Result of Service 1. A comprehensive Gender Plan of Action to support the implementation of Sierra Leone’s NBSAP 3.0 (2026- 2035) aligned with national and global goals. 2. Awareness raising and dissemination/communication activities to spread the GPA and make target group aware and support uptake 3.
Training and support to national level MDA and local council amin incl. toolkits and training events and materials as well as a detailed report of capacity building support provided to the EPA, Other MDA’s and Local Councils. 4. Provided gender disaggregated data to evaluate how conservation policies impact men and women differently. 5. Integrated a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track gender metrics for the NBSAP 3.0 (2026-2035).
Work Location Remote Expected duration 3 months Duties and Responsibilities Background 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.
Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP’s Ecosystems Division engages with governments and other partners to develop and promote ecosystem-based solutions for sustainable development. This assignment is in the Nature Frameworks Support Unit of the Biodiversity and Land Branch, Ecosystems Division.
UNEP is also one of the key agencies hosting the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership. The NBSAP Accelerator Partnership is a country-led global initiative that supports the development and implementation of ambitious National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and collectively achieve the goals and targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and, ultimately, the global vision of living in harmony with nature by 2050.
The NBSAP Accelerator Partnership provides technical and financial support for the implementation of GBF-aligned NBSAPs. This includes strengthening country-driven coordination, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, facilitating knowledge sharing and best practices, and addressing country-specific needs.
It also helps raise national profile of countries' NBSAPs, and fast-track implementation through a matchmaking service, increased access to expertise, knowledge and capacity development, and in-country facilitation support. A National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) is a country’s principal document for implementing the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
It outlines a nation’s approach to conserving its biodiversity, ensuring its sustainable use, and fairly sharing the benefits derived from genetic resources. Sierra Leone is a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). They signed and ratified the convention in 1994 and 1996, respectively. The Country also acceded to the Cartagena Protocol in 2020 and the Nagoya Protocol in 2017.
Duties and Responsibilities The NBSAP Accelerator Partnership’s Facilitator Programme is looking for a consultant to assist the Government of Sierra Leone through its Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to develop a gender plan of action for NBSAP implementation.
This will integrate gender equality into conservation policies, driven by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework Target 22 and 23 and the CBD Gender Plan of Action which has been aligned with the National Framework specifically target 22 and 23. It ensures women’s full, effective and meaningful participation in biodiversity planning, fair resource access, and gender responsive monitoring.
The Consultant will help develop a gender plan of action that reflects meaningful participation and leadership, fair resources of right and access, gender disaggregation, gender specific indicators and target financing. The rationale for developing a Gender Plan of Action for the NBSAP 3.0 (2026-2035) is essential because women disproportionately rely on natural resources for their livelihoods but face systemic inequalities in resource access and decision making.
Integrating gender into the NBSAP ensures both fair conservation benefits and more effective environmental protection. Globally, nearly one third of women’s employment is in agriculture, forestry and fishing. In many developing countries, women play essential roles in managing water, food, fuel, forests and agricultural systems. They are often among the first to observe the effects of biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation and climate change on households and communities.
At the same time, women frequently face barriers to accessing land, natural resources, finance, information, technology and decision-making processes. These barriers limit not only women’s rights and opportunities, but also the effectiveness of biodiversity policies and programmes. Women’s knowledge, environmental stewardship, leadership and agency are therefore indispensable to achieving national and global biodiversity objectives and advancing equitable and sustainable development. Specific Task I.
Gender Plan of Action a. Conduct gender analysis b. Conduct multi- stakeholder consultations to engage local communities, women-led civil society organization, traditional leaders and youth groups, inclusive of marginalized groups to inform the plan building on the whole of society approach. c. Report summarizing results of Gender Analysis and local consultations- Summarizing results and key messages and needs of consulted groups and based on the data and information that is present.
Conduct a localized gender assessment focusing on access to land, natural resources, and biodiversity -dependent livelihoods (e.g. agriculture, forestry, coastal resilience), Identify baseline barriers preventing women and youth from participating in environmental decision making, national biodiversity committees, decision making bodies, and consultation workshops, Address systemic inequalities by linking NBSAP to women’s rights to own, access, and manage land, fisheries and forest resources and Provide sex-disaggregated data to evaluate how conservation policies impact men and women differently. d.
