Development of a Biodiversity Data Collection Framework for Armenia
Organizational Context
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority, promoting sustainable development and coordinating environmental policy. This role sits within UNEP's Ecosystems Division, specifically the Nature Frameworks Support Unit, which supports the development and implementation of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) globally.
Job Purpose
This consultancy aims to support the Government of Armenia in developing a national biodiversity data collection framework. This framework is crucial for the effective implementation of Armenia's National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) 2026-2030, which aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). The role will involve assessing the current data landscape, identifying gaps and priorities, and proposing solutions to enhance biodiversity data governance, collection, and sharing. The ultimate goal is to transform Armenia's NBSAP monitoring into a dynamic, evidence-driven process, strengthening national capacity and inter-institutional dialogue on biodiversity data.
Responsibilities
The consultant will conduct a comprehensive desk review of international best practices in biodiversity data collection, focusing on GBIF, Darwin Core standards, and national systems of the Czech Republic and Finland. This will be followed by a Biodiversity Data Landscape Assessment mapping Armenia's existing data assets, actors, methodologies, platforms, and standards, including an analysis of data flows and legal/institutional constraints. A Needs and Priorities Assessment will identify critical data gaps and articulate framework requirements. The consultant will also map legal and institutional requirements for the framework and document findings through stakeholder consultations with key data producers and users. Finally, a Phase 2 Roadmap will outline recommendations for a feasibility study.
Work Experience
A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in biodiversity data management, informatics, or environmental monitoring is required, preferably within Armenia or the South Caucasus. Demonstrated familiarity with GBIF, Darwin Core standards, and biodiversity data mobilization processes is essential. Experience in designing or assessing data management systems and conducting stakeholder consultations is also required.
Skills
Biodiversity informatics, environmental science, data management, data standards (Darwin Core), GBIF infrastructure, stakeholder consultation, policy analysis, legal and institutional analysis, knowledge of KMGBF and NBSAP requirements.