The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP works with national and local authorities, civil society, other UN organizations, research institutions and the private sector to catalyze the efficient use of the region’s natural assets and reduce the degradation of the environment.
The Disasters and Conflicts Branch of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) work to minimize environmental risks before, during, and after conflicts and disasters. The branch provides scientific assessments, policy guidance, and capacity-building support to help countries strengthen environmental resilience and integrate sustainable natural resource management into peacebuilding and recovery efforts. Through partnerships with governments, UN agencies, and civil society, UNEP’s Disasters and Conflicts Branch supports initiatives in post-crisis recovery, disaster risk reduction, and climate security to promote long-term environmental sustainability and stability in fragile and conflict-affected regions.
The Jowhar Off-stream Storage Program (JOSP) is a multi-agency initiative aimed at enhancing water storage, environmental resilience, and climate adaptation in Hirshabelle State, Somalia. The program focuses on rehabilitating critical irrigation infrastructure, integrating ecosystem-based approaches, and strengthening governance frameworks to improve long-term water security and conflict prevention. The program is implemented by a consortium comprising FAO, IOM, UNEP, UNHABITAT, UNIDO, World Vision and local partners targeting approximately 1.5 million beneficiaries in Somalia’s Middle and Lower Shabelle regions.
UNEP’s 3 outcomes under RESTORE for JOSP are:
Outcome 1: The water resource is managed in a sustainable manner
Outcome 2: The reservoir ecosystem and biodiversity management arm strengthened
Outcome 3: The natural resource management capacity of Somali government institutions is strengthened
The consultant will provide technical and strategic advisory support to UNEP and consortium partners to scale the use of NbS for natural resources management and climate resilience in Somalia. Outputs will include: a catalogue of NbS that are appropriate for Somalia; targeted advisory briefs for the Sabuun Barrage and other JOSP flow-control structures, river embankment breakage sites along the Shabelle River, canal embankment rehabilitations, and IDP relocation sites; harmonized consortium NbS guidelines; and a finalized NbS Rehabilitation Advisory Framework endorsed by Somali authorities.
The consultant will ensure that outputs are delivered on time, meet UNEP quality standards, and reflect stakeholder inputs as well as JOSP and national priorities. Under the overall supervision of the Climate and Environmental Advisor to Somalia, the consultant will perform the following:
1. Review and catalogue NbS appropriate to Somalia and Hirshabelle state
2. Provide NbS technical advice to partners
3. Support harmonization of consortium approaches and develop guidelines
4. Develop and present a NbS Rehabilitation Advisory Framework for endorsement by the government