The upcoming Regional Trialogue for East and Southern Africa, organized by the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Network (BES-Net), will engage stakeholders from Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. This event, tentatively planned to take place in person in Namibia in early 2025, is crucial for advancing the integration of scientific knowledge into policy and practice to tackle challenges associated with Invasive Alien Species (IAS) and the Sustainable Use of Wild Species (SuA). The Trialogue aims to foster collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and practitioners, drawing on the findings of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) assessments. This Trialogue will provide a platform for deepening regional cooperation, enhancing the uptake of IPBES assessments, and co-creating actionable solutions tailored to the unique environmental and socio-economic contexts of the participating countries.

The preparatory process for the Trialogue includes an in-depth analysis of the context, which involves researching the national context and assessing the relevance of the Trialogue’s themes. The results of this research will be compiled into the Background Document.

Growth Opportunity

This assignment offers the selected online volunteer a unique opportunity to engage with national stakeholders and deepen their knowledge of IAS, SuA, and the role of IPBES in shaping environmental policy.

Task Description

Research and Contextual Analysis Support for East and Southern Africa Regional Trialogue on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

The Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Network (BES-Net), a project under UNDP’s Nature Hub (HQ), seeks a dedicated volunteer from Namibia to conduct preliminary research to inform the Background Document’s analysis during the Trialogue event. The primary role of the volunteer is to conduct a comprehensive review of the national context concerning IAS and SuA, focusing on identifying key publications/databases, relevant articles, and ongoing or past projects in these thematic areas.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a detailed review of the national context regarding Invasive Alien Species (IAS) and Sustainable Use of Wild Species (SuA) in Namibia.
• Identify and document ongoing or completed projects that align with the objectives of the Trialogue and IPBES assessments.
• Identify and compile a list of key articles, reports, and publications related to IAS, SuA, and other relevant IPBES themes.
• Provide a comprehensive summary report that contributes to the development of the Background Document for the Trialogue, ensuring the inclusion of accurate, up-to-date, and relevant information on IAS and SuA.
• Brief the team working on the Background Document on key findings.

Requirements

Required experience

• Experience in research and information gathering, particularly in environmental or biodiversity-related fields, with a focus on Invasive Alien Species (IAS) and Sustainable Use of Wild Species (SuA).
• Familiarity with key institutions and stakeholders in Namibia related to biodiversity, IAS, SuA, and ecosystem management.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail in reviewing and summarizing information.
• Excellent writing and communication skills, with a preference for individuals fluent in English and local languages spoken in Namibia.
• A keen interest in biodiversity, conservation, sustainable development, and event coordination.

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required