COASTAL ECOLOGY EXPERT

The consultant will work under the supervision of the Head of Country Programme in Bahrain and in coordination with the project team. They will engage on a regular basis with relevant government institutions, partners, researchers, to ensure the activities are developed with the inputs of all relevant partners.

The UNOPS Middle East Region (MR) provides strategic leadership, performance oversight, and support to UNOPS operations across Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and the State of Palestine. MR is responsible for positioning UNOPS as a key development partner in the region through high-level engagement with regional bodies, UN coordination mechanisms, development banks, donors, and intergovernmental organisations. By fostering strategic partnerships and promoting operational excellence, the region supports country teams in delivering sustainable solutions to complex development, peace, and humanitarian challenges

Established in 2004, the UNOPS Amman Multi-Country Office (MCO) provides strategic and operational support to partners across Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and the Gulf countries. The MCO delivers solutions that address development, peace, and humanitarian challenges through infrastructure, procurement, project management, and human resources services. Working in close collaboration with national governments, UN agencies, and donors, the office supports efforts to advance the Sustainable Development Goals. Its portfolio includes large-scale operations focused on improving essential services, strengthening national systems, and enhancing resilience in complex and fragile settings.

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To support its growing portfolio of projects, UN-Habitat Bahrain seeks a coastal ecology expert to support their ongoing project with the donor to enhance the mangrove ecosystem of Tubli Bay. This initiative is part of Bahrain’s national afforestation strategy and climate adaptation goals.

Upon completion, the consultant will support the creation of the first comprehensive baseline ecological assessment of Tubli Bay, supporting national afforestation goals of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The consultant will enable future management and monitoring of the ecosystem to be undertaken using scientific principles that will further protect the Tubli Bay mangrove forests.

1. Coordinate with Stakeholders: Collaborate with the University of Bahrain on their data collection fieldwork for the baseline ecological assessment.

2. Conduct literature review: Compile and incorporate existing published data and information on the Tubli Bay ecosystem where available, along with relevant published data from the GCC region to create a comprehensive understanding of the historic and current ecosystem conditions of Tubli Bay and establish an understanding of potential reference ecosystems for evaluating Tubli Bay.

3. Synthesize new data: Incorporate newly collected data from the University of Bahrain fieldwork once their technical report is finalized.

4. Baseline Ecosystem Assessment Report: Prepare a final report summarizing the baseline ecosystem conditions using historic data from the literature review and newly collected data, evaluating the overall health of the Tubli Bay mangrove forests, and providing recommendations for management activities and future monitoring indicators/protocols. Ensure data quality assurance/quality control for the report.

5. Progress Reports: The expert will be expected to submit a biweekly report (3) on the progress of the work.

Deliverables:

Output 1: Biweekly Progress Reports

• Written or presentation format provided biweekly to the project team, summarizing progress towards completion.

Output 2: Initial Literature Review

• Draft report with review of literature on Tubli Bay in preparation for Output 3.

• Regional literature review included that may be used for reference ecosystem, supporting Output 3.

Output 3: Baseline Ecological Assessment Report

• Synthesis of literature review and newly collected data.

Aquatic Ecology, Biodiversity, Ecology, Environmental Monitoring, Environmental Science, Geographic Information Systems, Habitat Restoration, Natural Resources, Water Quality

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.

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.

Required: At least 5 years of professional work experience in ecological data collection and analysis, with strong preference for work related to mangroves or related marine wetland ecosystems. Work experience may be acquired through academic institutions as part of a degree program.

Required: Familiarity with mangrove ecosystems in the GCC region is required.

Desired: Experience in creating ecosystem assessment frameworks such as the DPSIR model is highly desirable. Experience working on projects with international organizations is desirable but not required.

Language Proficiency Level Requirement English Fluent Required Arabic Basic Desirable

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