Cities and Climate Change Consultant – Biodiversity Action

About the role

UN-Habitat is seeking a consultant in Nairobi to support the Climate Change and Urban Environment Section (Global Solutions Division) in advancing its work on urban environment, nature-based solutions and biodiversity. The consultancy runs for three months under the supervision of the Programme Coordinator Climate Change and Urban Environment and in close collaboration with colleagues in the section and climate and biodiversity focal points across the agency.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate the finalization of the analysis on nature-based solutions in Nationally Determined Contributions, including a draft report reviewed and agreed with the partner (UNU), layout of the draft report, and the final report.
• Prepare a resource mobilization strategy for the Section's Biodiversity Workstream, including a draft for internal review and a final version to be embedded in the section-wide strategy.
• Develop a strategy and workplan on how to embed nature-based solutions and biodiversity action more comprehensively into the section's work, mapping potential partners (drawing on engagements during CBD COP17).

Required profile

• Advanced university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in urban planning, architecture, environmental management, public policy or a relevant field; a first degree with 2 additional years of experience may be accepted in lieu.
• 2 years of progressively responsible experience in architecture, landscape architecture, biodiversity conservation and urban planning and design, project management and stakeholder engagement, ideally at the international level, including on urban climate change mitigation and/or adaptation.
• Proven experience in climate change and/or biodiversity diplomacy, nature-focused urban planning and biodiversity solutions.
• Proven experience in communicating and visualizing urban biodiversity knowledge.
• Proven experience with NDC development and implementation.
• Fluency in written and oral English; French and English are the working languages of the UN Secretariat, and knowledge of another UN official language is an added advantage.

Required skills

• Nature-focused urban planning and demonstrated climate change and biodiversity diplomacy.
• Understanding of tools and approaches in urban nature-based solutions, biodiversity or climate change.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to analyze, strategize and integrate information quickly.
• Clear, effective communication and teamwork, including leadership, conflict management and consensus facilitation.

The consultancy is unpaid; the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.