Result of Service

Technical guidance and advisory support provided to the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning, republic of North Macedonia to prepare the Fifth National Report on the Implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.

Work Location

North Macedonia

Expected duration

6 Months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme UNEP is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP’s Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and capacity development for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. This consultancy assignment will support the work of the Nature Frameworks Support Unit in the Biodiversity and Land Branch, Ecosystems Division. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is implementing a Global Environment Facility (GEF)funded project titled "Support to Preparation of the First National Report on the Implementation of the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits arising from their Utilization." This project aims to assist 105 GEF-eligible Parties in fulfilling their obligations under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, which mandates the monitoring and reporting of implementation measures. The Fifth National Report is crucial for assessing global progress on the Protocol, identifying capacity needs, and guiding future interventions related to Biosafety. These reports are due by February 28, 2026. The objective of this consultancy is to provide technical, coordination, and quality assurance support to participating countries throughout the national reporting cycle, ensuring high-quality, inclusive, and timely submission of the Fifth National Report. The consultant will therefore provide technical and advisory support to the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning (MoEPP), Republic of North Macedonia throughout the process of preparing their Fifth National Report on the implementation of the Cartagena Protocol. The specific tasks and responsibilities are: (a) National Coordination and Institutional Setup: Support designation of national lead institutions, establishment of coordination mechanisms, and preparation of an inception note outlining the reporting approach and timeline. (b) Stakeholder Mapping and Engagement Planning: Identify key stakeholders and prepare a stakeholder engagement plan, ensuring gender-responsive participation. (c) Data Collection and Information Gathering: Provide technical guidance and helpdesk support for systematic data collection and compilation of responses to the reporting format. (d) First National Consultative Workshop: Support organization and technical facilitation of the drafting workshop and consolidation of inputs. (e) Drafting and Technical Review of the Report: Provide technical input and quality review of the draft Fifth National Report. (f) Validation Workshop and Revision: Support validation of the draft report and integration of stakeholder feedback. (g) Finalization and Government Endorsement: Support final revisions and national approval procedures. (h) Submission and Online Reporting Support: Guide uploading of the final report to the official online platform and verify completeness. The consultant shall report to the Head, Nature Frameworks Support Unit, and work in close coordination with the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning of Macedonia, and relevant UNEP units and the Secretariat of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in environmental law, environmental policy, biosafety, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. At least two (2) years relevant professional experience in progress monitoring, legal and institutional strengthening of environmental and climate legislation and institutions in EU pre-accession countries including Macedonia, MEA reporting, or capacity-building support is required. Demonstrated experience in supporting national reporting processes for Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), particularly for the CBD or Cartagena Protocol, is required. Proven experience in providing technical assistance and capacity building is required. Demonstrated experience to lead a multi-stakeholder engagement process is desirable. Excellent analytical, research, and report writing skills are desirable. Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely, is desirable. Experience working with international organizations, particularly the UN system, is desirable. Knowledge and understanding of the Convention on Biological Diversity processes including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this Job Opening, fluency in English (written and oral) is required. Knowledge of Macedonian (written and oral) 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.