COASTAL ECOLOGY EXPERT

United Nations Office for Project Services; Manama; On-site; BHD 39,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

UN-HABITAT United Nations Human Settlements Programme in Manama seeks a Coastal Ecology Expert to support a donor-led mangrove ecosystem project. The consultant will compile a baseline ecological assessment, coordinate with local partners and universities, and ensure inputs from government bodies and researchers are integrated.

The role focuses on data synthesis, literature reviews, and development of monitoring indicators to guide national afforestation and climate adaptation goals.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional work experience in ecological data collection and analysis, with strong preference for mangroves or related marine wetland ecosystems.
• Experience with coordinating with universities or research partners and preparing baseline ecological assessments.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with stakeholders and the University of Bahrain for field data collection and baseline assessment.
• Conduct literature reviews on Tubli Bay and GCC regional ecosystems to inform the baseline study.
• Synthesize new data from fieldwork and compile the Baseline Ecological Assessment Report with QA/QC.
• Prepare progress reports (biweekly) detailing outputs, challenges and next steps.
• Develop recommendations for mangrove management and monitoring indicators/protocols.

Skills

Aquatic Ecology

Biodiversity

Ecology

Environmental Monitoring

Environmental Science

Geographic Information Systems

Habitat Restoration

Natural Resources

Water Quality

Job description

UN-HABITAT United Nations Human Settlements Programme

Position Title

COASTAL ECOLOGY EXPERT

Job Category

Sustainable Development Technical Advisory

Duty Station(s)

Manama

Seniority Level

ICS 10

Contract Type

ICA - IICA - Retainer

IICA 2

Posting Start Date

08-Nov-2026

Posting End Date

15-Nov-2026

Duration

1.5 Months

Job Highlight

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.

About the Region

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

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

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.

About the Project Office

NA

About the Group

NA

Job Specific Context

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.

Role Purpose

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.

Functions / Key Results Expected

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.

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.

Skills

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 share knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education Requirements

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.

Experience Requirements

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 Requirements

Additional Information

• 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.