Result of Service
An institutional, governance and operational strategy for the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership through to 2030 with the following deliverables: • Detailed documentation prepared to support the selection and establishment of the institutional hosting arrangement, including recommendation papers, draft collaboration frameworks and supporting documents for Steering Committee decisions and implementation. • Terms of Reference for leadership and key secretariat roles developed, alongside updated organizational charts and role matrices. Action plans outlining the transition of leadership functions and potential consolidation or relocation of secretariat operations prepared. • Updated governance documentation developed, including revised Terms of Reference for the Steering Committee, Co-Chairs, and any relevant sub-committees, clarifying roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes. • Strategic advisory support provided to the co-chairs and Global Coordination Unit during the transition process, including preparation of briefing materials, participation in key meetings, and facilitation of discussions required to implement the agreed institutional and governance arrangements.
Duties and Responsibilities
Organizational Setting and Reporting 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 engages with governments and other partners to develop and promote ecosystem-based solutions for sustainable development and within the division, the Biodiversity and Land Branch works to protect and sustainably manage biodiversity, ecosystems, and land resources including the Nature Frameworks Support Unit (NFSU). A key component of the NFSU, the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership is a country-led global initiative to support the development and implementation of ambitious National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP) and collectively achieve the goals and targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and, ultimately, the global vision of living in harmony with nature by 2050. The NBSAP Accelerator Partnership provides technical and financial support for the implementation of GBF- aligned NBSAPs, including via strengthened country-driven stakeholder coordination, collaboration and sharing of best practices to identify country needs to implement their NBSAPs, raise national profile of countries' NBSAPs, and fast-track implementation support for NBSAPs through a MatchMaking Mechanism, increased access to expertise, knowledge and capacity development, and via in-country/facilitation support to countries/regions. In its first two and a half years, the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership has made rapid progress. Highlights include the establishment of a Global Coordination Unit (GCU) and a governance structure, the Facilitator Programme (with 24 embedded experts), a MatchMaking Mechanism connecting country needs with donors, and strong gains in communications, advocacy, and knowledge exchange. The NBSAP Accelerator Partnership is supported by multiple donors including Germany (BMUV/IKI, BMZ), Norway (NORAD), Canada (GAC), and France, and is implemented through a collaboration between the Secretariat of the CBD, UNDP, and UNEP. As the initiative transitions from its Phase 1 inception and early implementation to Phase 2 scaling and sustainability, there is a need to develop a long-term business model and strengthen governance and accountability structures, including the structure of the GCU. Responsibilities Under the overall supervision of the Head of the Nature Frameworks Support Unit and working directly with the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership Global Coordinator, the consultant will be responsible for supporting the strategic development of the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership through to 2030. This includes leading a comprehensive strategic design process focused on the institutional model, governance, and operational sustainability of the partnership. Key duties and responsibilities will include: 1. Defining institutional hosting arrangements and partnership roles Based on the preferred institutional model identified in Phase I, the consultant will support the detailed design of the institutional hosting and partnership arrangements. This will include clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the host institution, contributing partners, and coordination mechanisms across the Accelerator. The consultant will help develop supporting documentation such as institutional role descriptions, partnership contribution frameworks and draft Terms of Reference for the host institution and key partnership functions. • Development of structured question frameworks and briefing materials to guide initial discussions with potential host institutions. • Preparation of summary documentation of outcomes from exploratory discussions with potential hosts. • Development of detailed question sets and analytical frameworks to guide in-depth consultations with shortlisted hosting institutions. • Review of relevant institutional documentation and preparation of analytical notes and recommendations related to possible hosting transitions. • Facilitation of consultations and workshops with partners to discuss hosting arrangements and collaboration modalities. • Development of draft collaboration frameworks and cooperation agreements between the host institution and contributing partners. • Participation in relevant meetings and provision of ongoing advisory support to the co-chairs and GCU team. 2. Developing operational structures and Terms of Reference The consultant will support the preparation of detailed operational documentation required to implement the institutional model. This includes developing Terms of Reference for key structures and functions (e.g., the Global Coordination Unit, facilitator mechanisms, and other operational components), as well as outlining operational action plans. The work will also include the preparation of organizational charts, role and responsibility matrices, and supporting guidance to clarify accountability, reporting lines, and coordination processes across the Accelerator. • Prepare a transition plan for the GCU to the new hosts • Development of Terms of Reference for leadership and key secretariat positions, • Support to recruitment-related processes, including the preparation of shortlists of potential candidates. • Preparation of an action plan outlining next steps for leadership transition within the secretariat. • Development of an action plan for potential consolidation or transition to a single physical office, where applicable. • Advisory support for the restructuring of the Global Coordination Unit, in line with the agreed institutional model. • Development of updated organizational charts and role matrices clarifying responsibilities, reporting lines, and coordination functions. • Participation in meetings and provision of ongoing advisory support to the co-chairs and GCU team. 3. Designing and formalizing governance structures Building on the governance analysis conducted in the previous phase, the consultant will support the design and formalization of a simplified and effective governance architecture. This will include defining the structure, mandates, and membership of governance bodies, clarifying decision-making processes and oversight functions, and developing Terms of Reference for the relevant governance bodies. The work will aim to ensure that the governance model remains inclusive while improving efficiency, transparency, and strategic direction for the Accelerator. • Preparation of facilitation plans and agendas for Steering Committee meetings and other governance-related meetings, including potential sub-committees. • Development of a Terms of Reference for the Co-Chair role, reflecting lessons learned and evolving governance needs. • Review and adaptation of the Terms of Reference for the Steering Committee to align with the updated governance framework. • Development of Terms of Reference and guidance documents for potential sub-committees or advisory groups where relevant. • Participation in governance meetings and provision of ongoing advisory support to the co-chairs and GCU team. Each output must be developed through extensive consultation with the GCU, co-chairs, facilitators, host entities and members of the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership and aligned with ongoing work on resource mobilization to ensure integration and complementarity.
Qualifications/special skills
An advanced university degree in environmental sciences or a related discipline is required.A first-level degree with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. A minimum of 5 years' experience in organizational development, institutional governance, or strategy consulting is required. Demonstrated ability to facilitate stakeholder consultations and synthesize diverse viewpoints is required. Understanding of UN systems, environmental governance, or biodiversity-related frameworks is required. Proven track record in designing governance frameworks and business models for complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives is required.
