Biodiversity Analyst

Background

UNDP's Country Office in Tajikistan (UNDP CO) is active since 1994 and guided in its work by the Country Programme Document, which in turn builds upon the Sustainable Development Goals. UNDP has made a significant contribution to developing the National Development Strategy with an outline of policies and investments necessary to reach the SDGs on time by 2030. Together with the Government of Tajikistan, civil society and the people of Tajikistan, UNDP works towards identifying local solutions to global and national development challenges. Our main focus is reaching sustainable development by enhancing accountability of the current governance system, mitigating natural disaster threats, contributing to environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation. 

In particular, with regard to biodiversity conservation, UNDP's Country Office in Tajikistan is currently supporting the country’s National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan (NBSAP) update in alignment with the post-2020 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the preparation of the 7^th National Report (7NR) on the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). This support is provided through the NBSAP revision portfolio, which includes the Umbrella Programme to Support Development of Biodiversity Finance Plans, Global Biodiversity Framework Early Action Support Project, and Umbrella Programme to Support NBSAP Update and the 7th National Reports.

The NBSAPs play a crucial role in addressing development challenges related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. These plans aim to protect and sustainably manage biodiversity and ecosystems while addressing the underlying causes and immediate threats to biodiversity loss. Tajikistan’s previous NBSAP covered the period up to 2020, aligning with the timeline for the Aichi Targets and the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity until 2020. With the conclusion of the Strategic Plan period, the country is required to update its NBSAP in line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. At the same time, pursuant to CBD Decision 15/6 and CBD Decision 16/32, countries, including Tajikistan, have committed to submitting their Seventh National Report to the CBD by 28 February 2026. 

The GEF-financed Umbrella Programme to Support NBSAP Update, and the 7th National Reports is specifically designed to provide dedicated financial and technical assistance to 139 developing countries, including Tajikistan, in updating their NBSAPs aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and preparing their 7th National Reports to the CBD. The support provided through this Programme also aims to assist countries in fostering cooperation and coordination among different sectors and stakeholders, including, and not limited to, civil society organizations, private sector, academia, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities, to ensure their effective participation in and contribution to the NBSAP revision and reporting process.

Under the Programme’s national component, the Project Biodiversity Analyst is expected to ensure effective coordination of project interventions with responsible national institutions under the guidance of the National Steering Committee, as well as to provide dedicated technical advice and oversight for the revision and updating of Tajikistan’s NBSAP and the preparation of the 7th National Report to the CBD.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Biodiversity Analyst will be responsible for the dedicated technical guidance to, and oversight over, the revision/update of the country’s NBSAP and preparation of the 7 National Report to the CBD.  The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the UNDP Programme Specialist on Climate Change, Energy and Environment, and in close coordination by the UNDP Global Project Management and Technical Support Unit (GPMTSU) to ensure implementation mechanisms and technical working groups are established and meet regularly, team of national experts secures and that all planned workshops, technical studies and other activities are organised in a timely manner, and that they meet expected quality standards. 

He/she is expected to provide necessary technical expertise in assuring horizontal integration and consistency of workstreams and studies, as well as advisory services and quality assurance of national products and processes throughout the duration of the national project component, in close coordination with the National Steering Committee for this programme. 

Technical Guidance: 

