General Information
Position Title
Technical Advisor - Environmental
Job Category
Technical
Duty Station(s)
Home based
Seniority Level
Senior Level
ICS Level
ICS 11
Contract Type
ICA - LICA - Specialist - Retainer
Contract Level
LICA 11
Posting Start Date
08-Jun-2026
Posting End Date
29-Jun-2026
Duration
Until 31 December 2026, up to 30 working days
Job Highlight
Support a high-level regional task force supporting the future strategic direction and governance of the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA). Working within the UNOPS-implemented UNEP/GEF South China Sea Strategic Action Programme (SCS-SAP), the consultant will facilitate policy analysis, strategic planning, and stakeholder coordination to develop recommendations for COBSEA’s governance and sustainability framework beyond 2027, influencing environmental cooperation across nine East Asian countries.
About the Region
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The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) brings together diverse expertise to help partners deliver impact worldwide. With hubs in New York, Geneva, and Vienna, and expert teams operating globally, GPO leads multi-regional initiatives that advance sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding - including in some of the world’s most challenging environments. By leveraging our collective expertise and global networks, GPO supports UNOPS’ strategic priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals across more than 130 countries. We work closely with major global partners - including governments, international financial institutions, and UN agencies - to deliver a wide range of services, such as project management, fund management, hosting services, and HR support.

As part of the Global Portfolios Office, UNOPS Geneva provides comprehensive solutions in secretariat hosting, operational support, and fund management. We manage global programmes, including the Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) Portfolio, offering project management, procurement, HR, and financial services. Geneva hosts the secretariats of eight global partnerships focused on health (RBM, Stop TB, ATscale), nutrition (SUN), water/sanitation (SHF), humanitarian leadership (GELI), urban development (Cities Alliance), and disaster displacement (PDD). We also provide fund management for EIF and UN Water, and operational support to Geneva-based partners like the Global Fund and UNHCR. The EU-UNOPS Lives in Dignity (LiD) Grant Facility is also based here.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office
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The Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) portfolio, based in Vienna, and with offices based globally is part of the UNOPS Global Portfolio Office. The Portfolio has built strong partnerships and is effectively managing a portfolio of over 500 million USD over the last 15 years to support key initiatives with fund management, project implementation and administrative support.

WEC effectively operationalizes partners' agendas with global approaches, as well as regional and country specific activities focused on climate action, protection and conservation of the environment. Partners profit from WEC’s ability to operationalize and/or scale up their important substantive agendas, including in support of key multilateral environmental and climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, the Cartagena Convention as well as the Sustainable Development Goals.

About the Project Office
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The South China Sea region and the UNEP/GEF SCS-SAP Project

The South China Sea is a semi-enclosed sea, which supports a number of unique habitats and ecosystems that are amongst the most biologically diverse shallow water marine ecosystems globally. The richness and productivity of the South China Sea and associated environments are, however, seriously threatened by high population growth, pollution, overharvest and habitat modification, resulting in high rates of habitat loss and impairment of the regenerative capacities of living resources. The socio-economic impacts of environmental deterioration are significant for the economies of this region.

Recognising that actions were urgently needed to halt degradation of the environment of this marine basin, the countries of the region sought the assistance of UNEP and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the project “Reversing Environmental Degradation Trends in the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand” was implemented from 2003-2008. This included a Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) of the issues and problems and their societal root causes as the basis for development of a Strategic Action Programme (SAP) which was inter-governmentally adopted in 2008. The SAP established a series of objectives and priority actions for coastal habitats, land-based pollution management, and the overexploitation of fish stocks in the South China Sea.

In May 2018, a US$ 15 million grant was released by the GEF to support the execution of the South China Sea SAP Project (SCS-SAP) until December 2026 (originally 2018-2023). The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is the executing agency for the implementation of the SCS-SAP project. The SCS-SAP Project includes Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam, with direct outcomes on habitat conservation on mangroves, coral reefs, seagrass, and coastal wetlands; knowledge management; sustainable financing; and regional governance and collaboration.

Job Specific Context
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To improve the sustainability and governance mechanism for the region at an intergovernmental level, the SCS-SAP project is working with the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA), the UNEP Regional Seas Programme for the East Asian Seas with participation by all 6 SCS-SAP countries. The Twenty-sixth Intergovernmental Meeting of the COBSEA (IGM 26) (23–25 October 2024, Siem Reap, Cambodia) reviewed the outcome of the Strategic and Functional Review which recommended action points on sustainability and governance. A Task Force (TF) with members from the nine COBSEA countries was established. Based on the Strategic and Functional Review, The TF will provide recommendations for the COBSEA IGM 27, to be held in Manila, Philippines, in November 2026. The Consultant/Task Force Lead will support the TF in carrying out its mandate.

Role Purpose
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Under the direct supervision of the Senior Project Manager, the Technical Adviser provides strategic and technical leadership to the COBSEA Task Force by analyzing regional environmental priorities, supporting the development of future COBSEA Strategic Directions, coordinating Task Force processes and deliverables, and preparing recommendations and implementation roadmaps for consideration by the 27th Intergovernmental Meeting (IGM 27). The role ensures alignment with UNEP priorities, regional environmental governance objectives, and the findings of the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis.

Functions / Key Results Expected
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A. Initial analysis of the possible evolution of the COBSEA Strategic Directions

Extract key transboundary pressures, root causes and recommended priority interventions from the draft South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA 2.0) developed in the context of the SCSSAP project in the formulation of COBSEA new Strategic Directions 2027-2031 in consistency with UNEP’s new MTS priorities 2026-2029 and COBSEA thematic foci;

Develop schematic strategic options (e.g. status quo, targeted refresh, thematic alignment) in the form of a table/alignment matrix.

B. Finalization and proposed followup to COBSEA Task Force

Draft and review Task Force deliverables (background documents, agenda, presentations, meeting summaries) and produce a consolidated Final COBSEA Task Force Package with executive summary and annexes to accompany the final COBSEA Task Force Report to IGM 27.

Prepare a followup roadmap of IGM 27 decisions related to the COBSEA Task Force recommendations (who, what, timeline, indicative budget).

Key Results Expected

Initial analysis of how COBSEA 2023-2027 Strategic Directions could evolve to align with UNEP 2026-2029 Medium-Term Strategy (MTS) and the draft 2025 South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA 2.0) developed in the context of the SCSSAP project (31 December 2026).

Background documents, presentations and summaries of the COBSEA Task Force meetings held in 2026 before the IGM 27 (starting with TF 5, April 2026).

Adjustments and finalization of the Task Force Report to IGM 27 and timeline for the implementation of the IGM 27 decisions related to the work of the Task Force (1 December 2026).

Skills
Data Analysis, Environmental Policy, Financial Planning, Policy Analysis, Project Management, Strategic Planning, Technical Writing
Competencies
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Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.
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Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Education Requirements
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Required

Master’s degree (or equivalent) preferably in Environmental Policy, International Relations, Environmental Law, Marine Science/Management, Public Policy with 7 years of relevant experience is required OR

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) preferably in the above mentioned fields with 9 years of relevant experience

Experience Requirements
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Required

Relevant experience in environmental governance, strategic planning, policy analysis, or marine/coastal resource management.

Desired

Prior experience working directly with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the COBSEA Secretariat, Global Environment Facility (GEF) projects, or other Regional Seas programmes.

Language Requirements
Language Proficiency Level Requirement
English Fluent Required
Additional Information
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UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.

Terms and Conditions

For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
For more details about the contract types, please click here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
.justified-content { text-align: justify !important; } Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments. UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation. Terms and Conditions For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here. All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda. It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.