Technical Specialist - Environmental (Environmental Policy) at the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.  Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Technical Specialist - Environmental (Environmental Policy)

Vacancy code: VA/2025/B5004/29740
Location: Nigeria
Job type: Contract
Contract type: International ICA
Contract duration: Ongoing contract (subject to good performance, availability of funds, organizational requirements and project duration)
Level: ICS-10
Department: GPO, NYPO, Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio
Job Categories: Environment

Job Summary

• This is a position to support a project which UNOPS is implementing for the United Nations Development Programme. 
• The incumbent of this position will be personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.

Functional Responsibilities

• UNOPS is seeking the support of a Technical Specialist - Environmental (Environmental Policy) to advance the Global Programme on Nature for Development’s work to support governments to use spatial data and systematic conservation planning in their efforts to plan, implement, monitor, and report on their commitments to the Convention on Biological Diversity, the other Rio Conventions, and the nature-based elements of the UN 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development. 
• The goal of the assignment is to provide GIS and coding support, contribute to the development of technical documents, guidance materials, and other related resources for the UN Biodiversity Lab and a variety of projects and initiatives that bring together the world’s governments, UN agencies, and leading scientists to develop and implement approaches around the globe to identify where nature-based actions to protect, manage, or restore biodiversity and ecosystems can more effectively and efficiently meet national commitments and priorities for biodiversity, climate, and sustainable development.

Duties and Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Senior Technical Manager the duties and responsibilities include:

• Customize guidance briefs to address sector-specific challenges (e.g., agriculture, water resources, urban planning).
• Develop simplified versions of guidance materials for community-level stakeholders.
• Incorporate global best practices and lessons learned from other countries by implementing nature-based solutions.
• Conduct comparative analyses of nature-based solutions policies across different countries to identify best practices.
• Provide technical support to government agencies in updating biodiversity and climate-related policies.
• Develop policy alignment matrices to assess coherence between national strategies and international frameworks.
• Create a centralized database to track key policy developments and their impact on nature-based solutions.
• Develop data visualization tools to make policy analysis findings more accessible to stakeholders.
• Conduct scenario modeling to assess the long-term impact of different policy options on biodiversity and climate resilience.
• Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of nature-based solutions-related policies over time.
• Map nature-based solutions commitments in the NDCs against implementation gaps and propose targeted actions.
• Support the inclusion of measurable nature-based solutions indicators in future NDC updates.
• Coordinate with sectoral ministries to mainstream nature-based solutions into sectoral climate strategies.
• Provide technical input for the country’s NDC progress reports to international climate bodies.
• Establish an online community of practice for nature-based solutions practitioners to exchange knowledge and experiences.
• Develop thematic reports summarizing nature-based solutions trends and emerging issues.
• Organize annual conferences or forums to showcase national and international nature-based solutions success stories.

Education / Experience / Language Requirements
Education:

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent)  preferably in Environmental Management/Sciences, Development Studies, Sustainable Development, International Relations, or Research around topics prioritized by the Global Programme on Nature for Development with five (5) years of relevant experience is required; OR 
• A first level university degree (Bachelor's degree)  preferably in environmental management/sciences, development studies, sustainable development, international relations, or research around topics prioritized by the Global Programme on Nature for Development with seven (7) years of relevant experience is desirable.

Work Experience and skills:

• Relevant experience is defined as  work or academic experience, preferably in at least one of the following topics at a conceptual and/or practical level: international environmental policy, natural resource management, biodiversity/climate change. 

Language:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Fluency in a second official UN language is desired.

Competencies:

• Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)
• Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
• Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
• Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
• Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
• Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
• Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
• Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Application Closing Date
2nd March,2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.
• UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
• Candidates with no united nations or unops experience are strongly encouraged to apply
• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.