Join UNEP as a Consultant for Mainstreaming Biodiversity: Hybrid Role up to 11 Months

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is seeking a consultant to support the mainstreaming of biodiversity into various sectors. This role involves preparing structured outputs in advance of key meetings, analyzing biodiversity integration in national reports, and providing logistical and technical support during major global events, including the Subsidiary Body on Implementation and the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17).

Job Opening ID: 266005
Location: Hybrid (Montreal-based, Eastern Time Zone)
Department/Office: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Contract Type: Consultant (CON)
Duration: 11 months
Application Deadline: 30 October 2025

Expected Results / Deliverables

The consultant will be responsible for ensuring that:

• A progress report on biodiversity mainstreaming is prepared in a timely manner ahead of relevant meetings.
• A structured overview of mainstreaming elements is submitted prior to the Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI) sessions.
• Full support is provided for meetings of the SBI and COP17.
• Parallel events at COP17 are successfully organized and executed.

Duties and Responsibilities

The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

• Develop a structured progress report and briefing materials on biodiversity mainstreaming.
• Analyze national biodiversity reports to extract mainstreaming content for the Global Review.
• Assist in planning and logistical support for the seventh meeting of the SBI (August 2026).
• Support technical and coordination efforts for COP17 (October 2026), including parallel side events.
• Draft high-quality policy documents, meeting minutes, and communication materials.

Qualifications and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in international relations, environmental policy, or a related discipline is required.
• Interdisciplinary education across environmental, social, or economic fields is highly desirable.
• A first-level degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree

Experience:

• Minimum two years of professional experience in environmental policy development, particularly natural resource or ecosystem management, is required.
• Previous experience working in international organizations, especially with the UN or Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), is desirable.
• Background in biodiversity mainstreaming, environmental economics, or business-environment linkages is an asset.

Skills:

• Proven ability to plan, organize, and support international meetings.
• Strong drafting skills for a variety of audiences (e.g., policy briefs, technical reports, meeting summaries).
• Excellent interpersonal and team collaboration abilities.

Competencies:

• Communication: Clearly conveys information and ideas, both verbally and in writing.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues across disciplines and cultures.
• Planning and Organizing: Prioritizes tasks and delivers within tight deadlines.

Languages

• Fluency in oral and written English is required.
• Knowledge of additional UN languages, especially French, is considered desirable.

Work Location and Schedule

• The consultant must be based in Montreal or in a time zone closely aligned with Eastern Time (GMT-5).
• The role is hybrid, with flexibility to work remotely but must ensure overlap with working hours of the Secretariat.
• Travel may be required, particularly for participation in SBI-7 and COP17 events

Additional Information

• No application fee is required. The United Nations does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process, nor does it collect financial information such as bank account details from applicants.
• Selected candidates will be contacted directly. Due to the high volume of applications, only short-listed applicants will be notified.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application via the United Nations Careers Portal by 30 October 2025. Early submission is encouraged due to the rolling review of applications.

For more information, visit: UN Careers Portal