The Wild Biodiversity Economy (WBDE) initiative intends to strengthen the sustainable use practices of land and species as a competitive livelihood and development strategy to meet people’s needs, whilst also reducing biodiversity loss

The project focuses on knowledge creation and advocacy for the creating of sustainable, inclusive and nature-based economic opportunities through the WBDE. Building on existing data, partnerships will be mobilised to further strengthen the incorporation of WBDE elements into integrated policies and the scaling up of context appropriate WBDE best practices within and across regions. This project will communicate and expand the uptake of viable and attractive WBDE approaches in targeted regions to support the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of biodiversity in a manner that it delivers socio-economic development to countries and, in particular those communities that are the stewards of biodiverse lands. This initiative is currently under the project preparation phase.

Under the overall supervision of the Head of the Biodiversity People and Landscapes Unit, with direct oversight by the Programme manager within the Biodiversity, People and Landscapes Unit, the consultant will undertake a scoping study to produce a State of Knowledge Report in Asia Pacific region for the WBDE, and to identify gaps and opportunities to advocate for the WBDE in that region. This is part of a larger project covering the following regions: Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean.

The scoping specialist will undertake the following duties:

Define a framework for the report.

•  Conduct a literature review of all WBDE related activities (recognizing that these activities may be done under different names in different countries / regions) to gather data and source relevant materials.
•  Identify relevant case studies from across the region to illustrate the state of the WBDE in the region, including diversity in terms of geographic location, biomes, WBDE activities, policies and socio-economic context.
•  Define a framework, table of contents and scope of the state of knowledge report that covers the main aspects to be covered in the context study

Conduct comprehensive desk research to global WBDE landscape in the selected region, adhering to the pre-defined framework and scope.

•  Provide an overview of the character and status of the WBDE and different terms used to describe it in the region, as appropriate (for example the types of WBDE initiatives that exist including animal-based activities such as hunting, wild animal farming, plant-based activities such as forestry, Non-Wood Forest Products, landscape-based activities including tourism)1.(Please refer to the ALU report on Status of Wildlife Economy in Africa for guidance)
•  Provide an overview of the policy, regulatory and legal framework governing the WBDE, incorporating insightful case studies from selected countries.
•  Identify country-specific gaps pertaining to various types of WBDE activities and practices, as relevant.
•  Identify opportunities to promote the update of the WBDE in the region. eDgTjRS DTNv5g
•  Highlight good practices with relevance to the selected region, incorporating case studies and lessons learned.
•  Obtain facts and statistics rooted in science and knowledge that can enable informed decision-making on the WBDE, monitoring progress, and that can provide guidance for the successful implementation of the WBDE.
•  Identify the primary stakeholders engaged in activities related to the WBDE, as well as any related terms, within the region.
•  Produce a regional scoping report summarizing findings from above.

Qualifications/Special Skills

• An advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations, economics, political science, international development or another relevant technical field from a recognized institutions is required. A first level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
•  A minimum of 7 years of work experience in international development, strategy, environment, advocacy, partnership is required

Specific Skills: i. Ability to communicate research findings clearly ii. Technical skills, knowledge and track record in working with international organisations in the environment sector iii. Knowledge of the Wildlife Biodiversity Economy iv. Communication and presentation skills v. Planning and organisation skills vi. Writing and reporting

•  Experience working in the environment field is highly desirable.
•  Experience working for a UN agency is an asset.
•  Demonstrated experience in design, management and execution of projects, including desk research and delivery of recommendations is an asset.
•  Experience in operating independently and in providing expert advice and support on partnerships is an asset.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For this assignment, fluency in written and spoken English is required. Working knowledge of another UN language is an advantage.