Develop a Gender Plan of Action and validate policy makers/stakeholders in workshop at national level- Since ABS is important and relevant topic in Sierra it is paramount to address the topic of benefit sharing to ensure that benefits from the utilization of genetic resources and traditional knowledge are shared equitably with women in the GPA. e. Present the draft Gender Plan of Action at national or regional validation workshops with government and international stakeholders. f.
Develop target financing scheme, that is a budget allocation to dedicate specific national funds or international donor support exclusively to gender mainstreaming components and women led conservation initiatives. Aligned the gender action with national and global policy, ensure the plan fulfils national target 23 of Sierra Leone NBSAP, which mandate a gender responsive approach to biodiversity, explicitly align with the GEWE Act by actively promoting at least 30% female representation.
Setting Smart targets and actionable goals that boost women’s resilient livelihood within communities, districts, region and national. II. Raise awareness and disseminate the gender plan of action to support uptake and implementation– enabler to understand (non-technical level catered to the needs of the target group, target group: communities) maybe also consider if documents or event in local language needed III. Technical training and support to MDAs and local councils’ administration a.
Provide technical training capacity- building for the Gender Units across the Environment Protection Agency -Sierra Leone and other Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDA’s). b.
Develop and distribute specified toolkits detailing gender responsive budgeting The scope of the Gender Plan of Action for the NBSAP 3.0 (2026-2035) will actively embed the principles of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (Targets 22 and 23) and the CBD Gender Plan of Action, aligning with the Country’s Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Act. The strategic scope of this integration revolves around equitable decision making, sector specific livelihood protections and resources right.
The consultant will report to the Programme Management Officer, Nature Frameworks Support Unit in close collaboration with the national facilitator for Sierra Leone and relevant government partners. Qualifications/special skills Advance Degree in Gender Studies, Sociology, International Development, and other related disciplines. A first level degree with additional two years of qualifying experience maybe accepted in lieu of advanced degree.
A minimum of 5 years in gender mainstreaming, policy development, and project cycle management is required Proven expertise in developing and implementing gender strategies, particularly at institutions or national level is required Demonstrated experience working on gender for sustainable development, biodiversity, or environmental issues is required Strong understanding of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM GBF) is desirable Previous experience working with UNEP, UNDP or similar international organization is desirable Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of Sierra Leone local languages is an added advantage Additional Information Not available. 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.
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Result of Service 1. A comprehensive Gender Plan of Action to support the implementation of Sierra Leone’s NBSAP 3.0 (2026- 2035) aligned with national and global goals. 2. Awareness raising and dissemination/communication activities to spread the GPA and make target group aware and support uptake 3. Training and support to national level MDA and local council amin incl. toolkits and training events and materials as well as a detailed report of capacity building support provided to the EPA, Other MDA’s and Local Councils. 4. Provided gender disaggregated data to evaluate how conservation policies impact men and women differently. 5. Integrated a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track gender metrics for the NBSAP 3.0 (2026-2035). Work Location Remote Expected duration 3 months Duties and Responsibilities Background 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. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP’s Ecosystems Division engages with governments and other partners to develop and promote ecosystem-based solutions for sustainable development. This assignment is in the Nature Frameworks Support Unit of the Biodiversity and Land Branch, Ecosystems Division. UNEP is also one of the key agencies hosting the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership. The NBSAP Accelerator Partnership is a country-led global initiative that supports the development and implementation of ambitious National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and collectively achieve the goals and targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and, ultimately, the global vision of living in harmony with nature by 2050. The NBSAP Accelerator Partnership provides technical and financial support for the implementation of GBF-aligned NBSAPs. This includes strengthening country-driven coordination, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, facilitating knowledge sharing and best practices, and addressing country-specific needs. It also helps raise national profile of countries' NBSAPs, and fast-track implementation through a matchmaking service, increased access to expertise, knowledge and capacity development, and in-country facilitation support. A National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) is a country’s principal document for implementing the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). It outlines a nation’s approach to conserving its biodiversity, ensuring its sustainable use, and fairly sharing the benefits derived from genetic resources. Sierra Leone is a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). They signed and ratified the convention in 1994 and 1996, respectively. The Country also acceded to the Cartagena Protocol in 2020 and the Nagoya Protocol in 2017. Duties and Responsibilities The NBSAP Accelerator Partnership’s Facilitator Programme is looking for a consultant to assist the Government of Sierra Leone through its Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to