Expert on Biodiversity and Environmental Markets in Brazil

Result of Service

– Deliverable 1: Comprehensive Natural Capital Inventory and Database Structure. A detailed inventory of Curitiba’s natural capital, including ecosystems, species, and green spaces, is developed, and a robust database structure is established. This data is managed and analyzed to support informed decisions on biodiversity conservation and urban planning. – Deliverable 2: Enhanced City Biodiversity Index. The City Biodiversity Index for Curitiba is updated and expanded, incorporating new data and metrics that reflect the city’s current biodiversity status. This index is used as a critical tool for tracking biodiversity trends and guiding conservation efforts. – Deliverable 3. In-Depth Evaluation of Ecosystem Services: A thorough evaluation of ecosystem services provided by local biodiversity conservation and nature protection policies, particularly those aimed at climate adaptation and resilience, is conducted. This analysis highlights the value of initiatives such as conservation units, tree planting, and urban agriculture, informing policy adjustments and future project designs. – Deliverable 4. Strategic Analysis of Environmental Markets and Methodologies: A comprehensive analysis of markets, standards, and methodologies relevant to biodiversity credits and carbon markets, with a focus on urban environments, is carried out. Opportunities in electromobility, solar energy, composting, and plastic credit generation are identified, providing the Municipality with strategic insights for market participation and revenue generation. – Deliverable 5. Feasibility Studies for Carbon Credit Projects: Technical and economic feasibility analyses for potential carbon credit projects in Curitiba are completed, identifying viable projects and demonstrating their economic attractiveness. These studies lay the groundwork for the development of marketable carbon credits and other environmental assets. – Deliverable 6. Identification of Priority Environmental Projects: Eligible projects for the generation of biodiversity credits, carbon credits, and other environmental assets are selected and prioritized based on their technical and economic feasibility. This prioritization process ensures alignment with municipal sustainability goals and market opportunities. – Deliverable 7. Clear Roadmap for Project Implementation: The next steps for the development and implementation of selected projects are outlined, with detailed procedures and technical recommendations provided. This roadmap guides the Municipality through the necessary steps to bring these projects to fruition. – Deliverable 8. Capacity Building through Targeted Training: Comprehensive training sessions for municipal employees on climate change, biodiversity assessment, and carbon markets are delivered, significantly enhancing their knowledge and skills. This capacity building ensures that the Municipality is equipped to manage and implement projects in these critical areas.

Work Location

Curitiba, Brazil

Expected duration

12 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages 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. The Cities Unit within the Climate Change Division contributes to the UN system-wide strategy on sustainable urban development and the implementation of the New Urban Agenda. The Unit is currently exploring strategies to support governments’ accelerated action towards addressing the triple crisis of biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution through the deployment of NbS in cities, to achieve the targets set by the Global Biodiversity Framework and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Through the Generation Restoration project, over three years (2023-2025), the Unit’s objective is to increase the engagement of city stakeholders, including vulnerable groups, in replicating and scaling the restoration of urban and peri-urban ecosystems. Fourteen pilot cities and eleven role model cities are part of the project, including Curitiba in Brazil as a role model and pilot city. The primary focus of the pilot project in Curitiba is to assess the benefits of the deployment of local environmental policies directly related to nature protection and preservation, also evaluating the impact of food systems in nature protection. This project is aligned with the “Target 10” of the Biodiversity Plan, focused to ensure that areas used for agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries and forestry are managed sustainably, taking into account the sustainable use of biodiversity, biodiversity-friendly practices and nature’s contribution to people. In order to achieve this objective, the project requires establishing a natural database framework, so indicators are set and monitored. The Municipality of Curitiba also expressed interest in carrying out a study on the identification of potential activities for the development of biodiversity or carbon credit generation projects in the city. This project aims to expand actions and improve the management of biodiversity and ecosystem services in the city. In this context, UNEP is looking for a part-time (level B) consultant to support the development and implementation of UNEP’s work in Curitiba, Brazil, specifically by conducting technical analyses, enhancing urban biodiversity management, coordinating with local stakeholders, and facilitating the execution of sustainability and climate adaptation projects. The consultant will work as part of the UNEP’s Cities Unit under the supervision of Sharon Gil, Programme Management Officer.

Qualifications/special skills

Master’s degree (PhD desirable) diploma in environmental sciences or related fields. Demonstrated experience in biodiversity conservation, research, project management, and nature planning with a focus in Curitiba and the biome where it sits. Demonstrated experience in carbon markets and carbon credit projects with a focus in different scopes (REDD, energy, waste, mobility and others). Comprehensive understanding of climate and environmental issues related to nature, human-nature relationships, and the local context and governance in Curitiba. Ability to work effectively, precisely and autonomously in a fast-paced environment with multiple competing tasks across teams, and using participatory approaches.

Languages

Portuguese is required for this position. Fluency in English is desirable.

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.