Marine Protected Area Technical Consultant

The objective of this assignment is to provide substantial policy, governance and sustainability expertise on marine protected areas, regional networks and other effective area-based conservation measures at regional and national levels.

Remote/Home-based

12 months

The 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. Its frontline Target 3 aims to Conserve 30% of Land, Waters and Seas, including accelerating Marine Protected Areas (MPA) and the recognition of other effective area-based conservation measures (OECM) to achieve such targets. The East Asian Seas region consists of one of the most biologically diverse marine areas in the world and their ecosystems services constitute a critically important blue economy asset to the region. However, pressures from human activities and climate change pose significant challenges to the coastal and marine environment, dependent people and economic activities. Policy and management responses that address current pressures while anticipating future change is critical to meet global, regional and national ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation targets. The Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA) is a regional intergovernmental policy forum and the sole decision-making body for the Action Plan for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment and Coastal Areas of the East Asian Region (the East Asian Seas Action Plan) . The East Asian Seas Action Plan envisages implementation of integrated marine and coastal management in order to conserve biodiversity and maintain productivity. Further to this, the COBSEA Strategic Directions 2023-2027 includes a theme on marine and coastal biodiversity, ecosystem conservation and management, which 1) indicates for COBSEA to support in the establishment of MPAs, including network of MPAs, in order to conserve biodiversity and maintain productivity, and 2) recognize OECMs as an alternative means of conserving biodiversity and managing marine and coastal ecosystems. The COBSEA Marine and Coastal Ecosystems (MCE) Framework and the biennial workplan for the implementation of the MCE Framework 2025-2026 also indicated for COBSEA to explore opportunities for achieving Target 3 through MPAs and OECMs. To achieve these mandates, together with the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), COBSEA is implementing the project “Science-Policy Interface, Action and Regional Management: Strengthening and Implementing NBSAPs through Enhanced Cooperation on Ocean-Based Conservation in Asia and the Pacific” (hereafter “the Project”) funded by the Kunming Biodiversity Fund (KBF). This Project aims at accelerating the implementation of the 30x30 Target of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework by promoting the integration and achievement of ocean-based actions in National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAPs). This will be achieved through tailor-made measures to strengthen the science-policy interface, on-the-ground actions to effectively support implementation in Cambodia and the Philippines, and the establishment of a regional network to share knowledge and scale up ocean-based actions. Under the direct supervision of the Marine and Coastal Ecosystems Lead and overall guidance of the COBSEA Coordinator, in liaison with the counterparts at UN ESCAP, the MPA Technical Consultant supports the substantial implementation of the Project, ensuring relevance, quality, and equitability of project outputs. The contractor will be home-based with part-time basis and he/she will perform the following: • Project planning and technical execution of the project and all matters related to MPA and OECM. • Ensure technical soundness of deliverables and outputs for the national projects of Cambodia and the Philippines • Development of MPA/OECM regional network sustainability plan, including resources mobilization and project design. • Preparation and implementation of national and regional consultations, training, capacity building initiatives, and workshops.

A university degree in environmental science, natural resource management, sustainable development public administration, business administration, or a related field, is required. A master’s degree is highly desirable. • Minimum of five years professional experience in marine and coastal environmental issue is required; • Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement and coordination, including working with government agencies, development partners, and CSOs is required. • Proficiency in project planning, monitoring, and evaluation tools is required. • Working experience in a multicultural environment including United Nations is desirable. • Experience of Marine Protected Areas and Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures, preferably in the East Asian Seas region is desirable. • Experience in facilitating / conducting knowledge sharing, learning exchange, and/or interactive lectures is desirable. • Previous involvement in and knowledge of COBSEA’s work is desirable. SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS: • Proficiency in project planning, monitoring, and evaluation tools is required. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with fluency in spoken and written English is required. • Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities effectively is required. • Results-driven and proactive, with a commitment to achieving high-quality outcomes is required. • Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with attention to detail and adaptability to challenges is required

Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other either Khmer or Filipino is an advantage.

Not available.

THE 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.