Application Deadline
November 27, 2025
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), through the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD), is inviting qualified professionals to apply for the position of Consultant for Mainstreaming Biodiversity. This role is based in Montreal, Canada, and offers an 11-month consultancy opportunity to contribute to the advancement of biodiversity integration across global, national, and sectoral policies. The consultant will play a central role in supporting the Convention on Biological Diversity’s (CBD) efforts to promote the mainstreaming of biodiversity into development planning, production systems, and policy frameworks, helping countries meet the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). About the United Nations Environment Programme UNEP serves as the leading global environmental authority responsible for setting the global environmental agenda and promoting the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development. The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, established following the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, supports the Convention’s three key objectives: Conservation of biological diversity, Sustainable use of its components, and Fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources. With 196 Parties to the Convention, the Secretariat coordinates meetings of the Conference of the Parties (COP), manages the Clearing-House Mechanism (CHM), and liaises with international partners to ensure effective implementation. Role Overview Reporting to the Programme Officer of the BETI Unit under the Science, Society, and Sustainable Futures (SSSF) Division, the Consultant for Mainstreaming Biodiversity will lead and coordinate the Secretariat’s work programme on mainstreaming biodiversity. The consultant will be responsible for synthesizing good practices, fostering knowledge exchange, supporting international meetings, and facilitating cross-sectoral collaboration in line with the goals of the GBF. Key Responsibilities The successful consultant will: Compile and analyze good practices shared by governments, organizations, and stakeholders related to biodiversity mainstreaming, developing a structured overview for dissemination via the Clearing-House Mechanism. Develop and adapt an interactive platform within the Clearing-House Mechanism to enhance the sharing of lessons learned and best practices, with emphasis on GBF Goal D and Targets 14, 15, 18, and 19, as well as the resource mobilization strategy. Facilitate virtual dialogues and knowledge exchanges to foster communities of practice among various stakeholder groups including subnational governments, indigenous peoples, women, youth, private sector actors, NGOs, and financial institutions. Review national biodiversity reports to identify trends, challenges, and gaps in mainstreaming efforts, synthesizing findings to inform the Global Review and related reporting. Prepare progress reports and documentation for consideration by the Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI) in advance of COP17. Support the organization of events at COP17, such as the Business and Biodiversity Forum, Finance and Biodiversity Day, and Action Zone, enhancing stakeholder engagement in biodiversity implementation. Assist in servicing agenda items related to mainstreaming biodiversity during COP and subsidiary meetings. Contribute to communication and outreach activities to promote awareness and visibility of biodiversity mainstreaming initiatives. Undertake additional duties as requested by senior officers and the Executive Secretary. Expected Deliverables The consultant will deliver: A progress report on mainstreaming activities and outcomes ahead of the SBI meeting. A structured overview of mainstreaming practices and solutions to inform COP17 deliberations. Support documentation for parallel events and formal COP agenda items. Analytical inputs into the Global Review of Biodiversity Mainstreaming. Qualifications and Experience Academic Qualifications: An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in international relations, environmental policy, natural resource management, or a related field is required. Interdisciplinary knowledge spanning environmental, social, or economic fields is desirable. A first-level degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Professional Experience: At least two years of relevant professional experience in environmental policy development, natural resource management, or ecosystem management. Experience working with international organizations, particularly within the UN system or the Convention on Biological Diversity, is an advantage. Background in biodiversity mainstreaming, environmental economics, or private sector engagement is desirable. Skills: Strong organizational, analytical, and planning abilities. Proven skills in drafting policy documents, technical reports, and meeting summaries. Experience in facilitating international meetings, including agenda preparation and coordination. Competencies: Demonstrated strengths in communication, teamwork, and strategic planning. Capacity to operate effectively in multicultural, multidisciplinary environments. Language Requirements English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this consultancy: Fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of other UN languages (e.g., French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian) is desirable. Contract and Duration This is an 11-month consultancy based in Montreal, Canada, under the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. The consultant will work under UNEP contractual terms and report directly to the Programme Officer, BETI Unit. Application Details Interested applicants are encouraged to apply through the UN Careers Portal before 31 October 2025. The United Nations does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
Category
competition
Type
online
Organization / Source
globalsouthopportunities.com
Posted
October 28, 2025
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