Background
UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels offers a spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in its Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in UNDP’s Strategic Plan.
Within the GPN, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) is tasked with developing policy and guidance to enhance the implementation of UNDP’s Strategic Plan. BPPS staff provide essential technical advice, advocate for UNDP's corporate messages, represent the organization across various multi-stakeholder platforms—including public-private dialogues, and engage in UN inter-agency coordination on key thematic areas.
Aligned with the 2022-2025 Strategic Plan, UNDP is committed to eradicating poverty and steering countries towards sustainable development paths, consistent with the Paris Agreement. The Nature, Climate, Energy, Chemicals and Waste Hubs within the BPPS promote integrated governance approaches and nature-based solutions. These initiatives aim to reduce poverty and inequality, bolster livelihoods, foster inclusive growth, mitigate conflicts, manage forced migration and displacement, and enhance resilient governance systems that support peace and security.
Moreover, UNDP acts as an accredited multilateral implementing agency for several major environmental funds, including the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Multilateral Fund (MLF), the Adaptation Fund (AF), and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). In collaboration with these vertical funds, UNDP’s Vertical Fund Programme Support Oversight and Compliance Unit offers comprehensive support to the BPPS Hubs, delivering specialized technical services for eligibility assessment, program formulation, capacity development, policy advice, technical assistance, and more.
At the forefront of UNDP’s commitment to environmental stewardship is the newly established Nature Hub, which champions the ambitious “Nature Pledge” for 2030. This initiative aims to place nature at the core of sustainable development and is pivotal for the realization of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF). Empowering over 140 countries, the Nature Pledge seeks to transform lofty biodiversity targets into concrete, actionable strategies. The Nature Hub leverages UNDP’s expansive $3.37 billion nature portfolio, co-financed at $13.36 billion, which includes 353 projects across 143 countries in areas like biodiversity mainstreaming, ecosystem management, and climate resilience.
The Regional Technical Specialists (RTS) have global responsibilities in their area of specialized technical expertise and are deployed from Regional Hubs, normally close to the countries to which they provide the most support. The RTS for Ecosystems and Biodiversity (EBD) works under the overall supervision of the Principal Technical Advisor (PTA), EBD. The RTS will be home-based and support countries in RBAP. S/he will be deployed to other regions as and when needed. RTS will also be expected to travel as required to ensure effective on-ground implementation and oversight.
Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent will work from home. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Principal Technical Advisor (PTA), EBD. Given the global consultations to be undertaken during this assignment, the incumbent is expected to be reasonably flexible with his/her availability for such consultations taking into consideration different time zones. The incumbent will be given access to relevant information necessary for execution of the tasks under this assignment. The incumbent will be responsible for providing her/his own working station (i.e. laptop, internet, phone, scanner/printer, relevant software, etc.) and shall have access to a stable, secure and reliable internet connection.The Regional Technical Specialist for Ecosystems and Biodiversity is primarily responsible for providing technical, policy, and programming implementation support and oversight, and knowledge and capacity development services pertaining to the work of the Ecosystems and Biodiversity programmes to UNDP Country Offices, working with other UN agencies, governments and inter-governmental organizations, NGO’s, donors, the private sector and many others.
