The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is seeking a Biodiversity and ESD Project Specialist to support the Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention (SCC) at the Vienna duty station.

The Carpathian Convention Secretariat promotes ratification and facilitates cooperation between signatory states, as well as other relevant international bodies and conventions. It encourages and supports research, communication and information exchange between partners, coordinates the preparation and implementation of the Convention’s work programme, prepares relevant documentation and supports further institutional development.

The consultant will support the implementation of the Carpathian Biodiversity Framework (CBF), adopted at the Carpathian Convention COP7 in 2023, and the integration of the Carpathian ESD Expert Network into Convention activities and networks.

The consultancy has an expected duration of seven months.

Job responsibilities

• Provide contributions to a revised International Action Plan on Conservation of Large Carnivores and Ensuring Ecological Connectivity in the Carpathians with inputs from identified stakeholders.
• Provide contributions to the implementation of projects such as CARPATHIAN LIFE, NaturaConnect and “Linking biodiversity, pastoralism and cultural heritage through ESD in the Carpathian Region”, and others as relevant.
• Coordinate and/or contribute written inputs to project applications and background documents, as relevant.
• Provide contributions to the organization of Carpathian Convention meetings and events, including project meetings, 17th/18th CCIC meetings, Working Group on Biodiversity meetings and Carpathian Convention COP8.
• Provide contributions to relevant activities of the Carpathian ESD Expert Network, especially coordination of activities for Carpathian Day and the development of stock takes on educational resources related to pastoralism, as well as contributions to capacity-building activities.
• Provide contributions to technical documents prepared by the Secretariat, including background papers, policy notes and briefing materials, ensuring scientific accuracy and alignment with Convention objectives and EU and global frameworks.
• Contribute inputs to strategic approaches for strengthening thematic networks relevant to the Convention, including working groups, CNPA and CWI.
• Provide input to the development of an internal resource mobilization strategy for the Secretariat.
• Contribute to the Carpathian Convention website, platforms and database, as necessary.
• Provide guidance for communication and dissemination activities.

Job requirements

Education

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in social science, sustainability sciences, environmental policy, environmental sciences or a similar field is required.
• A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience

• At least 3 years of experience in the field of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), biodiversity and communication related to sustainable development is required.
• Familiarity with international ESD and biodiversity frameworks is required.
• Experience participating in Carpathian Convention activities is an asset.

Languages

• Fluency in oral and written English is required.