and good practice.
- Inform policy to foster an enabling environment for local and indigenous community action; and
- Develop the capacity of indigenous peoples and local communities to scale-up their impact.
The National Biodiversity Initiative supports countries to manage their ecosystems and biodiversity to improve national planning and governance of biodiversity, ecosystems, and development, and to promote resilience for sustainable development. The National Biodiversity Initiative works in three project areas: National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) Support, National Reporting, and Capacity Building. The use of spatial data for spatial planning is a cross-cutting theme across these project areas, including work through our flagship platform UN Biodiversity Lab, created in partnership with UN Environment and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
The Nature for Life Hub is a venue for multiple events featuring champions, mobilizers, leaders and speakers who inspire and engage global audiences. The Hub presents an opportunity to hear from political and corporate leaders, the world’s youth, indigenous and community leaders, local authorities and cutting-edge thinkers, leaders and practitioners, who delve deep into specialist topics, practical solutions and ambitious actions to tackle the multi-faceted climate crisis.
Knowledge Sharing is a main goal of the Equator Initiative, Learning for Nature, Nature for Life Hub, and the National Biodiversity Initiative. The Equator Initiative has a large series of research papers, books, and other publications focusing on local approaches to poverty reduction and conservation, informed by community- based initiatives.180 case studies in over 30 languages have documented the Equator Prize winners’ innovative practices that deliver the win-win-win solutions that ensure social, economic, and environmental sustainability. The National Biodiversity Initiative share knowledge on the role of spatial data in biodiversity planning, policymaking, and reporting through blogs, case studies, and story maps.
Learning for Nature is a capacity-building offer provided by the Global Programme on Nature for Development, cutting across the three areas of work. This program connects biodiversity policymakers, change-makers, and on-the-ground subject matter experts to facilitate the delivery of the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Aichi Biodiversity Targets and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Access to the global multi-stakeholder networks mobilized by the Equator Initiative, Learning for Nature, Nature for Life Hub and the National Biodiversity Initiative allows Learning for Nature to circulate knowledge while promoting best practices. Building on our learnings on the ground, Learning for Nature seeks synergies, build linkages, and engage thousands of course participants through Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), webinars, self-paced e-learning modules, and private training courses.
For further information please go to
: www.equatorinitiative.org, www.nbsapforum.net, www.learningfornature.org, www.unbiodiversitylab.org; www.learningfornature.org/en/nature-for-life-hub/life-hub/.](http://www.learningfornature.org/en/nature-for-life-hub/)
This is a position to support a project which UNOPS is implementing for the United Nations Development Programme. The incumbent of this position will be personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.
Functional Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Senior Technical Manager, the Programme Management Advisor for Partnerships and Communications supports the leadership of the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) Accelerator Partnership. The aim of the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP) Accelerator Partnership is to facilitate an increase in the ambition, pace and scale of NBSAP development and activities, with a focus on developing and maintaining strategic partnerships with internal and external partners, including NGOs, private sector, other UNDP programmes and country offices and UN agencies, environmental processes and mechanisms, relevant civil society networks, Indigenous leaders, and others.
This role focuses on management, outreach, communications, and relationship-building with a diverse set of partners to ensure that the global ambition on National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) is commensurate with the ambition of the newly adopted Global Biodiversity Framework.
Overall duties and responsibilities include:
- Organization of high-level events and activities to increase political ambition to deliver National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).
- Coordination with relevant UN agencies, governments, civil society organizations, and private sector partners to successfully deliver goals of the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP) Accelerator Partnership.
- Coordination of advocacy activities and campaigns to raise ambition and promote all-of-government and all-of-society approaches to deliver National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs)
- Leading and coordination of stakeholder and initiative mapping activities to deliver the (National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP) Accelerator Partnership goals
- Leading and coordination of capacity building needs assessments to service the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP) Accelerator Partnership
- Support the creation of a match-making mechanism to deliver National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP) support to Partnership countries
- Alignment of UNDP Global Policy Network and UNDP service offers to deliver the Nature Pledge
- Mainstreaming and alignment of UNDP Nature Pledge across thematic portfolios and bureaus, and the new UNDP Nature Hub
- Increasing collaboration with the UNDP youth, gender, climate, health, and governance teams to ensure nature-based solutions are integrated into all relevant programming areas.
