High-Level Strategic Advisor – NBSAP Accelerator Partnership

As a result of the service, it is expected that the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership is strategically positioned to strengthen its political visibility, resource mobilization and global partnerships in support of accelerated implementation of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans. Through enhanced political engagement and strategic advice, the Partnership strengthens its influence among governments, donors and international organizations, contributing to successful preparations for CBD COP17 and the next phase of implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Remote

5 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. 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. UNEP’s Ecosystems Division engages with governments and other partners to develop and promote ecosystem-based solutions for sustainable development. This assignment is in the Nature Frameworks Support Unit of the Biodiversity and Land Branch, Ecosystems Division. The NBSAP Accelerator Partnership is a country-led initiative established in 2022 during the CBD COP 15 and supports countries in accelerating the implementation of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans to collectively achieve the goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework by 2030 and advance the global vision of living in harmony with nature by 2050. The NBSAP Accelerator Partnership provides: • A flexible, global matchmaking platform to harness financial and non-financial resources knowledge. • In-country facilitators embedded in government to enhance national and local capacities and promote Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society efforts for the implementation of NBSAPs. • Working together with partner countries to raise the profile of NBSAPs in domestic policy- and decision-making. • Working Access to knowledge and best practices, promoting mutual learning and supporting the production of national information and strengthening national monitoring systems and provide CBD Parties with the necessary tools for accelerated NBSAP implementation. The NBSAP Accelerator Partnership has a secretariat, the Global Coordination Unit (GCU), which is comprised of staff recruited through or allocated by the Secretariat of the CBD, UNDP and UNEP, and which provides a neutral space for access and matching of financial resources, technical assistance and knowledge, promoting greater transparency and coherence between donors and across sectors. The High-Level Strategic Advisor will provide high-level political engagement, advocacy, and partnership development to elevate the implementation of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) globally. The role will serve as a senior representative of the Accelerator, engaging with political leaders, funding partners, and global stakeholders to strengthen visibility, mobilize support, and promote benefits of the Partnership for its members. The High-Level Strategic Advisor will strengthen the political profile of the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership by providing strategic advice on political engagement, partnerships and resource mobilization, while supporting the Steering Committee and the Global Coordination Unit in identifying and advancing high-level political priorities and opportunities, particularly in the lead-up to CBD COP17. Under the overall supervision of the Head of the Nature Frameworks Support Unit and in close coordination with the Global Coordinator of the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership, the consultant will provide strategic advisory services to strengthen the political positioning, partnerships, advocacy and resource mobilization of the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership. The consultant will undertake the following assignments: 1. Strategic Political Engagement • Provide strategic advice to the Global Coordination Unit and Co-Chairs on political priorities, opportunities and engagement strategies to advance implementation of the KMGBF. • Prepare ministerial dialogues, Steering Committee meetings, high-level bilateral engagements and international biodiversity events. • Identify emerging political opportunities and advise on approaches to strengthen country ownership and political commitment for NBSAP implementation. • Represent the Partnership, as requested, during selected high-level meetings, consultations and international events. 2. Strategic Advisory Role • Provide high-level strategic advice to the GCU to ensure alignment between political engagement, resource mobilization efforts, and the Accelerator’s operational delivery. • Guide the GCU in preparing for high-level engagements, including Steering Committee meetings, ministerial dialogues and global events during COPs. • Provide strategic advice to the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership and its members on the political economy and opportunities for advancing NBSAP implementation. • Offer insight on positioning, stakeholder engagement, and global advocacy strategies. • Contribute to strengthening coherence and alignment across the Accelerator’s efforts at the global level. • Guide the GCU in preparing for high-level engagements, including Steering Committee meetings, ministerial dialogues, and global events, ensuring coherence in messaging, positioning, and expected outcomes. • Work closely with Co-Chairs to steer high-level engagements, including contributing to Steering Committee discussions and outcomes. • Represent the GCU and the Accelerator in high-level discussions, side-events and bilaterals with (potential) donors. • Provide political leadership for the Partnership by offering strategic guidance to the GCU leadership, including the Senior Programme Coordinator, on priorities and timelines. • Report periodically to the co-chairs and the Steering Committee for strong alignment. 3. Partnership & Resource Mobilisation • Closely engage with the Accelerator members and supporters, as well as donors for deepening their engagement and expansion of the partnership. • Lead and engage with broader partners including potential traditional and non-traditional donors to solicit their support for strengthening the Accelerator, in particular, to secure long-term funding, including resources for the matchmaking mechanism of the Accelerator. • Foster strategic relationships with traditional and non-traditional partners. • Open political and institutional pathways to enable scaled support for NBSAP implementation.

An advanced university degree in biodiversity conservation, international development, environmental science, economics, management or behavioral sciences or closely related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in establishment of inter-relationships among international organizations and national governments, preferably in the context of international biodiversity conservation, Environmental Management, national biodiversity policy, planning and implementation, or partnership building processes is required At least five (5) years of managing and coordinating international programmes in environment-related fields, building strategic alliances and partnerships and/or resource mobilization is required. A track record of international experience in the implementation of Multilateral Environment Agreements or related activities is desirable. Strong track record in raising funds for international initiatives is desirable.

Required knowledge of languages: Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Working knowledge of another UN language is an advantage, particularly Spanish or German.

Not available.