Innovative, Strategic Leadership, Policy Dialogue and Advocacy
Lead the strategic engagement with key environmental stakeholders including governments, NGOs, the private sector, and international agencies to foster partnerships and enhance policy influence at regional and national levels. Engage in high-level policy dialogues and advocacy initiatives to raise awareness and support for UNDP’s environmental goals, ensuring alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals and other global environmental agreements. Keeping the Environment and Energy Regional Team informed of trends and issues with respect to the substantive technical area and contribute actively to regional Env and Energy programming and Business plans. Work in coordination with other RTAs/STAs in the region to develop projects requiring technical guidance from multiple areas including collaborations with Environment regional team members and broader GPN and RBAP teams at the Regional Hub on the delivery of integrated support to Country Offices. Keeping the Principal/Senior Technical Advisors and RTL informed of trends and issues in the region.Pipeline Development/Resource Mobilisation
Identify and develop new project opportunities that align with UNDP's strategic objectives on biodiversity and ecosystems, enhancing the organization’s visibility and impact in the region. Providing timely and quality information and technical advice on sources of funds, policies, priorities and activities – including the Global Environment Facility (GEF) fund, GBFF, KBF, other multilateral donors, bilateral donors and foundations. Advising on programme and project identification and development, including integrated approaches and multifocal area projects. Providing guidance and advice in the identification and sourcing of technical expertise and support including assisting with the preparation of TORs, identification and evaluation of experts and reviewing reports. Facilitating the process of preparation, design, submission and approval of programme/project concepts and full-fledged proposals for financing. Facilitating liaisons with potential financing agencies and institutions. Coordinate with other UN agencies and partners to create synergies and leverage additional resources for large-scale, multi-sectoral environmental projects.Portfolio Management
Assisting with inception and start-up of programmes/projects, ensuring the implementation teams’ understanding of technical and operational aspects of the projects, and strong technical and operational capacity of project management units. Advising UNDP country offices and programme/project implementation partners in project supervision, and timely and quality implementation, providing troubleshooting and guidance for adaptive management. Undertaking virtual and physical supervision missions aimed at (a) verification of results and (b) troubleshooting to manage technical quality assurance risks. Undertaking technical quality assurance of the Annual Work Plan cleared by the CO, ensuring alignment with the approved project document and technical robustness of proposed AWP activities in line with the approved project result framework. Undertaking risk management oversight including conducting risk-based second-tier portfolio oversight and address escalated GEF project risks/critical issues through Action Plan; Providing oversight for monitoring and evaluation support including quality and timely completion of the annual Project Implementation Reports (PIRs) reports and technical oversight related input during mid-term reviews (MTRs) and terminal evaluations (TEs). Facilitate production of project communication pieces effectively showcasing socioeconomic and environmental impacts of individual projects and their linkage to the UNDP Strategic Plan priorities and targets.Learning and Knowledge Management
Lead the development and dissemination of knowledge products and best practices in the field of biodiversity and ecosystems management to enhance organizational learning and external influence. Peer reviewing, commenting on, and seeking to improve the technical quality of programmes/projects, policies, practices, guidelines, advisory notes, publications and the like. Organize and participate in workshops, conferences, and other learning events to share insights and learn from other experts in the field. Responding to queries on programme/project progress, impacts, and lessons. The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.Competencies
Core Competencies
Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivityCross-Functional & Technical competencies
Business direction & strategy
Strategic Thinking: Develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP’s objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks andBusiness Development
Collective Intelligence Design: Ability to bring together diverse groups of people, data, information, ideas, and technology to solve problems and design services or solutions. Knowledge and understanding of Collective Intelligence Design principles, methodology and practices. Knowledge Generation: Ability to research information and turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.Business Management
Partnerships Management: Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies Communication: Communicate in a clear, concise, and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media, and other appropriate channels.2030 Agenda: Planet
Nature: Ecosystems and BiodiversityRequired Skills and Experience
Education:
An advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Sciences, Economics, Social Sciences with a specialization in environment and development, or other closely related fields is required, or A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the said fields in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of an advanced university degree.Experience:
Minimum of 7 years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of experience working with developing countries on Ecosystems and Biodiversity; Demonstrable experience in advising and working with developing country governments and stakeholders in particular Asia and/or Pacific regions, in the field of biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management including ecosystem-based climate mitigation and adaptation. Experience with conceptualizing and developing projects and programmes, experience with the Global Environment Facility; Direct donor financed project management experience; Working experience in an international organization as is knowledge of UNDP policies, procedures and practices;Required Languages
Fluency in English is required; Knowledge of one or more other UN languages would be an added advantage.Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
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