The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is seeking a High-Level Strategic Advisor for the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership. Under the overall supervision of the Head of the Nature Frameworks Support Unit and in close coordination with the Global Coordinator of the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership, the consultant will provide strategic advisory services to strengthen the political positioning, partnerships, advocacy, and resource mobilization of the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Political Engagement
- Provide strategic advice to the Global Coordination Unit (GCU) and Co-Chairs on political priorities, opportunities, and engagement strategies to advance implementation of the KMGBF.
- Prepare ministerial dialogues, Steering Committee meetings, high-level bilateral engagements, and international biodiversity events.
- Identify emerging political opportunities and advise on approaches to strengthen country ownership and political commitment for NBSAP implementation.
- Represent the Partnership, as requested, during selected high-level meetings, consultations, and international events.
Strategic Advisory Role
- Provide high-level strategic advice to the GCU to ensure alignment between political engagement, resource mobilization efforts, and the Accelerator’s operational delivery.
- Guide the GCU in preparing for high-level engagements, including Steering Committee meetings, ministerial dialogues, and global events during COPs, ensuring coherence in messaging, positioning, and expected outcomes.
- Provide strategic advice to the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership and its members on the political economy and opportunities for advancing NBSAP implementation.
- Offer insight on positioning, stakeholder engagement, and global advocacy strategies.
- Contribute to strengthening coherence and alignment across the Accelerator’s efforts at the global level.
- Work closely with Co-Chairs to steer high-level engagements, including contributing to Steering Committee discussions and outcomes.
- Represent the GCU and the Accelerator in high-level discussions, side-events, and bilaterals with (potential) donors.
- Provide political leadership for the Partnership by offering strategic guidance to the GCU leadership, including the Senior Programme Coordinator, on priorities and timelines.
- Report periodically to the co-chairs and the Steering Committee for strong alignment.
Partnership & Resource Mobilisation
- Closely engage with Accelerator members, supporters, and donors to deepen engagement and expand the partnership.
- Lead and engage with broader partners including potential traditional and non-traditional donors to solicit support for strengthening the Accelerator, in particular to secure long-term funding and resources for the matchmaking mechanism.
- Foster strategic relationships with traditional and non-traditional partners.
- Open political and institutional pathways to enable scaled support for NBSAP implementation.
Qualifications and Experience
- An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in biodiversity conservation, international development, environmental science, economics, management, behavioral sciences, or a closely related field is required. A first-level university degree with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
- Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in establishing inter-relationships among international organizations and national governments, preferably in international biodiversity conservation, environmental management, or national biodiversity policy.
- At least 5 years of experience in managing and coordinating international programmes in environment-related fields, building strategic alliances/partnerships, or resource mobilization.
- Desirable: Track record of international experience in the implementation of Multilateral Environment Agreements or related activities.
- Desirable: Strong track record in raising funds for international initiatives.
- Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Working knowledge of another UN language (particularly Spanish or German) is an advantage.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online via the United Nations Careers portal at UN Careers.
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