Environment and climate change Consultant Türkiye

United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment)

Home-based/Remote

Result of Service

An analysis on modalities and options for mainstreaming climate, resilience and biodiversity in Türkiye with a focus on protection and restoration of forests and other critical ecosystems. A preliminary identification of the earthquake’s impacts on environmental protection and management.

Specific tasks and responsibilities

1) Research and analysis on status of mainstreaming climate, resilience and biodiversity in Türkiye

a) Conduct secondary (literature) research on climate, resilience and biodiversity approaches in Türkiye with focus on forests ecosystems, including in areas most affected by climate change and other disruptions.
b) Review and summarize the status of membership and implementation of key multilateral environmental and climate agreements
c) Review and summarize Türkiye’s CCA, UNSDCF, relevant national strategies and plans as well as other relevant country-specific documents related to climate, resilience and biodiversity
d) Monitor environmental aspects of the response to the 6 February earthquake and liaise with key partners including UNEP-OCHA Joint Environment Unit to identify potential follow-up actions.

2) Preliminary identification of opportunities and challenges for mainstreaming climate, resilience and biodiversity in Türkiye.

a) Identify key entry points, actors and processes available for mainstreaming climate, resilience and biodiversity in Türkiye with focus on forests ecosystems.
b) Identify opportunities for accelerating mainstreaming climate and biodiversity in Türkiye as well as for resilient and sustainable development in the region affected by the 6 February 2023 earthquake.
c) Identify options for UNEP’s role in mainstreaming climate and biodiversity in Türkiye and analyse possible challenges
d) Present findings to UNEP and its partners at the national and regional level.

3) Preliminary identification of the earthquake’s impacts on environmental protection and management.

a) Identify the earthquake’s impacts on environmental protection and management, including ecosystems management, in southern and central Türkiye
b) Identify opportunities for strengthening climate and disaster resilience in Türkiye with focus on forests ecosystems.
c) Contribute technical expertise including advisory missions (as feasible) to local networks and working groups involved in the response and resilience work.
d) Present findings to UNEP and its national and international partners.

4) Outline of mainstreaming plan for integrating climate, resilience and biodiversity in Türkiye

a) Integrate research findings, national objectives and opportunities into a consolidated framework that serves a basis to guide the development of plans for integrating climate, resilience and biodiversity in Türkiye
b) Produce an outline of mainstreaming plan for integrating climate, resilience and biodiversity in Türkiye, including through the post-2023 earthquake recovery efforts, with focus on forest ecosystems.
c) Collect and consolidate feedback from the UNEP project team
d) Contribute to development on project proposals by providing technical expertise.

Work Location

Home based

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.

UNEP supports governments, regional organizations and UN entities in designing and implementing best-practice policies to address climate impacts, biodiversity loss and pollution. UNEP’s Ecosystems division identifies emerging environmental stressors, and works through UN partners to promote resilience, sustainable governance and management of natural resources and ecosystems in crisis-affected states and regions. The Regional Office for Europe provides strategic and political engagement at the country level and works closely with the UN Country Teams (UNCT) and the UN Resident Coordinator’s offices (RCO). Through this work, UNEP increases national and UN entities’ capacity to understand environmental degradation and climate impacts and helps to catalyze and coordinate international, regional and national action to address environmental issues and strengthen stability.

Türkiye is one of the countries which will be affected considerably by climate change due to its geographical location in the Mediterranean region, which is a climate change hotspot with warming observed at almost two times the global average. T¿rkiye is also highly exposed to a range of natural hazards, which can potentially cause significant loss of life and serious economic damage to the country. The planned activities in Türkiye will be implemented jointly by UNEP regional office for Europe and the Ecosystems division.

To support UNEP’s engagement with Türkiye on environmental issues of concern, UNEP seeks a consultant to provide substantive technical expertise and coordination support. The consultant will provide analysis on mainstreaming climate, resilience and biodiversity in Türkiye with a focus on forest ecosystems and restoration, which have been identified as priorities in consultations with representatives of the government of Türkiye. The consultant will also monitor and (on request) follow up on environmental aspects of the response to the 6 February earthquake, in coordination with official entities and the UN system in Türkiye.

Qualifications/special skills

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental science, natural sciences, international development, international law (with emphasis on environment or disaster management) or international relations (with emphasis on environment or disaster management), or another demonstrably relevant field.
• Proven experience working on mainstreaming environment into national and/or regional policies and sustainable development plans
• Solid understanding of climate change and biodiversity with focus on a forest ecosystems and restoration
• Solid understanding of humanitarian and/or development planning processes – with experience of mainstreaming environmental concerns into these
• Experience working with UN is considered an asset
• At least 5 years working experience on environment, development or related field
Skills:
• Interdisciplinary understanding of the links between climate change, biodiversity and disaster risk reduction and preparedness.
• Excellent analytical skills
• Experience in the Mediterranean region and Türkiye
• Excellent oral and written communication skills as well as knowledge of MS Office and ability to operate standard IT and communications equipment;
• Teamwork skills to work with a diverse range of actors (various UN agencies, governments, academics etc.)

Languages

Proficiency in English, knowledge of Turkish, Arabic or French is an asset.

Additional Information

Performance indicators:
• Outputs are delivered in a timely fashion and of high quality;
• Communications in dealing with partners are professional and systematic;
• Problem/issues for achieving results are identified early-on and workable solutions proposed

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.


POSITION TYPE

ORGANIZATION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

DEGREE REQUIRED

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