Job Title: Technical Advisor – Environmental (Facilitator) (UN Jobs)
Organisation: United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda
Vacancy code: VA/2025/B5004/30147
About US:
United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)’s mission is to expand the capacity of the UN system and its partners to implement peace building, humanitarian and development operations that matter for people in need. Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, UNOPS vision is to always satisfy partners with management services that meet world-class standards of quality, speed and cost effectiveness. By assisting UN organizations, international financial institutions, governments and other development partners, UNOPS makes significant, tangible contributions to results on the ground.
Job Summary: Technical Advisor – Environmental (Facilitator) represents the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership but is embedded in relevant ministry or regional institution, to support and fast-track NBSAP implementation. The facilitator will act as a bridge between the host government and the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership.
The in-country facilitator of the NBSAP Acceleration Partnership plays a crucial role in supporting the implementation of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) aligned with the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). The primary objective for the role of the in-country facilitator is to facilitate the identification and prioritization of NBSAP needs, mobilize support, foster collaboration among stakeholders, and accelerate NBSAP implementation through supporting a Whole of Government and Whole of Society approach.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Assess NBSAP Landscape:
- Identify and monitor country/region-specific biodiversity priorities, capacity needs / demands and implementation challenges if needed this might include e.g., conducting high-level mapping of stakeholders to identify key players, their motivations, commitments, and potential synergies.
- Facilitate national, country-specific, multi-stakeholder dialogues.
- Develop a comprehensive work plan outlining goals, objectives, activities, and timelines for NBSAP implementation support together with the host government/institution.
- Monitor country/region-specific NBSAP priorities and implementation progress, providing ongoing support and guidance as needed.
Mobilize Support:
- On behalf of host country/region, identify specific needs and requests e.g. technical capacity, financial resources and increased political will.
- Through a Whole of Government & Whole of Society approach, assist host government/institution in the design and development of specific requests for support.
- Submit requests for support to relevant stakeholders e.g. through the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership match making mechanism or other platforms.
- Support host government/institution in selecting best fit of offered support packages.
- Monitor the implementation of the support packages.
- Identify and support resource mobilization
Coordinate Action:
- Foster alignment and collaboration among existing and emerging initiatives to ensure a Whole of Government and Whole of Society approach with activities, programs and partnerships to streamline efforts, leverage investments and maximize synergies across the 3 Rio Conventions.
- Support the strengthening and monitoring of existing national structures for NBSAP implementation.
- Sharing global best practices, guidance, tools materials in country/region but also taking learning, case studies, sharing with other facilitators
- Identify and coordinate knowledge and information exchange e.g. peer-to-peer, south-south, north-south and triangular knowledge exchange opportunities for host government/institution.
- Facilitate and coordinate exchanges between key partners working on NBSAP implementation and link to services and activities to ensure alignment and avoid duplication.
Monitoring and Progress Controls
- The assignment is supervised by the Manager of the Global Programme on Nature for Development.
- Maintain regular communication with designated host country National Focal Points to ensure alignment with other ongoing activities.
- Maintain regular communication with the Country Engagement Coordinator of the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership, providing updates on progress, challenges, and achievements.
- Prepare periodic reports on the status of NBSAP implementation, including key milestones, lessons learned, and recommendations for improvement.
- Prepare quarterly financial reports of expenditures to the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent), preferably in environmental science, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management or in a field related to the post description with seven (7) years of relevant experience is required; OR
- First-level university degree (Undergraduate, Bachelor or equivalent) preferably in environmental science, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management or in a field related to the post description with nine (9) years of relevant experience is desirable;
Required Experience:
- Relevant experience is defined as experience in biodiversity conservation, project management, facilitation, stakeholder engagement or related areas.
- Desirable experience (the following experience is optional candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply):
- Previous experience working with NBSAPs and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and other international biodiversity frameworks is desirable.
- Previous experience working for regional or international organizations is an advantage.
- Proven track record of working with government institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners is desirable.
- Language:
- Fluency in English (read, write, speak) is required.
- Fluency in a second official UN language is desirable.
Competencies
- 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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
*CANDIDATES WITH NO UNITED NATIONS OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
How to Apply:
All interested Ugandan nationals who wish to join the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) are encouraged to click on the link below and follow the application instructions after reviewing the job details.
Deadline: 26th June 2025
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