Job Description

General InformationPublication for PartnerPartner Name UNEP United Nations Environment ProgrammePosition Title Technical Advisor - EnvironmentalJob Category TechnicalDuty Station(s) MogadishuSeniority Level Senior LevelICS Level ICS 11Contract Type ICA - LICA - Specialist - RegularContract Level LICA 11Posting Start Date 30-Jan-2026Posting End Date 28-Feb-2026Duration 12 MonthsJob HighlightUNOPS is seeking a Technical Advisor – Environmental (Facilitator) to advance the work of the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership work with the effective delivery of the assigned tasks below. 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.About the Region

The UNOPS Africa Regional Office, based in Nairobi, Kenya, oversees the delivery of over 250 projects across 40 countries, with a focus on fragile and conflict-affected settings. Supported by more than 1,000 personnel across five multi-country offices—spanning North, West, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa, and the Horn of Africa—the office advances national priorities through strategic initiatives in Climate Action, Health, Infrastructure, Peace and Security, Middle-Income Country Support, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The Regional Office provides strategic leadership, operational support, and oversight in key areas including Partnerships, Communications, Management and Oversight, Infrastructure and Project Management, Health and Safety, and Security. By promoting excellence in project delivery, fostering knowledge sharing, and driving continuous improvement, the office contributes to sustainable infrastructure, transparent resource management, and a better quality of life for communities across the continent.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

Based in Nairobi, UNOPS East and Southern Africa supports sustainable development across 14 countries, including Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, Tanzania, Zambia, Zanzibar, and Zimbabwe. Since 1995, UNOPS has expanded its footprint in Kenya, delivering services in project management, infrastructure, procurement, and financial management. Across the region, the office implements diverse, partner-funded initiatives that respond to national priorities. In Mozambique, this includes delivering specialized equipment (EU), supporting health services (UNICEF), promoting agro-processing (KOICA), and advancing peacebuilding efforts through a Multi-Donor Fund. UNOPS also supports agricultural input distribution and the Northern Crisis Recovery Project, both funded by the World Bank. In Malawi, efforts include developing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres in partnership with the EU and the British Council. These initiatives reflect UNOPS’ commitment to strengthening national capacities, enhancing service delivery, and supporting progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the region.

Job Specific Context

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. UNEP's 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.

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.

Role Purpose

The in-country facilitator of the NBSAP Acceleration Partnership plays a crucial role in supporting the implementation of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) aligned with the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). The primary objective of the role of the in-country facilitator is to facilitate the identification and prioritisation of NBSAP needs, mobilise support, foster collaboration among stakeholders, and accelerate NBSAP implementation through supporting a Whole Government and Whole of Society approach.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Duties and responsibilities include:

1. Assess NBSAP Landscape:

• Identify and monitor country/region-specific biodiversity priorities, capacity needs/demands and implementation challenges. If needed, this might include, e.g., 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.

2. Mobilize 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 the offered support packages.
• Monitor the implementation of the support packages.
• Identify and support resource mobilization. 

3. 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 maximize synergies across the 3 Rio Conventions.
• Support the strengthening and monitoring of existing national structures for NBSAP implementation.
• Sharing global best practices, guidance, tools, and materials in the country/region, but also taking learning, case studies, and sharing 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.

4. Monitoring and Progress Controls:

• The assignment is supervised by the Head of the Nature Frameworks Support Unit.
• 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 progress reports of expenditures to the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership.

SkillsFederal Government, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning, Process Control, Reporting, MobilizationCompetenciesDevelops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational 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.Education Requirements

Experiences and Qualifications

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

Experience Requirements

Required

• At least seven (7) years of relevant experience in biodiversity conservation, project management, facilitation, stakeholder engagement or other relevant areas is required.
• At least two (2) years of experience working at the Federal Government level of Somalia is required

Desired

• 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 is desirable.
•  Previous experience working for regional or international organisations is an advantage.

Language RequirementsLanguageProficiency LevelRequirementEnglishFluentRequiredAdditional Information

Skills Required

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