Duties and Responsibilities
Background The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations entity designated to address environmental issues at global and regional levels. Its mandate includes coordinating the development of a global environmental consensus by continuously reviewing environmental conditions, identifying emerging challenges, and bringing them to the attention of governments and the international community for action. Recognizing the importance and vulnerability of the Wider Caribbean Region’s (WCR) coastal and marine ecosystems, including endemic species and critical habitats, UNEP established the Caribbean Environment Programme (CEP) as part of its Regional Seas Programme. This led to the adoption of the Action Plan for the Caribbean Environment Programme in 1981 and the subsequent development and adoption of the Cartagena Convention for the Protection and Development of the Wider Caribbean Region on March 24, 1983. The Convention, which entered into force in 1986, serves as the only legally binding regional agreement dedicated to protecting and preserving the Caribbean Sea’s marine environment by promoting cooperation among the countries of the Wider Caribbean. The Cartagena Convention Secretariat (CCS) facilitates communication and collaboration among Contracting Parties and CEP member countries by organizing meetings, providing technical assistance, and coordinating efforts to address environmental challenges in the region. The Secretariat also supports the implementation of the Convention’s three protocols: * The Oil Spills Protocol (1983): Focuses on the prevention, control, and reduction of oil spill incidents. * The Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW) Protocol (1990): Focuses on protecting endangered and threatened marine and coastal species and their habitats. * The Land-Based Sources of Marine Pollution (LBS) Protocol (1999): Aims to reduce pollution from land-based activities, including sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial discharges. At its 17th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP), the Cartagena Convention adopted Decision XII on "Collaboration with Global MEAs", which requests the Secretariat to explore opportunities for collaboration between the Cartagena Convention and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). The Secretariat was also tasked with advising Contracting Parties on how aligning with the GBF could support the implementation of the Cartagena Convention and its protocols. In this context, and in compliance with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Member States have developed National Biodiversity Strategies and Environmental Action Plans (NBSAPs) to guide the implementation of international and regional commitments. However, it is necessary to assess the current status of these instruments, their alignment with the Kunming-Montreal GBF, and their ability to meet reporting requirements under the Cartagena Convention and the SPAW Protocol. This consultancy aims to strengthen technical capacities in the Wider Caribbean Region by: • Assessing the status and alignment of NBSAPs of Cartagena Convention Contracting Parties (in collaboration with the CBD Secretariat), including the incorporation of coastal and marine biodiversity indicators consistent with the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), the Cartagena Convention, and its SPAW Protocol. • Organizing a regional training and peer-to-peer exchange workshop to enhance ecosystem-based management (EBM) approaches for marine and coastal ecosystem conservation, supporting countries in integrating KMGBF considerations into their NBSAP updates and 7th National Reports. • Providing targeted country-level support, including recommendations for at least two Contracting Parties on NBSAP updates and preparation of their 7th National Reports, with stronger integration of marine and coastal biodiversity. The consultant will report to the SPAW Programme Officer of the Cartagena Convention Secretariat.
Qualifications/special skills
A university degree (master’s or equivalent) in organizational planning, environmental management, or international development, or a related area is required. A first-level university degree, combined with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. At least 5 years of experience in change management, strategic planning and/or partnership development, preferably in the environment, ocean governance, or related areas is required. Knowledge of the Cartagena Convention and the Wider Caribbean region's environmental context is highly desirable. Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities are required. Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation frameworks and methodologies is desirable. Excellent verbal and written communication skills is required.
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.
