Result of Service

I. A comprehensive stock take/baseline report detailing findings and analysis. II. Recommendations for updating the NBSAP national targets and Indicators. III. Provision of Metadata for targets IV. Input for the future National Report to the CBD Conference of the Parties. V. Established data bank for future reporting. VI. Established available funding streams to support the NBSAP implementation

Work Location

Sierra Leone

Expected duration

3 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 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. UNEP’s Ecosystems Division engages with governments and other partners to develop and promote ecosystem-based solutions for sustainable development. This assignment is in the Nature Frameworks Support Unit of the Biodiversity and Land Branch, Ecosystems Division. UNEP is also one of the key agencies hosting the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership. The NBSAP Accelerator Partnership is a country-led global initiative that supports the development and implementation of ambitious National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) 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. The NBSAP Accelerator Partnership provides technical and financial support for the implementation of GBF-aligned NBSAPs. This includes strengthening country-driven coordination, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, facilitating knowledge sharing and best practices, and addressing country-specific needs. It also helps raise national profile of countries' NBSAPs, and fast-track implementation through a matchmaking service, increased access to expertise, knowledge and capacity development, and in-country facilitation support. A National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) is a country’s principal document for implementing the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). It outlines a nation’s approach to conserving its biodiversity, ensuring its sustainable use, and fairly sharing the benefits derived from genetic resources. Sierra Leone is a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). They signed and ratified the convention in 1994 and 1996, respectively. The Country also acceded to the Cartagena Protocol in 2020 and the Nagoya Protocol in 2017. The consultant will report to the Programme Management Officer of the Nature Frameworks Support Unit, in close collaboration the NBSAP Accelerator Partnerships Facilitator in Sierra Leone and with EPA in Sierra Leone. Duties and Responsibilities The NBSAP Accelerator Partnership’s Facilitator Programme is looking for a consultant to assist the Government of Sierra Leone through its Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to undertake a Comprehensive gap analysis and stock-take of its previous NBSAP 2.0 (2017-2026) to understand and enhance monitoring of the country’s NBSAP implementation and track progress. Sierra Leone's biodiversity is severely threatened by deforestation, unsustainable agriculture, illegal logging, mining, and over-fishing, fuel wood production, and infrastructural and urban development leading to drastic habitat loss and species decline. The country's commitment to conserving this biodiversity is reflected in its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). The country’s first NBSAP (2004-2010): initial strategy was formulated to address the alarmingly high rates of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation in the country. The second NBSAP (2017-2026): The current, reviewed version of the strategy is a comprehensive, cross-sectoral plan effective from 2017 to 2026. The Government of Sierra Leone through the EPA is currently finalizing its third NBSAP (2026- 2035). The rationale for the gap analysis is to stock-take/ provide baseline data, track the implementation status of NBSAP 2.0, identify challenges and offer recommendations that will facilitate the successful implementation of NBSAP 3.0, ensuring a whole of government and whole of society approach, aligned with the Global Biodiversity Framework of the CBD and the NBSAP Accelerator Partnerships objectives. This will also complement the initial data collection work done during the rapid review of 2024 supported by the GEF early action support which is an enabling activity that detailed how far we are with the NBSAP implementation at that time. Now that NBSAP 2.0 (2017-2026) has ended, this study will be looking at a wider scope to address the following specific task.[AS1.1] Specific Task I. Track the implementation status of the NBSAP 2.0 (2017-2026) II. Provide adequate baseline data that can inform planning and decision-making processes. III. Identify gaps, challenges and offer recommendations to ensure the successful implementation of NBSAP 3.0 IV. Ensure that the national NBSAP targets identified for 2026-2035 have adequate baseline data and Meta data. V. Evaluate progress made towards national biodiversity targets and global CBD goals of the NBSAP 2.0 (2017- 2026) VI. Identify key factors influencing the success or failure of NBSAP implementation. VII. Determine institutional capacity and resources., identifying gaps and opportunities VIII. Assess the effectiveness of policies and legal frameworks for biodiversity conservation and governance IX. Assess available funding for National/GBF targets

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Environmental Studies, Conservation, Agriculture and other related discipline is required. A first-level university degree, combined with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in biodiversity policies and strategic planning, biodiversity conservation and facilitating local community groups’ meeting and partnership building in diverse multi-stakeholder environments is required. Experience with the NBSAP revision and implementation processes in Sierra Leone is required. Demonstrable experience in the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity or related activities is required Experience in Biodiversity and national biodiversity policy, planning and implementation, or partnership building processes with multi stakeholders is required

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of Sierra Leone local languages is an added advantage.

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.

Stock-take, and Baseline Study on NBSAP process and implementation consultancy