About United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

TheUnited Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)is the leading global environmental authority that sets the world’s environmental agenda, promotes coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Established in 1972, UNEP works with governments, civil society, businesses and other UN entities to address critical environmental challenges including climate change, ecosystem degradation, chemicals and waste management, and environmental governance. UNEP’s mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

Job Summary

This consultancy provides an opportunity to contribute specialized expertise to United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)’s mission in environmental protection, climate action, and sustainable development. Working in Saudi Arabia, you will apply your professional skills to address complex challenges in environmental protection, climate action, and sustainable development and support the organization’s programmatic objectives. This role offers the flexibility of consultancy work while contributing to meaningful international development outcomes with global impact.

Key Details

• Job Title:Ecosystem Restoration Expert Capacity Building and Flagship Projects
• Grade:CON
• Location:Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Department:United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
• Contract Type:Consultancy
• Salary Range:$50,000.0 – $120,000.0 USD annually

Qualifications

• Academic Qualifications: Masters degree or equivalent in Environmental Science, Ecology, Restoration Ecology, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or a related field is required.
• Academic Qualifications: Minimum 10 years of experience in ecosystem restoration projects, including knowledge in UN Decade principles, flagship development, and land management is required.
• Academic Qualifications: Knowledge of environmental issues in the context of West Asia Region is required.
• Academic Qualifications: Experience in training and building capacity in ecosystem restoration projects.
• Academic Qualifications: Experience in multistakeholder engagement and developing technical analytical reports is required.
• Academic Qualifications: Experience in working with international organizations, government agencies, or funding institutions, is preferred..
• Language: English is required, and Arabic is an asset..

Skills

• Conduct a technical assessment of current national restoration initiatives in Saudi Arabia, including gaps, strengths, and alignment with UN Decade on Ecosystem Restorations criteria, including compliance with restoration principles, potential for upscaling, learning, replicability, and long-term sustainability.
• Prepare an assessment note summarizing findings and recommended focus areas for training, guidance development, and potential flagship pathways. 2.Design Training and Technical Guidance
• Design the structure and content outline for the national and regional training programs based on assessment findings, in consultation with UNEP and NCVC.
• Develop annotated training modules, exercises, and case-study concepts, ensuring alignment with World Restoration Flagship criteria and showcasing regional and global best practices.
• Prepare the outline for an ecosystem restoration guidance document tailored to arid/semi-arid environments, reflecting UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration standards and lessons from global flagship projects. 3.Delivery of National Training
• Deliver two targeted training sessions to strengthen national capacity to design, implement, and monitor high-quality restoration projects in complex arid settings.
• Deliver a regional workshop that strengthens regional understanding of UN Decade World Restoration Flagship criteria.
• Present regional and global flagship examples, highlight lessons, challenges, and enabling conditions, and develop structured peer exchange.
• Coordinate with countries in West Asia region to conceptualize, refine, and scale flagship-quality restoration initiatives. 5. Final Knowledge Products and Learning Materials
• Incorporate feedback from UNEP and NCVC into all knowledge products, training materials, and workshop outputs.
• Submit final training materials, guidance documents, and the workshop report
• Final project report

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Professional development opportunities
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
• Inclusive and collaborative work environment

How to Apply