Ecosystems Restoration- Eco and Carbon Crediting Expert

Result of ServiceClimate Co-Benefits and Carbon Crediting Framework on Ecosystem Restoration Projects Work LocationPart time- Remote Expected duration60 days Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global authority on the environment, mandated to promote the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development across the United Nations system. The UNEP Office for West Asia (ROWA) supports countries in achieving their environmental and sustainability objectives through technical cooperation, policy support, and capacity-building interventions. Under the Strategic Cooperation Agreement between UNEP ROWA and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), and in close collaboration with the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC), is supporting national and regional efforts to strengthen ecosystem restoration in arid and semi-arid landscapes. A core component of this assignment is to ensure that the climate co-benefits framework can, where appropriate, inform future use of carbon accounting and results-based finance mechanisms (including potential carbon crediting) related to ecosystem restoration in Saudi Arabia. Within this context, UNEP seeks to engage an international consultant to develop a climate co-benefits assessment framework that offers a clear, practical, and scientifically grounded methodology for evaluating how ecosystem restoration initiatives contribute to climate adaptation and resilience outcomes, while generating carbon credits as feasible and appropriate. The Consultant will report to the Project Manager at UNEP ROWA. Duties and Responsibilities: Under the guidance and supervision of the Project Manager at UNEP’s West Asia Office, and in close coordination with the NCVC Center, the Consultant will carry out the following duties and responsibilities: 1.Scoping, Literature Review, and Methodology 1.1 Conduct a comprehensive review of global, regional, and national methodologies for assessing climate co-benefits of ecosystem restoration focusing on mitigation and adaptation outcomes relevant to arid and semi-arid landscapes. The review should also analyze existing carbon accounting and crediting approaches (including the existing national carbon credit program) and practices used in restoration and forest fire management. Summarize existing frameworks, metrics, and indicators used to quantify adaptation outcomes and carbon crediting. Identify methodological gaps, data limitations, and applicability challenges relevant to arid and semi-arid ecosystems in Saudi Arabia. 1.2 Climate Co-Benefit & Carbon Crediting Mapping: Define and categorize the types of climate mitigation and adaptation co-benefits relevant to ecosystem restoration in Saudi Arabia (e.g., enhanced ecosystem resilience, reduced land degradation risk, improved soil stability, hydrological benefits). Develop a preliminary typology matrix with proposed co-benefit categories and linkages to restoration actions, including carbon-related metrics that may serve as supporting information for adaptation-focused assessments, but also eligibility of carbon credits generated be it for the formal UN certification process under UNFCCC, the national carbon credit program or any voluntary carbon credit certification system. 1.3 Data and Evidence Inventory: Identify and compile national datasets, scientific studies, monitoring systems, and remote-sensing sources that can support measurement of the adaptation and mitigation co-benefits. Assess data quality, scale, gaps, and relevance. Propose measurable adaptation-focused indicators that can be supported by the available evidence base for different Saudi ecosystems ensuring the use of carbon-related metrics as supporting variables. 1.4 Draft Methodological Approach: Propose a structured methodology integrating data requirements and parameters necessary for carbon credit and climate co-benefit modeling, linking biophysical, ecological, and socio-economic data, and aligning with national and recognized international standards. 1.5 Prepare an inception report detailing the outcomes of the above tasks combined with a work plan necessary for completing the climate co-benefits framework, including the subsequent tasks illustrated below. 2. Development of Climate Co-Benefits and Carbon Crediting Framework 2.1 Develop the conceptual framework based on the findings illustrated in the above tasks. Prepare standardized data sheets, calculation templates, and guidance tools to support future application of the framework in national and regional restoration projects and carbon crediting/financing. 2.2 Propose standard operating procedures for generating, collecting and recording data on co-benefits and quality control/assurance mechanism to ensure the data integrity and governance. 2.3 Prepare and deliver virtual/in person consultation meetings with national/regional experts to present initial findings, test methodological assumptions, and gather technical feedback. 3.Final Climate Co-Benefits and Carbon Crediting Framework 3.1 Refine and finalize the full Climate Co-Benefits and Carbon Crediting Framework, in consultation with UNEP and NCVC, incorporating all comments and technical feedback. 3.2 Submit a final version ready for use in restoration projects, including a detailed operational manual. 3.3 Submit final project report Qualifications/special skillsMaster’s degree or equivalent in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Ecology, Environmental Economics, Natural Resource Management, or a related field is required. Minimum of 10 years of experience in environmental engineering, environmental economy, or related field, is required. Proven experience in developing or applying climate co-benefits assessment frameworks for land and water ecosystems, environmental restoration projects and related carbon emissions and crediting is required. Experience in leading capacity-building or knowledge-sharing activities with government counterparts, technical institutions, or regional stakeholders is required. Experience in multistakeholder engagement and developing technical analytical reports is required. Knowledge of environmental and economic issues in West Asia is required. Experience in working with international organizations, government agencies, or funding institutions, is an asset. LanguagesEnglish is required and Arabic is an asset. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE 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.