REDD+ Safeguards and Benefit-Sharing Specialist

Result of ServiceTwelve (12) months contract. Comply with 40 hours per week. Each payment will be disbursed upon timely delivery of monthly activity reports duly approved by the UNEP Programme Management Officer UN-REDD and CMU Regional Coordinator for the Latin America and Caribbean Office. The mid and final payment will require an interim and final review duly approved by the UNEP Programme Management Officer UN-REDD and CMU Regional Coordinator for the Latin America and Caribbean Office and the Regional Director. The Consultant will work in close coordination with the UNEP Programme Management Officer UN-REDD and CMU Regional Coordinator for the Latin America and Caribbean Office in safeguards, benefit-sharing and other legal and policy aspects, as well as KM and capacity-building activities related to REDD+ on these topics in, to bolster UNEP’s role within the UN-REDD Programme in LAC. Additionally, the Consultant will contribute to strengthening the UNEP LAC team by providing technical input, reports, knowledge management and others related to the UNEP’s role within the UN-REDD Programme. Working in close collaboration with the UNEP LAC Climate Mitigation Unit Team and Coordinator in the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region, and the global safeguards specialist, the consultant shall perform the following activities: 1. Provision of UN-REDD Technical Guidance on Safeguards and Benefit-Sharing in LAC 1.1. Design and plan the annual technical assistance (TA) workplans for partner countries in LAC. 1.2. Provide technical inputs to bolster the implementation of REDD+ safeguards, legal aspects and benefit-sharing in UN-REDD partner countries in LAC. 1.3. Lead or guide UNEP’s technical assistance in selected countries and themes, including strengthening Safeguards Information Systems (SIS), benefit-sharing arrangements, legal aspects and integrated safeguards approaches. 1.4. Contribute to the UNEP project team in the recruitment of consultants for UN-REDD technical work, including drafting ToRs, participating in selection processes and follow-up. Participate in and collaborate with the planning and execution of country missions and dialogues related to REDD+ safeguards, benefit-sharing and legal and policy aspects related. 2. Knowledge Management, Reporting and Events on Safeguards and Integrity 2.1. Bolster the development and dissemination of knowledge products, technical guidance, and training materials related to REDD+ safeguards, legal aspects and benefit-sharing. 2.2. Contribute to UNEP’s reporting obligations (UNEP internal, UN-REDD Secretariat, WCMC, donors), including coordination with FAO, UNDP and national counterparts. 2.3. Provide technical inputs for the design and delivery of workshops, webinars and training sessions in LAC. 2.4. Contribute to the organization of UNEP-led events in the region, such as the UN-REDD Working Group on Safeguards and Integrity. 2.5. Engage in advocacy and capacity-building activities linked to environmental and social integrity in REDD+ actions. 2.6. Participate, as needed, in international or regional programme meetings, workshops, and other knowledge exchange platforms. Work LocationPanama City Expected duration12 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. 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. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, works closely with the 33 countries of the region and its activities are integrated into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) face significant challenges related to deforestation and forest degradation, and achieving climate and biodiversity targets. Sustainable finance and investment are needed to scale up forest and climate protection efforts, with robust environmental and social safeguards. UNEP provides technical support to LAC countries on safeguards, financial innovation, inclusion and gender approach for REDD+, as well as expert knowledge management (KM), advocacy, communications, and finance efforts to help address these challenges. UNEP LACO requires additional guidance under the form of a consultant to contribute to the Climate Mitigation Unit (CMU) in safeguards, benefit-sharing and other legal and policy aspects, as well as KM and capacity-building activities related to REDD+ on these topics in, to bolster the UNEP’s role within the UN-REDD Programme in LAC (hereinafter the “Programme”). This consultancy will strengthen the capacity of LAC countries through targeted technical advice, knowledge creation, and strategic input with a focus on social and environmental aspects. The consultant will work closely with the UNEP LACO team, providing technicalinput , knowledge-sharing, advocacy, and communication efforts for REDD+ processes in LAC countries. The consultant will report to the UNEP Programme Management Officer UN-REDD and CMU Regional Coordinator for the Latin America and Caribbean Office. The consultant will work at the UNEP LAC Office, located in Panama City, Panama, his/her work schedule will be 40 hours per week, full-time, Monday to Friday and will require exclusive dedication. Qualifications/special skills• Bachelor’s degree in environmental management, economics, administration, social sciences or a closely related field is required. • Master’s degree in environmental management, economics, administration, social sciences or a closely related field is desired. • Four (4) years of experience in projects/programmes related to environment, natural resources, climate change or development is required • At least 2 years of experience in projects/programmes related to REDD+ in LAC is desired • Experience in environmental and social safeguards is desired. Languages• Fluency in Spanish and English is required Additional InformationCOMPETENCIES: PROFESSIONALISM - Ability to identify, analyze, and participate in resolving issues/problems. - Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work, and manage conflicting priorities. - Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. - Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results. - It is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. - Shows persistence when faced with complex problems or challenges. - Remains calm in stressful situations. TEAMWORK - Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. - Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise. - Is willing to learn from others; supports and acts in accordance with a final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect one’s position. - Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING - Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. - Identifies priority activities and assignments. - Adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate time and resources for completing work. - Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. - Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. 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.