Technical Advisor for Common Approach to Biodiversity

Role Overview

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the world's 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 environment.

The Technical Advisor for the UN Common Approach to Biodiversity will report to the Head, Nature Frameworks Support Unit, Biodiversity and Land Branch, Ecosystems Division, with day-to-day collaboration with the Programme Management Officer. This role involves providing technical expertise to ensure biodiversity is prioritized in decision-making processes across various sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaboration & Facilitation: Facilitate collaboration among UN agencies, governments, civil society, and the private sector to ensure that biodiversity is prioritized in decision-making processes.
• Secretariat Support: Provide the secretariat of the UN Environment Management Group (EMG) and support the operationalization of the Common Approach through the EMG Issue Management Group on Biodiversity (IMG).
• Economic Progress through Nature: Collaborate with UN agencies to leverage the power of biodiversity and nature to drive equitable economic progress.
• International Frameworks: Support the seventeenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP17), scheduled for October 2026 in Yerevan, Armenia. This includes highlighting the biodiversity agenda and supporting Armenia's role in the process.

Qualifications and Special Skills

• Education: An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in biodiversity conservation, environmental science, environmental policy, environmental management, or a closely related field. A first-level university degree with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• Experience: A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in biodiversity and environment at the national, regional, or global levels.
• Specialized Knowledge: Specialized knowledge and understanding of stakeholders in biodiversity and ecosystem management specifically related to Armenia are required.
• Analytical Skills: Demonstrated experience in undertaking policy analysis and assessments is required.
• System Experience: Work experience in the United Nations system and/or Intergovernmental Organizations is considered a strong advantage.