develop a gender plan of action for NBSAP implementation. This will integrate gender equality into conservation policies, driven by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework Target 22 and 23 and the CBD Gender Plan of Action which has been aligned with the National Framework specifically target 22 and 23. It ensures women’s full, effective and meaningful participation in biodiversity planning, fair resource access, and gender responsive monitoring. The Consultant will help develop a gender plan of action that reflects meaningful participation and leadership, fair resources of right and access, gender disaggregation, gender specific indicators and target financing. The rationale for developing a Gender Plan of Action for the NBSAP 3.0 (2026-2035) is essential because women disproportionately rely on natural resources for their livelihoods but face systemic inequalities in resource access and decision making. Integrating gender into the NBSAP ensures both fair conservation benefits and more effective environmental protection. Globally, nearly one third of women’s employment is in agriculture, forestry and fishing. In many developing countries, women play essential roles in managing water, food, fuel, forests and agricultural systems. They are often among the first to observe the effects of biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation and climate change on households and communities. At the same time, women frequently face barriers to accessing land, natural resources, finance, information, technology and decision-making processes. These barriers limit not only women’s rights and opportunities, but also the effectiveness of biodiversity policies and programmes. Women’s knowledge, environmental stewardship, leadership and agency are therefore indispensable to achieving national and global biodiversity objectives and advancing equitable and sustainable development. Specific Task I. Gender Plan of Action a. Conduct gender analysis b. Conduct multi- stakeholder consultations to engage local communities, women-led civil society organization, traditional leaders and youth groups, inclusive of marginalized groups to inform the plan building on the whole of society approach. c. Report summarizing results of Gender Analysis and local consultations- Summarizing results and key messages and needs of consulted groups and based on the data and information that is present. Conduct a localized gender assessment focusing on access to land, natural resources, and biodiversity -dependent livelihoods (e.g. agriculture, forestry, coastal resilience), Identify baseline barriers preventing women and youth from participating in environmental decision making, national biodiversity committees, decision making bodies, and consultation workshops, Address systemic inequalities by linking NBSAP to women’s rights to own, access, and manage land, fisheries and forest resources and Provide sex-disaggregated data to evaluate how conservation policies impact men and women differently. d. Develop a Gender Plan of Action and validate policy makers/stakeholders in workshop at national level- Since ABS is important and relevant topic in Sierra it is paramount to address the topic of benefit sharing to ensure that benefits from the utilization of genetic resources and traditional knowledge are shared equitably with women in the GPA. e. Present the draft Gender Plan of Action at national or regional validation workshops with government and international stakeholders. f. Develop target financing scheme, that is a budget allocation to dedicate specific national funds or international donor support exclusively to gender mainstreaming components and women led conservation initiatives. Aligned the gender action with national and global policy, ensure the plan fulfils national target 23 of Sierra Leone NBSAP, which mandate a gender responsive approach to biodiversity, explicitly align with the GEWE Act by actively promoting at least 30% female representation. Setting Smart targets and actionable goals that boost women’s resilient livelihood within communities, districts, region and national. II. Raise awareness and disseminate the gender plan of action to support uptake and implementation– enabler to understand (non-technical level catered to the needs of the target group, target group: communities) maybe also consider if documents or event in local language needed III. Technical training and support to MDAs and local councils’ administration a. Provide technical training capacity- building for the Gender Units across the Environment Protection Agency -Sierra Leone and other Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDA’s). b. Develop and distribute specified toolkits detailing gender responsive budgeting The scope of the Gender Plan of Action for the NBSAP 3.0 (2026-2035) will actively embed the principles of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (Targets 22 and 23) and the CBD Gender Plan of Action, aligning with the Country’s Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Act. The strategic scope of this integration revolves around equitable decision making, sector specific livelihood protections and resources right. The consultant will report to the Programme Management Officer, Nature Frameworks Support Unit in close collaboration with the national facilitator for Sierra Leone and relevant government partners. Qualifications/special skills Advance Degree in Gender Studies, Sociology, International Development, and other related disciplines. A first level degree with additional two years of qualifying experience maybe accepted in lieu of advanced degree. A minimum of 5 years in gender mainstreaming, policy development, and project cycle management is required Proven expertise in developing and implementing gender strategies, particularly at institutions or national level is required Demonstrated experience working on gender for sustainable development, biodiversity, or environmental issues is required Strong understanding of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM GBF) is desirable Previous experience working with UNEP, UNDP or similar international organization is desirable Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of Sierra Leone local languages is an added advantage Additional Information Not available. 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.