• Identify relevant stakeholders and partner organizations for developing various elements of the NBSAP and the 7NR.
• Prepare and validate with the CO/GPMTSU the Terms of Reference for thematic consultants and experts, as well as procurement of services and/or programmatic tools as needed. Follow up on the procurement cases and provide necessary information that may be required for the Programme/Operations in this regard. 
• Oversee, guide, and provide technical support to project experts reviewing key thematic areas in the NBSAP and developing the 7NR to ensure coherence between the current programme and the progress achieved through the GEF-7 Early Action Support Project.
• Assess existing gaps in data, institutional monitoring systems, and frameworks related to biodiversity and the specific targets and indicators within the NBSAP.
• Support literature reviews, knowledge management activities, compilation of information, and data gathering on pertinent topics, including biodiversity and ecosystems within national, local, and international contexts, and sustainable development.
• Support the development of plans aimed at strengthening national monitoring systems to effectively respond to the updated national targets, the GBF, and its monitoring framework.
• Provide technical guidance and quality assurance for reviewing national policies, ensuring alignment with the new GBF through a whole-of-government approach. 
• Oversee the development of reports, policy recommendations, and tools related to targets within the post-2020 GBF and their updates, ensuring coherence with and building upon the outcomes of the GEF-7 Early Action Support project, including the GBF-aligned national biodiversity targets, expert reports, assessments, and early stakeholder engagement processes.
• Ensure technical support and quality assurance throughout the development of the NBSAP and 7NR, including review of drafts, guidance on consultations, quality assurance of the final versions, and assistance with their national validation and submission to the CBD. Provide necessary information, inputs, and technical assistance to the government to facilitate the national validation of both documents.
• Liaise with the GPMTSU and the CBD Secretariat to mediate and facilitate support to responsible government authority/CBD National Focal Point (CBD NFP) regarding submission procedures for the 7NR and the NBSAP, including technical issues. 
• Ensure gender considerations are comprehensively integrated into the development processes of the NBSAP and 7NR, addressing gender-specific impacts and promoting inclusive participation, in alignment with relevant national and international guidelines.

Project implementation support:

• Coordinate the planning and implementation of project activities in line with the project framework, including providing inputs to draft work plans.
• Serve as the primary reviewer for deliverables produced by project experts and contracted entities to ensure compliance with required quality standards. Assist in monitoring the performance and outputs of project experts and contracted companies/NGOs/entities.
• Maintain regular communication with the Committee for Environmental Protection, the National Biodiversity and Biosafety Centre, and other relevant national stakeholders to facilitate the timely development and completion of reports and project deliverables. Ensure effective engagement and leadership by national government counterparts and the CBD National Focal Point (CBD NFP) – including through the strategic guidance and oversight of the National Steering Committee - fostering strong national ownership of project outcomes. 
• Ensure government leadership of the process by supporting the regular convening of the National Steering Committee and developing comprehensive meeting reports for distribution to the Steering Committee, UNDP CO, and GPMTSU. Provide timely, detailed, and accurate information to support informed decision-making by Project Board members. 
• Facilitate communication with key project partners, including the CBD Secretariat. Provide necessary inputs and information for various CBD reporting requirements requested from the Government of Tajikistan, assisting the country in fulfilling these obligations.
• Organize regular meetings of the national team and coordinate routine calls with the relevant Technical Advisor/ GPMTSU. Ensure participation of national team members in regional technical calls as needed or requested. Act as the primary technical liaison with the GPMTSU on all technical matters related to the preparation of the 7NR and the update of NBSAP.

Reporting/M&E/Communication:

• Ensure effective coordination and exchange with the GEF-7 Early Action Support and BIOFIN support programmes to align activities across interconnected interventions, complementing the national NBSAP revision process and achieving cohesive outcomes.
• Facilitate integration of project processes and products with relevant national biodiversity planning and financial mechanisms, including NBSAP updates and implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework.
• Prepare timely implementation reports on biodiversity portfolio activities for the GPMTSU, UNDP Country Office, Steering Committee members, and project partners.
• Contribute to project-level monitoring and reporting against relevant NBSAP indicators and GEF core indicators, as aligned in the project Results Framework.
• Support comprehensive project and programme reporting, including but not limited to contributions to global GEF Project Implementation Reports (PIRs), Annual Project Reports (APRs), Results-Oriented Annual Reports (ROARs), and inputs required for reporting to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), Integrated Results and Resources Framework (IRRF), updates for the Results Group on Environment and Development Coordination Councils meetings (DCC), and any other reports/information/updates requested by GPMTSU, UNDP Regional Bureau for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (RBEC), and the Country Office.
• Provide inputs and necessary updates on project progress, risks, and Social and Environmental Standards Procedure (SESP) considerations to the UNDP Country Office and/or GPMTSU as required.
• Maintain strong cooperation and coordination with national counterparts, project partners, donor community, international financial institutions, and the private sector.
• Engage intensively with all project stakeholders and related initiatives to maximize the impact of UNDP interventions towards achieving outcomes outlined in the UNDP Country Programme Document (2022-2026).
• Participate in identification and mobilizing new partnerships and resources, promoting resource blending to scale impact. Support the Country Office in identifying biodiversity conservation priorities for the subsequent programming cycle beyond 2026 and contribute inputs to biodiversity-related resource mobilization efforts.
• Contribute to the creation of high-quality knowledge products and ensure visibility of project activities and outcomes.
• Promote sharing of project best practices and lessons learned through national and regional platforms.
• Collaborate closely with UNDP staff and partner organizations to document and disseminate project lessons via case studies, the NBSAP Forum, and UNDP/governmental websites, and other platforms as appropriate.
• Draft initial inputs for press releases, talking points, PowerPoint presentations, social media content, blogs, video messages, and other communication materials related to capacity-building activities, including text, photos, and photo essays.

