December 14 2017
To collate, analyse and synthesize information for the first assessment and review of the effectiveness of the Protocol for the Compliance Committee under the Nagoya Protocol, the Subsidiary Body on Implementation and COP-MOP 3.
Work Location
Montreal
Expected duration
Five (5) months.
Duties and Responsibilities
Organizational setting
Deadline:18 December 2017
The United Nations Environment Programme 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. At the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, world leaders agreed on a comprehensive strategy for ‘sustainable development’. The Convention on Biological Diversity was opened for signature in Rio in 1992. The Convention has three main objectives: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) is located in Montreal and is administered by United Nations Environment Programme. Its main tasks are to arrange for and service meetings of the Conference of the Parties, including preparation of pertinent documentation, operation of the central node of the clearing-house mechanism, liaison and coordination with other international bodies and processes and, in close collaboration with these partners, the provision of technical support for the effective implementation of the Convention.
Duties and responsibilities
The individual contractor will report directly to the Programme Officer on Access and Benefit-sharing.
In particular the incumbent would be responsible for the following tasks:
(a) Assist with monitoring developments towards ratification and implementation of the Nagoya Protocol;
(b) Assist with the analysis and synthesis of information provided by countries in the interim national reports, the ABS Clearing-House, the national reports under the Convention, and National Biodiversity Strategies and Actions Plans;
(c) Assist with the analysis and synthesis of information provided by indigenous peoples and local communities and relevant stakeholders relevant for assessment and review process;
(d) Assist with the compilation of experiences from the assessment and review process under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety;
(e) Support the submission of interim national reports by countries;
(f) Carry out other activities related to the Nagoya Protocol as may be assigned by the supervisor.
Qualifications/special skills
Competencies
Professionalism: Ability to understand complex issues pertaining to biodiversity; ability to
work under pressure and to use limited time and resources effectively; flexibility to adapt
rapidly to changing situations; ability to ensure that the highest possible quality outputs are
produced.
Communication: Ability to speak and write clearly and effectively; ability to communicate
effectively with audiences of various levels of seniority and technical knowledge, tailoring
language, tone, style and format appropriately; ability to communicate with various stakeholders in politically sensitive situations with diplomacy and tact.
Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills, ability to work collaboratively with professional and
technical staff at senior and junior levels from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies;
Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; Allocates
appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; Uses time efficiently.
Skills
• Preferably, familiar with the work of the Convention on Biological Diversity and access and benefit-sharing,
• Experience in conducting research, summarizing views and information, and preparing policy documents;
• Ability to work quickly, accurately and independently in a fast-paced environment
Academic Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent is required. University degree in environmental science, law or policy fields is desirable.
Experience
A minimum of three (3) years of work experience in legal, policy or environmental issues is required.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English and French is required. Other languages, especially Spanish would be a strong asset.
Additional Information
SPECIAL CONDITIONS: Applicants should be Canadian residents or citizens or have permission to work in Canada.
TRAVEL
Travel as it may be required.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.