Specific responsibilities include:
National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP) Accelerator Partnership:
- Building and maintaining partnerships and networks with key stakeholders, including donors, UN agencies, other international organizations, government agencies, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and the private sector, to support the implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP) Accelerator Partnership.
- Conduct stakeholder and initiative mapping activities to identify potential partners and opportunities for collaboration at national, regional, and global levels to deliver National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP) Accelerator Partnership.
- Work closely with relevant UN agencies, governments, civil society organizations, and private sector partners to align strategies and initiatives with the partnership’s goals and objectives.
- Monitor and evaluate the impact of partnership activities and initiatives, and report on progress towards achieving the partnership’s objectives.
- Support national capacity needs assessments
- Identify capacity gaps and opportunities in countries to strengthen partnerships and collaboration, and develop appropriate strategies and solutions, to deliver National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
- Develop and execute comprehensive communications campaigns related to National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), and the value of nature.
Events and advocacy:
- Plan and organize events and advocacy activities to raise awareness about the importance of nature-based solutions for sustainable development and to promote the work of the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP) Accelerator Partnership and the UNDP Nature Hub.
- Coordinate and manage events and advocacy activities, including conferences, workshops, and high-level meetings, to promote the Partnership’s vision, to mobilize support for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, and raise awareness on the role of UNDP’s Nature Hub.
- Develop, execute and monitor results of a global campaign related to increased ambition on National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), in coordination with the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP) Accelerator Partnership.
- Work closely with the youth, gender, climate, health, and governance teams within UNDP to ensure that nature-based solutions are integrated into all relevant programming areas and service offers, and the projects are aligned with UNDP Nature Pledge;
- Mainstream UNDP Nature Pledge into UNDP service offers and work of country offices.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of the Nature Hub’s work program and activities, including project design, implementation, and monitoring.
- Disseminate UNDP’s work on the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP) Accelerator Partnership, the Nature Hub, and the Nature for Development Programme in national and international forums and events and engage in advocacy and communication activities to promote the Hub’s objectives and priorities.
Monitoring and Progress Controls:
The consultant will report to the Senior Technical Manager on Nature for Development.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
*CANDIDATES WITH NO UNITED NATIONS OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
Education:
- A Master’s degree preferably in international relations, communication, sustainable development, environmental management/sciences, law, social/political science, business and management, or other closely related fields aligned with natural resource management is required.
- First level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in combination with 2 additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced university degree
Required Experience:
- At least seven (7) years of experience working in one or combination of the following areas (Natural Resources Policy, Partnerships, or Communications) is required.
Desirable experience (the following experience is optional candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply):
- Experience working directly with governments in the context of natural resources, National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and nature-related issues is strongly desired.
- Experience designing, coordinating, and facilitating capacity-building and other types of workshops for government representatives is desired.
- Experience designing and executing international events is strongly desired.
- Experience with communications/PR work is a strong asset, as evidenced by articles, blog posts, etc.
- Experience undertaking research related to nature is highly desirable.
- Experience working in roles across multiple sectors (private sector, civil society, government, arts & culture, marginalized groups etc.) as well as with partnerships development is a strong asset.
Language:
- Fluent in English with excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Fluency and excellent writing ability in other UN languages or Portuguese is desirable.
Other:
- It is required to be able to perform the functions during New York working hours (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday).
Competencies
Strategic Perspective
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)
Integrity and Inclusion
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Leading Self and Others
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Partnering
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Results Orientation
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Agility
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Solution Focused
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Effective Communication
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA)
Contract level: International Individual Contractor Agreement (I-ICA 3- ICSC11)
Contract duration: Ongoing contract (subject to good performance, availability of funds, organizational requirements and project duration)
**This is a home based position, the selected candidate will be working from home, it is required to follow the working hours in New York (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday)
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx**
Additional Information
- Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
- UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
- Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
- We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
Terms and Conditions
- All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
- It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
How to apply
Please click on the link below to apply:
https://jobs.unops.org/Pages/ViewVacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=25955