Result of Service

1. Consolidated and up-to-date information on implementation progress across consortium partners and project landscapes. 2. Timely and coherent project monitoring and reporting inputs for UNEP and IKI. 3. Improved coordination and information exchange among consortium partners and relevant stakeholders. 4. Systematic organisation and synthesis of project information, research outputs and implementation evidence. 5. Well-prepared materials and documentation supporting project governance and decision-making.

Work Location

Pretoria

Expected duration

12 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Organization setting: UN Environment is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global 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 global environment. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UN Environment Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and capacity development for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. The consultant will work for the Economics of Nature (TEN) Unit in the Ecosystems Division to perform the execution of different work packages related to the Restoring Landscapes in South Africa (ReLISA) project which aims to inter alia apply natural capital accounting to measure, value and make the case for restoration activities. Details of the initial IKI call for proposals can be found at https://www.international-climate-initiative.com/en/find-funding/country-call/translate-to-english-laender-call-suedafrika/ The UNEP-led ReLISA consortium comprises UNDP, UNESCO, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), with two further partners to be contracted to coordinate private sector engagement. Further details are available at https://www.relisa.org/ The consultancy is intended to strengthen the coordination and information-management functions required for effective implementation of ReLISA, particularly given the multi-partner and multi-landscape nature of the project. The consultant will report to Dr. Salman Hussain, Head of the Economics of Nature Unit (TEN) in the Ecosystems Division. Duties and Responsibilities: a. Coordinate and consolidate information on ReLISA implementation, including activities, milestones, partner responsibilities and progress across project landscapes, and highlight key issues, dependencies and areas requiring follow-up. b. Compile and consolidate inputs from consortium partners for project monitoring and reporting, including progress against agreed activities, milestones and results, and prepare concise updates and reporting inputs for UNEP and the donor. c. Coordinate information and substantive preparations for project and stakeholder engagements, including agendas, background information, briefing materials and other documentation required for consortium, landscape and stakeholder meetings. d. Maintain and curate the ReLISA project information and knowledge repository, ensuring that key project documents, partner submissions, research outputs, meeting records and other relevant materials are organised and accessible, and synthesise key project developments as required. e. Track progress and consolidate outputs from UNEP-commissioned research and technical assignments, preparing brief summaries of relevant findings and their implications for ReLISA implementation and reporting. f. Prepare materials and documentation for project governance processes, including Project Steering Committee meetings and other coordination processes, and maintain records of key decisions, actions and implementation priorities.

Qualifications/special skills

High school diploma or equivalent is required for this post. A first level degree with a specialization in environmental geoinformatics, environmental management, environment and development, sustainable development, applied economics, agriculture, or related fields would be an added advantage. A minimum of five (5) years working with governments, non-governmental organizations, or research institutions with a focus on the environment and development is required. Experience with donor-funded project reporting, including collection and consolidation of partner inputs and reporting against indicators, milestones or results frameworks, preparing project reports, briefing materials, meeting documentation and/or knowledge products is desirable. Experience working with the United Nations system or other international organizations is desirable. Experience with ecosystem restoration, natural capital assessment, biodiversity, climate change or sustainable finance projects in South Africa is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in spoken and written English is required.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

National Consultant on ReLISA Project Coordination and Implementation