Org. Setting and Reporting

ECA’s mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa informed by the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063. The mission is guided by ECA’s five strategic directions which are: Advancing ECA’s position as a premier knowledge institution that builds on its unique position and privilege to bring global solutions to the continent’s problems and take local solution to the continent; developing macroeconomic and structural policy options to accelerate economic diversification and job creation; designing and implementing innovative financing models for infrastructure, and for human, physical and social assets for a transforming Africa; contributing solutions to regional and transboundary challenges, with a focus on peace, security and social inclusion as an important development nexus; advocating Africa’s position at the global level and developing regional responses as a contribution to global governance issues. The Climate Change, Food Security and Natural Resource Management Division is headed by a director and is accountable to the Deputy Executive Secretary (Programme). The Division is responsible for enhancing climate resilience, achieving food security and advancing inclusive and sustainable development by harnessing land, natural resources and the green and blue economies. It is divided into two main sections: Climate Change; and Natural Resources and Food Systems Section. The position is located in the Climate Change, Food Security and Natural Resources Division (CFND) at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). Under the overall direction of the Director, Climate Change, Food Security and Natural Resource Division, the Environmental Affairs Officer – (Carbon Markets and Nature Based Solutions) reports to the Chief of the Climate Policy Section.

Responsibilities

Within the delegated authority, the Environmental Affairs Officer – (Carbon Markets and Nature Based Solutions) will be responsible for the following duties:

• Undertakes analysis, design and dissemination of policies, strategies, guidelines and other tools relating to biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and nature-based solutions.
• Conducts research and technical studies and prepares analytical reports and position papers on biodiversity, ecosystems, and related socio-economic and environmental dimensions.
• Develops technical and institutional capacity for biodiversity management, ecosystem restoration and conservation, natural capital and sustainable development in ECA member States.
• Supports member States in catalyzing finance for biodiversity conservation through market-based instruments, including biodiversity credits, while promoting environmental integrity, social safeguards, transparency, sustainable development, and equitable benefit-sharing.
• Provides technical and policy support to ECA member States on the conservation, sustainable use and restoration of marine and blue ecosystems, including coastal and marine biodiversity, in support of integrated ocean governance, blue economy strategies, and the achievement of SDG 14.
• Supports ECA member States in engaging with and implementing outcomes of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), including decisions of the Conference of the Parties (COP), and in the development, updating, implementation and monitoring of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), in alignment with regional and global biodiversity frameworks.
• Contributes to the formulation, coordination and promotion of coherent African common positions on biodiversity-related issues in regional and global forums, including CBD COP processes, in collaboration with the African Union Commission, AMCEN and other relevant regional stakeholders.
• Promotes synergies between biodiversity conservation and circular economy approaches by supporting policies and initiatives on sustainable production and consumption, resource efficiency, and circular value chains that reduce biodiversity loss while contributing to inclusive and sustainable development.
• Contribute to ECAs technical and related support to COP32 Presidency.
• Performs any other duties as required by the supervisor or the Director of the Climate Change, Food Security and Natural Resources Division. Competencies Professionalism: Expert knowledge in ecosystem management, biodiversity conservation, natural capital, or related fields. Proven ability to conduct research, produce analytical reports, develop policies and tools, and deliver capacity development. Ability to apply technical expertise to complex issues. Shows pride in work, demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter, is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments and achieving results, remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Knowledge in the African context. Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate time and resources; foresees risks and allows for contingencies; monitors and adjusts plans as necessary; uses time efficiently. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and Honors commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. Education An advanced university degree (Masters degree or equivalent) in Environmental Sciences, Economics, Political Sciences, International Relations, Natural Resources Management, Biodiversity Conservation, or a closely related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science programs is an advantage. Job – Specific Qualification Not available. Work Experience A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in areas such as environmental management, biodiversity conservation, land and marine ecosystems management, green and blue economy, natural capital, carbon and biodiversity credits, and sustainable development is required. This experience should be gained through research, policy analysis, programme/project support, or capacity development at national, regional, or international levels Experience supporting environmental policy processes, including engagement with multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), climate and biodiversity frameworks, or sustainable development policy initiatives, is desirable. 2 years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, either English or French is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details). Required Languages Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking English UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II French UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise, which may be followed by competency-based interview Special Notice This position is available on a temporary basis until the end of February 2028. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The selection for…