Forestry and Biodiversity Specialist

Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in Ukraine is seeking a qualified professional for the projects “IKI Interface Project Ukraine: “Supporting Ukraine towards Ambitious and Integrated Climate Policy (GreenUkraine)” to fill the position of a:

Forestry and Biodiversity Specialist (full-time, Kyiv)

(internal SAP code: Forestry and Biodiversity Specialist)

The project aims to deepen the Ukrainian-German climate cooperation for achieving progress in the implementation of climate and biodiversity goals of Ukraine on it’s way to the EU. In its function as the IKI interface for Ukraine, the project supports networking, knowledge exchange and specifically the cooperation between German und Ukrainian climate policy makers through facilitating and building of strong networks. Proposed stakeholders included in formats or dialogues on climate related topics of the IKI Network in Ukraine are Civil society groups, the private sector, the IKI Implementing organisations in Ukraine and the German-Ukrainian Energy Partnership.

A central aim of the project is the support of Ukraine with the upcoming 2025 NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions) and beyond. Furthermore, the latest strategy documents in the area of biodiversity date back to 2016 and need to be further and continuously updated where the project want to offer support to strengthen MEPR’s (Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine) monitoring and management capacities for biodiversity conservation (e.g. NBSAPs).

The Ukrainian Climate Office (UCO) as part of the project aims to facilitate the implementation of the climate policies laid down in e.g. the updated NDCs, NBSAPs and other documents.  

Responsibilities: 

1. Biodiversity Monitoring and Conservation:

• Evaluation of existing systems and methodologies for biodiversity monitoring and conservation initiatives.
• Collaboration with stakeholders to develop and implement biodiversity monitoring programs.
• Preparation and conducting of Vulnerability Assessments for post-war conservation.
• Technical advice for the development of concept for post-war rehabilitation of endangered marine mammals in sea areas incl. options for Marine Protected Areas (MPA).
• Conducting field surveys and utilization of remote sensing techniques to identify and map biodiversity-rich areas together with stakeholders and contractors.
• Research and adaption of monitoring methodologies to meet project objectives and align with international standards.
• Analysis of data and provision of recommendations for conservation strategies and measures.

2. Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building:

• Facilitation of cooperation between relevant organizations and stakeholders involved in biodiversity conservation.
• Conducting capacity needs assessments and design capacity development initiatives for stakeholders.
• Development of training programs and workshops on biodiversity conservation and monitoring techniques (Capacity development measures).
• Fostering partnerships with local communities, government agencies, and NGOs to enhance conservation efforts.
• Provision of technical assistance and support to stakeholders in project implementation and management.

3. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion:

• Integration of gender equality considerations into biodiversity conservation projects and initiatives.
• Analysis of gender-specific impacts and ensure the inclusion of diverse perspectives in project planning and implementation.
• Development of strategies to promote the participation of women and marginalized groups in conservation activities.
• Collaboration with gender experts and women's organizations to address gender inequalities in biodiversity conservation.
• Monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of gender-sensitive approaches in achieving the project objectives.

4.Other

• Management of local and regional partners and contractors.
• Support administrative and management tasks, incl. financial management, contracting, invoicing & grant management.
• Effective coordination within the team and other relevant GIZ projects in Ukraine.
• Active contribution to the result-based monitoring of activities, reporting, communication, and knowledge management.

Requirements: 

Education:

• University degree in biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or related field.

Professional Experience:

• At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in biodiversity monitoring, conservation, and project management.
• Knowledge of international frameworks and guidelines related to biodiversity conservation and climate change.
• Work experience in development cooperation and knowledge on the instruments of technical cooperation is an asset.
• Good knowledge of the Ukrainian biodiversity and ecosystems.
• Proven skills and experience in networking and fostering partnerships and facilitating multistakeholder communication and cooperation.
• An existing network of key actors in the field of biodiversity and ecosystems (e.g. public institutions, civil society organizations, business) in Ukraine and/ or internationally is an asset.
• Particularly good working knowledge of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) technologies (related software, phone, email, internet), Excel and other computer applications (e.g. MS 365).

Soft Skills:

• Team player with excellent intercultural competences; proactive, innovative and hands-on attitude; high degree of discretion and integrity.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a willingness to cooperate effectively with colleagues and partners.
• Ability to work flexibly and independently, also under stressful conditions.
• Comprehensive managerial and organizational experience.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Readiness for occasional business trips if the circumstances allow.

Language Skills:

• Very good command of Ukrainian and English.
• Knowledge of German is an advantage.

We offer:

• Official employment.
• Salary fixed in EUR.
• Performance-related bonuses and 13th salary.
• Medical insurance.
• 29 vacation days annually.
• Language classes.
• Hard and soft skills trainings.
• Individual and group psychological support.
• Possible remote and flexible work.
• Meaningful and valuable work, international environment.

Employment conditions

Full-time position with 40-hours working week. Place of assignment is Kyiv. The duration of contract is until 31.03.2029. The assignment starts as soon as possible.

GIZ is an equal opportunity employer and offers an attractive and challenging working environment with opportunities for skill enhancement.

Application 

Application comprising of the candidate’s CV and a cover letter in the English language explaining the motivation to apply for the job is to be sent to Відправити резюме until COB 15 July 2024, Monday.

By sending the application the candidate gives the consent for the personal data processing for recruitment processes solely.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stages of the recruitment process.