Marine Protected Area Technical Consultant
Organizational Context
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority. This role supports the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA) project, which aims to accelerate the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework's 30x30 Target by promoting ocean-based conservation actions in the East Asian Seas region.
Job Purpose
This assignment requires substantial policy, governance, and sustainability expertise to support marine protected areas (MPAs) and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) at regional and national levels. The role contributes to the COBSEA project, enhancing the science-policy interface and promoting ocean-based conservation actions to meet biodiversity targets. The consultant will ensure the technical soundness of project deliverables, develop a sustainability plan for the MPA/OECM regional network, and facilitate national and regional consultations, training, and workshops to achieve the project's objectives within the East Asian Seas region.
Responsibilities
Provide policy, governance, and sustainability expertise for marine protected areas (MPAs) and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) at regional and national levels. Support the direct implementation of the COBSEA project, ensuring the relevance, quality, and equitability of project outputs. Oversee the project planning and technical execution related to MPAs and OECMs. Ensure the technical soundness of deliverables for national projects in Cambodia and the Philippines. Develop a regional network sustainability plan for MPAs and OECMs, including resource mobilization and project design. Prepare and implement national and regional consultations, training, capacity-building initiatives, and workshops.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of professional experience in marine and coastal environmental issues is required. Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement and coordination with government agencies, development partners, and CSOs is necessary. Proficiency in project planning, monitoring, and evaluation tools is required. Experience with MPAs and OECMs, preferably in the East Asian Seas region, is desirable.
Skills
Policy, governance, and sustainability expertise in MPAs and OECMs. Project planning, monitoring, and evaluation. Stakeholder engagement and coordination. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Analytical and problem-solving capabilities. Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities. Results-driven and proactive.