Regional Coordinator, Nature Action

About the role

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is hiring a Regional Coordinator for Nature Action in its West Asia Office in Beirut, Lebanon. The post sits under the direct supervision of the Regional Director and receives technical guidance from the Ecosystems Division. It covers policy, coordination and partnerships on capacity building and access to technology for ecosystems management and biodiversity protection.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as Senior Policy Officer, advising UNEP and the Coordinator for Ecosystems and Biodiversity on regional policy direction and country needs, and act as the main focal point for capacity building and access to technology.
• Liaise with UN specialized agencies, NGOs, national government officials, international organizations and research institutes, and prepare strategies on the environmental aspects of regional work.
• Organize follow-up work such as technical review meetings and ensure implementation of recommendations from relevant reports.
• Coordinate regional input into UNEP programming, prepare situation reports, and develop region and country-specific recommendations.
• Advise on the use and spending of donor contributions and monitor and report on UNEP's role in capacity building and technology transfer.
• Build partnerships with UN funds, programmes, MEAs and other partners, and organize work groups, meetings and conferences.
• Analyze data and present trends through graphs, charts and tables to support planning and reporting.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in biodiversity sciences, environmental sciences, natural resource management, environmental policy or a closely related field; a first-level degree plus two years of relevant experience may be accepted instead.
• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in policy development, programme or project management and coordination of partnerships in ecosystems management or a related area.
• Desirable: PhD in a related field, experience with West Asian governments and expert institutions, and experience in environmental policy implementation.

Required skills

• Knowledge of international, regional and national environmental policies and of policy and economic instruments supporting ecosystem management and biodiversity protection.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data and to incorporate gender perspectives in work.