Vanishing Treasures Virunga Component Operational Focal Point

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the world's foremost intergovernmental environmental authority, championing the sustainable management of the global environment. UNEP's Ecosystems Division partners with international and national stakeholders to deliver technical assistance, advisory services, and capacity-building programmes across developing nations. This role sits within the Biodiversity, People and Landscapes Unit of the Biodiversity and Land Branch (BLB), Ecosystems Division, based at UNEP's Nairobi duty station.

As the Virunga Component Operational Focal Point for the Vanishing Treasures project, you will serve as the primary coordination and implementation lead for UNEP's climate change adaptation work focused on mountain gorillas in the Virunga region (Rwanda and Uganda). You will also contribute to the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration flagship Mountain Multi-country initiative. The role is a 12-month international contractor engagement reporting to the Programme Management Officer responsible for the Vanishing Treasures project.

• Lead day-to-day operational coordination and implementation of the Virunga component of the Vanishing Treasures project, ensuring timely delivery against agreed outputs, milestones, and indicators.
• Coordinate and liaise with national partners in Rwanda and Uganda, including protected area authorities, government ministries, and local communities, to advance project activities on the ground.
• Support the integration of climate change adaptation strategies into biodiversity conservation plans for the Virunga mountain gorilla ecosystem.
• Contribute to the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration Mountain Multi-country flagship initiative, including its Virunga-specific component.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports, progress updates, briefing notes, and donor communications for the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and other stakeholders.
• Monitor and evaluate project performance, compile data on key indicators, and recommend adaptive management actions where necessary.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement workshops, field missions, and multi-country coordination meetings relevant to the Virunga component.
• Support the development of alternative livelihood programmes for local communities living adjacent to Virunga protected areas.
• Identify synergies between climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem services delivery within the Virunga landscape.
• Coordinate knowledge management and communication activities, including documentation of best practices and lessons learned from the Virunga component.

• Demonstrate at least five years of professional experience managing biodiversity conservation or environmental projects in an international or multi-country context.
• Show a proven ability to coordinate complex, multi-stakeholder projects involving government agencies, NGOs, and local communities across East or Central Africa.
• Apply technical knowledge of climate change adaptation frameworks and their application to mountain or forest ecosystems, particularly in the Great Lakes region.
• Produce clear, concise technical reports, project proposals, and donor progress reports in English to a professional standard.
• Operate effectively within a UN or large INGO institutional environment, navigating administrative and procurement processes with minimum supervision.
• Demonstrate familiarity with the Virunga landscape, including the conservation challenges facing mountain gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda.
• Use standard project management tools to track deliverables, budgets, and timelines against logical frameworks or results-based management matrices.
• Communicate and present findings to diverse audiences including government officials, donors, and scientific partners at a senior level.
• Hold a postgraduate degree in environmental science, ecology, conservation biology, natural resource management, or a closely related field.
• Fluency in English is required; working knowledge of French or Kinyarwanda is a strong advantage given the regional scope of work.

UNEP international contractor rates for senior-level technical roles based in Nairobi are benchmarked against UN Common System scales. The estimated monthly compensation for this position ranges from KES 350,000 to KES 600,000 (gross equivalent), commensurate with qualifications and relevant experience. As an international contractor engagement, benefits are limited compared to staff appointments; however, UNEP Nairobi duty station assignments typically include access to UNEP campus facilities and a professional working environment within one of the world's leading environmental organisations.

Ideal candidate: A seasoned conservation or environmental project professional with deep experience in East or Central African ecosystems, a strong grasp of climate-biodiversity nexus programming, and the ability to work independently within a UN institutional setting. You thrive in multi-country coordination roles and are passionate about protecting flagship mountain species and supporting vulnerable communities. Prior experience working in the Virunga landscape or with mountain gorilla conservation programmes is a significant advantage.

Who should NOT apply: Candidates without prior experience in biodiversity or environmental project management, those unfamiliar with international development or UN operational frameworks, or individuals seeking a purely desk-based research role with no stakeholder engagement responsibilities should not apply. This is not an entry-level position.

• Visit the UNEP careers portal at https://careers.un.org and search for the Vanishing Treasures Virunga Focal Point vacancy.
• Create or log into your UN Inspira profile and complete the online application form in full.
• Upload a current CV (maximum 5 pages), a cover letter addressing your experience with biodiversity conservation in the Great Lakes or Virunga region, and copies of relevant academic certificates.
• Ensure your application clearly demonstrates how you meet the required competencies outlined in the Terms of Reference.
• Submit your application before the closing date of 24 June 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.