Ecologist- Advisor - ( Terrestrial Ecologist) -Retainer, Multiple positions

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.  Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.  

UNOPS undertakes various projects that require Environmental and Social Impact Assessments and one of the components in this process is the Biodiversity and Ecological Assessment. To comply with various other policies on Natural Habitats, impacts determination on flora and fauna species found in the project area, resulting from rehabilitation/construction works and operation.

The biodiversity assessment study shall therefore include any necessary management actions to protect identified terrestrial species, together with a full monitoring plan, including monitoring parameter, monitoring methodology, monitoring frequency, personnel and reporting requirements. The ecological management and monitoring requirements shall be included as a part of the ESMP in a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and in the Operational and Maintenance Manual of the project thereafter.
Under the overall supervision of the KEMC Technical Service Manager, the Ecologist Advisor ( Terrestrial Ecologist) will give his/her technical expertise as required to support the activities of the unit.

• Collect, collate and compile comprehensive baseline information on the terrestrial ecosystems.
• Determine the significance of terrestrial ecological impacts caused by the project, taking direct, indirect and cumulative impacts into consideration, and to recommend any mitigation and monitoring that should be included in the infrastructure works and operations to mitigate negative impacts and enhance potential benefits; and
• Develop a Biodiversity and Ecological Management Plan for the affected project sites.

• Conduct baseline terrestrial ecological screening and record the type of flora and fauna species in the respective project areas and type of habitat.
• Additionally, bring out the IUCN conservation status of the identified species; exotic species; species that could be both exotic and invasive, clearly bringing out the type of habitat where these species exist.
• Support the UNOPS Environmental Specialist to complete a biodiversity screening checklist.

• Conduct baseline survey on terrestrial ecology (fauna and flora) and describe the baseline conditions of the same for each of the sites (if more than one site).
•  In bringing out the IUCN status of flora and fauna species found in each of the project areas, clearly identify flora and fauna species that are listed in such sensitive categories as vulnerable, threatened, endangered or endemic. For each species identified as such, propose appropriate remedial measures to avoid further decline and/or destruction of the same species in their respective locality/habitats. The Specialist will further define in each case, species that may be at a critical stage of extinction (critically endangered species) and appropriately outline remedial measures to protect such species from extinction.
• Identify both positive and negative indirect effects of the proposed project on terrestrial species; and the impact on the ecosystem of a possible increase in populations that may arise as a result of improved economic activity in the area during and after construction.
•  Describe management actions and monitoring required to ensure biodiversity is preserved in areas where high risks of impacts are observed and finally develop a Biodiversity Management Plan to be implemented for monitoring purposes.

• Habitats identified in the respective project area of influence for fauna should be clearly and appropriately described (e.g. Forest reserve, Game Management Area, etc).
•  In the case where Critical Habitats are identified, make reference to OP 4.04 and indicate actions to protect, restore or improve conditions to reduce impact on biodiversity, consistent with this safeguard policy.
• Impact identification should include both positive and negative impacts taking into consideration the nature of impacts.
• In addition to proposing appropriate mitigation measures against identified impacts, submissions should be made on how positive impacts may be enhanced.

• Description of the identified terrestrial ecosystem in the project area to form the baseline conditions of each project site, if more than one project site, and a report for each shall be required. 
• For each of the project area for which a Biodiversity Assessment has been undertaken : Updated baseline description; and a comprehensive Biodiversity and Ecological Management Plan. The management plan should include the potential impacts and respective mitigation measures of the identified aquatic ecosystem in the project area.

The results of the work of the terrestrail ecologist will provide key input into the completion of the ESMPs and designs of the infrastructure involved in the project . The results will ultimately impact on the construction/rehabilitation works of the proposed project and ultimately on their effectiveness and safety.

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Zoology, Geology, Forestry, Environmental studies or any other relevant discipline is required;
• University Degree (bachelor’s degree / first level) with a combination of 2 additional years of relevant professional experience in Biology, Zoology, Geology, Forestry, Environmental studies or any other relevant discipline may be accepted in lieu of the advance university degree.

• At least seven (7) years of experience in ecosystems is required;
• Minimum of two (2) years experience in the Africa region will be required;
• Expertise in provision of ecological baseline studies in the development of environmental and social impact assessments for various projects will be an asset;
• Knowledge of Geographical Information System Mapping (GIS) will be an asset;
• Experience with International organisations will be an added advantage.

• Full knowledge of the English working language is required

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

Background Information – Kenya Multi Country Office (KEMC)

Located in Nairobi, Kenya, the Kenya Multi Country Office manages a growing portfolio of engagements, including associated strategic and operational risks. The KEMC/East and Southern Africa sub-region currently consists of an established Operation Centre in Nairobi/Kenya which manages a portfolio of engagements in multiple countries in East and Southern Africa. This includes transactional projects in partnership with the Nairobi based UN Agencies, UN-Habitat and UNEP, other UN partners, development banks and funds. The multi-country office also supports multiple ‘operational’ projects in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Eritrea. The Nairobi based Technical Services Unit provides UN/OPS and external partners infrastructure assessment, planning, design, feasibility and safeguards services.