Ocean-based Climate Action Expert

Result of ServiceThe objective of this assignment will be COBSEA Regional Report summarizing survey findings and providing policy recommendations, with targeted guidance for three selected countries to strengthen their reporting and actions on ocean-based climate mitigation and adaptation. The final report will be shared with COBSEA participating countries through the COBSEA Working Group on Marine and Coastal Ecosystems and the next Intergovernmental Meeting of COBSEA. Work LocationRemote/Home-based Expected duration3 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe 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. In December 2022, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) was adopted under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), encouraging countries to update their national biodiversity targets. The East Asian Seas region harbours some of the world's most significant blue carbon ecosystems, including mangroves, seagrasses, and tidal marshes, which serve as vital ocean carbon sinks. However, increasing pressures from climate change and human activities are undermining the health and resilience of these ecosystems. Strengthening policy and management responses to safeguard and restore these systems is essential to support both biodiversity and climate action. The Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA) functions as the regional intergovernmental mechanism and sole decision-making authority under the East Asian Seas Action Plan.1 This plan promotes integrated coastal and marine management to conserve biodiversity and sustain productivity. The COBSEA Strategic Directions 2023–2027 further emphasize climate action as one of the three pillars, 2 with a focus on enhancing the role of marine and coastal ecosystems in climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience through Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA). KMGBF Target 8 specifically addresses minimizing the impacts of climate change on biodiversity and underscores the importance of ecosystem-based approaches. It highlights the critical role of coastal ecosystems in climate regulation and biodiversity protection. However, many countries require additional policy guidance and technical support to reflect this in their 7th National Reports to the CBD Secretariat. Under the supervision of Mahesh Pradhan, the COBSEA Coordinator in collaboration with COBSEA Marine and Coastal Ecosystems Lead, Margarita Victoria Caballa, the consultant will develop the policy paper on ocean-based climate action in the East Asian Seas: i) Review the relevant national climate-biodiversity documents of all nine COBSEA participating countries, identifying gaps and opportunities for integrating ocean-based climate action and blue carbon ecosystems in line with Target 8 ii) Develop a COBSEA Regional Report on the status of blue carbon ecosystems and the integration of ocean-based climate action in the 7th National Reports across all COBSEA countries, including key recommendations for improved alignment with KMGBF Target 8 iii) Provide direct technical support and guidance to at least two COBSEA participating countries to enhance the integration of ocean-based climate action into their 7th National Reports and related policy processes Qualifications/special skillsMaster’s degree in environmental sciences, natural resource management or equivalent is required. A first level degree with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of Master’s degree. • Minimum of 5 years of experience in marine and coastal environment issues with a focus on climate change, blue carbon ecosystems, or Nature-based Solutions is required. • Experience working on climate-biodiversity policy integration, such as contributions to National Reports under the CBD, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), or National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), preferably in the East Asian Seas region is required. • Experience and in-depth understanding of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Convention Biological Diversity is required. • Experience in facilitating, conducting meetings, interviews, and country support, working a wide range of stakeholders. is required. • Working experience in a multicultural environment including United Nations would be an asset. • Previous involvement in and knowledge of COBSEA’s work is desirable. SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS: • In-depth knowledge about the East Asian Seas region including national policy/legislative frameworks and processes • Detailed understanding of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and NBSAP processes • Good written and oral communications skills • Good facilitation skills • Excellent analytical skills LanguagesFluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other languages from the East Asian Seas region is an advantage. 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.