The incumbent performs other duties within his/her functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

The Project Biodiversity Analyst will be based in Dushanbe. Within his/her role the incumbent will facilitate and coordinate the achievement of expected project results by providing technical expertise and guidance to the project consultants and national teams for the implementation of relevant activities. The Project Biodiversity Analyst will serve as the primary technical liaison between project consultants and national counterparts, including the Committee for Environmental Protection and its National Biodiversity and Biosafety Center, to ensure a government-led approach to national alignment and reporting processes. Along with that, he/she will ensure that the project interventions are closely coordinated with and complement the other UNDP-implemented NBSAP revision initiatives, including the GEF-7 GBF EAS and the GEF-8 BIOFIN programmes. 

The Project Biodiversity Analyst will be accountable and report to the Project Lead and will work under overall guidance of the UNDP Programme Specialist on Climate Change, Energy and Environment, and the Programme Analyst on Climate Change, Energy and Environment. The Global Umbrella Programme will be supported by a GPMTSU.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements 
• Learn Continuously:  LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible 
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
• Engage and Partner:  LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination 

Cross-functional Competencies:

• Nature:
  • National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans- NBSAPs
  • Ecosystems and Biodiversity Programme: Biodiversity Mainstreaming
• Results-based Management:
  • Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. 
  • Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.
• System Thinking:
  • Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system
• Strategic engagement:          
  • Ability to capture and sustain attention, interest and agreement of high-level, influential policy and decision makers and secure their buy-in of high-level vision and objectives
• Relationship management:
  • Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding.
• Knowledge generation:
  • Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. 
  • Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. 
  • Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) from a recognized university/institution in Environment/Natural Resource Management, Biodiversity, Political Studies, Social/Humanitarian Science or related field is required, or;
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) from the recognized university/institution in Environment/Natural Resource Management, Biodiversity, Political Studies, Social/Humanitarian Sciences or related disciplines in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the Master’s degree.

Experience:

• Applicants with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant filed of study are not required to have professional work experience. 
• Applicants with a Bachelor's degree(or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in the field of biodiversity ecosystem conservation, protected areas, nature protection/ecology, or other related fields.

Required skills:

• Knowledge of key software packages (MS Office).

Desired skills:

• Experience in leading the development of multi-stakeholder initiatives that promote national socio-environmental policies and strategies.
• Experience in coordination, direction and management of projects for the governmental sector or international cooperation.
• Experience in gathering and processing data and information.
• At least 5 years of experience in multi-stakeholder initiatives promoting national socio-environmental policies and strategies.
• Experience in working with Government and a wide range of donors, the UN, international organizations, and/or civil society.
• Experience in implementing biodiversity mainstreaming projects.
• Experience in Tajikistan biodiversity conservation and/or sustainable use programs or projects. 
• Experience in analysis, research in the field of ecology, environment protection, sustainable resource management.

Language(s):

• Fluency in English, Tajik and Russian is required. 

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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