Coordinator Task Force Illegal Killing of Birds

Result of Service Overall purpose

To support and facilitate the work of the Task Force and to assist CMS Parties and the Secretariat to fulfil their obligations to protect migratory birds from illegal killing, taking and trade.

Work Location Regular: Bonn; services can be carried out remotely; it will be beneficial to be able to visit and/or work from Bonn, subject to Covid-19 pandemic-related travel restrictions

Expected duration From 1 March to 31 July 2022.

Duties and Responsibilities Background

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) aims to conserve terrestrial, aquatic and avian migratory species throughout their range. It is an intergovernmental treaty, concluded under the aegis of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), concerned with the conservation of wildlife and habitats on a global scale. As an "umbrella" Convention, CMS maintains close institutional and programmatic linkages with its associated instruments, including with those agreements that are legally independent. The "parent" Convention, CMS, and its "daughter" agreements are often collectively referred to as the "CMS Family". The Intergovernmental Task Force on Illegal Killing, Taking and Trade of Migratory Birds in the Mediterranean (MIKT) has been convened under the mandate of CMS Resolution 11.16 (Rev.COP13). It brings together governmental representatives of CMS Parties around the Mediterranean, including the European Union and other interested Parties. Representatives from non-CMS Parties as well as relevant international organizations and networks are also part of MIKT as observers. The MIKT process has been built upon the Bern Convention’s Tunis Action Plan 2013-2020, and has been supporting the activities of the Bern Convention Network of Special Focal Points (SFPs) for Illegal Killing, Taking and Trade of Wild Birds (IKB). In moderating the MIKT and facilitating its activities, the MIKT Coordinator and the CMS Secretariat cooperate closely with the Secretariat of the Bern Convention, inter alia through the organization of joint meetings of MIKT and the Bern Convention Network of SFPs on IKB. In 2019, a common strategy has been adopted by both MIKT and the Bern Convention SFPs, reflected in the jointly developed framework of the Rome Strategic Plan on Eradicating Illegal Killing, Taking and Trade in Wild Birds in Europe and the Mediterranean region 2020-2030. Priority actions of the Workplan 2021-2025 of MIKT are supporting the implementation of the Rome Strategic Plan.

Scope

The geographical scope of action of the Coordinator will include all coastal States of the Mediterranean Sea and any other State that may have an influence on illegal killing, taking and trade of wild birds (IKB) in the region, including through trade or any other commercial relationship.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Avian Species Team and the overall supervision of the Executive Secretary of the CMS Secretariat, the Coordinator will deal with all migratory bird species as identified by CMS and its relevant associated instruments, which regularly occur in the Mediterranean Region, looking for maximum complementarity with the Bern Convention Network of Special Focal Points on Eradication of Illegal Killing, Trapping and Trade in Wild Birds (Bern SFPs Network).

Responsibilities

1. Support the implementation of the Task Force's Workplan and of the Rome Strategic Plan on Eradicating Illegal Killing, Taking and Trade in Wild Birds in Europe and the Mediterranean region 2020-2030, as relevant and in accordance with the joint strategic approach of CMS MIKT and the Bern SFPs Network, and undertake periodic reviews of progress; 2. Lead the organization of the meetings of the Task Force and prepare the agenda and background documents, under the guidance of the CMS Secretariat and in close cooperation with the host, and the Bern Convention Secretariat in line with the joint strategic approach; 3. Maintain and monitor the Task Force communication platform (website and intranet); 4. In coordination with the Joint CMS + AEWA Communications, Information Management and Outreach Team, promote awareness about the Task Force through social media, drafting of articles and OpEds, and providing other inputs for the CMS website; 5. Facilitate implementation of decisions of the Task Force and of the CMS Conference of the Parties (COP) with regard to IKB; 6. Assist with fundraising and resource mobilization, and relevant reporting to donors; 7. Facilitate engagement of stakeholders in the activities of the Task Force; 8. Stimulate communication and exchange of information, experience, best practice and know-how; 9. Represent the Task Force at relevant meetings; 10. Maintain links with other relevant CMS instruments and working groups such as AEWA, the Raptors MOU, the Flyways WG, the Preventing Poisoning WG and the African-Eurasian Migratory Landbirds WG; 11. Assist with the development of Task Forces on Illegal Hunting, Taking and Trade of Migratory Birds such as the one proposed for Asia, according to the Terms of Reference agreed at CMS COP12, and/or similar initiatives for other regions.

Qualifications/special skills Competency: a. Planning and organizing: Ability to plan own work, to prioritize multiple tasks within set deadlines and a good understanding of the principles of clear decision-making, planning and management of risks;

b. Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft and edit policy, technical and communications documents; Knowledge of production and dissemination of public information;

c. Professionalism: Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; A good knowledge and understanding of CMS and its associated instruments; Knowledge of current issues related to bird conservation and illegal killing in particular; familiarity with the Mediterranean region; Good research, problem-solving and analytical skills; Sound judgement

Academic Qualifications: An advanced university degree (Masters' or equivalent) in a related subject (biology, ecology, zoology, environmental sciences, environmental policy or a related field) is required. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience: A minimum of two years relevant work experience in the implementation of multi-stakeholder environmental management projects and programmes, some of which should be at an international level.

Language: Fluency in oral and written English is essential. Knowledge of French, Spanish or Arabic is desirable.

Additional Information The remuneration will be in line with the UN fee and remuneration levels for consultants and individual contractors.

The successful candidate will neither hold civil servant status nor be a ‘staff member’ as defined in the UN Staff Rules and Regulations.

All applications will be treated in strict confidence.

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.