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. Under the leadership of the governments of Colombia and Germany, the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership brings together countries with a whole-of-government and a whole-of-society approach to strengthen global, regional, and national ambition on biodiversity action. The NBSAP Accelerator Partnership is raising the profile of NBSAPs and promoting nature-positive action, fast-tracking implementation support through a matchmaking service, increasing access to expertise, knowledge, and capacity development and providing coordination and facilitation support to countries/regions.

UNOPS is seeking a Technical Advisor – Environmental (Facilitator) to advance the work of the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership with the effective delivery of assigned tasks below.

The Technical Advisor – Environmental (Facilitator) represents the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership but is embedded in relevant ministries or regional institutions, 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 aligned with the GBF. The primary objective of the in-country facilitator is to facilitate the identification and prioritization of NBSAP needs, mobilise support, foster collaboration among stakeholders, and accelerate NBSAP implementation through supporting a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. This position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya. Applicants must be nationals or residents of Kenya with a valid work permit to be eligible.

Functional Responsibilities

The ultimate result of services:

• Assess NBSAP Landscape: Identify and monitor country/region-specific biodiversity priorities, capacity needs/demands, and implementation challenges. This might include, for example, 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.

Mobilise Support

• On behalf of the 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 the 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 the host government/institution in selecting the best fit of offered support packages.
• Monitor the implementation of the support packages.
• Identify and support resource mobilisation.

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 maximise synergies across the 3 Rio Conventions.
• Support the strengthening and monitoring of existing national structures for NBSAP implementation.
• Share global best practices, guidance, tools, and materials in-country/region, while also taking lessons and case studies to share 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 the 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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent), preferably in environmental science, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, or other related discipline is required.
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) with an additional two (2) years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• At least seven (7) years of relevant experience in biodiversity conservation, project management, facilitation, stakeholder engagement or other relevant areas is required.

Desired Experience:

• A proven track record of working with government institutions, civil society organisations, and international partners is desirable.
• Previous experience working with NBSAPs and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and other international biodiversity frameworks is desirable.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to act as a bridge and mobilize support across diverse stakeholders, are desirable.
• Previous experience working for regional or international organizations is an advantage.

Language:

• Full working knowledge of English is required.
• Knowledge of another official UNOPS language (e.g., Spanish or French) is an asset.

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.