Environmental economic policy appraisal consultant

Result of Service The consultant will support the Secretariat, co-leads of the Contact Group on DSI and the Co-Chairs of the Working Group on the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework in their work on DSI policy and approaches, bringing a rigorous economic point of view, and expert knowledge on the methodology for the appraisal of proposed policy on DSI.

The deliverables of this consultancy are:

1. Literature review and submission of a presentation on methods for policy assessment, and their feasibility in the context of digital sequence information; 2. Presentation of a draft appraisal framework to assess the different policy approaches based on best practice to members of the informal advisory group during a virtual meeting and submission of a report with a revised version of the framework incorporating feedback from the co-leads, members of the advisory group and other stakeholders; 3. Final framework based on a preliminary assessment and ongoing feedback from co-leads, members of the advisory group and other stakeholders; 4. Report outlining a plan of work for the implementation of the COP 15 decisions related to DSI, including areas of further work and data gathering, and an estimation of resources needed to carry out the work.

Work Location Remote - Home-based

Expected duration Ten (10) months.

Duties and Responsibilities Organizational setting

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.

The Access and Benefit Sharing Unit of the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity acts as the Secretariat for the Nagoya Protocol and serves the Conference of the Parties on issues related to the third objective of the Convention.

Duties and responsibilities

The work carried out under this consultancy will be supervised by the Programme Management Officer for digital sequence information on genetic resources.

The Consultant will carry out the following inter-linked tasks:

a) Review relevant literature including studies and reports that can provide input for assessing policy approaches to DSI;

b) Present good practices and methods of assessment to co-chairs, co-leads and stakeholders;

c) Refine the draft framework to assess the different policy approaches based on best practice and feedback from the advisory group;

d) Present the proposed framework to the co-leads and members of the advisory group to seek further input and feedback (virtual meetings and third informal global dialogue);

e) Facilitate an exercise to apply the framework in collaboration with the Secretariat and a small group Parties and other stakeholders to narrow in on the most promising policy options to be considered for more in-depth assessment, and lay the baseline for a recommendation to the COP.

f) Participate in COP 15 meeting in person and other relevant meetings virtually with the co-leads and advisory group, as needed;

g) Prepare a proposed plan of work for the implementation of the COP 15 decisions related to DSI, including areas requiring further work and data gathering, and an estimation of resources needed to carry out the work.

Qualifications/special skills Competencies:

• Professionalism: demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges. Remains calm in stressful situations.

• 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 risk and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary.

• Communication: ability to research, write, speak clearly, intelligibly and effectively in the English language. Ability to communicate with both technical and lay persons, good interpersonal and oral communication skills, including the ability to present sensitive issues/positions and prepare reports on short notice.

Skills: - Capacity to carry out policy appraisal methods such as cost-benefit and multi-criteria analysis is desirable. - Excellent stakeholder understanding, ability to navigate across sectoral interests required; - Excellent analytical, writing and communication skills and an ability to work with minimal supervision and to deliver results within agreed deadlines required.

Academic Qualifications: Advanced degree in environmental economics, environmental studies, development studies, social sciences or related discipline is required.

Experience: - A minimum of 10 years of work experience in areas related to policy analysis, economic development or other related area is required. - Experience with environmental policy appraisal in related international fora or governments is desirable.

Languages: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of other United Nations languages is desirable.

Additional Information TRAVEL

The consultant may be required to travel to participate in the third Global dialogue on DSI if this is a face-to-face event and will travel to Kunming to make a presentation of the assessment framework and participate in the DSI Contact Group as an observer.

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.