Flora Non-detriment findings specialist (1 post)

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Result of Service

The consultancy’s core objective is to provide specialist assistance to the Science Unit in the CITES Secretariat to field test the NDF guidance with a focus on plant species as well as providing advice on key projects and studies carried out or commissioned by the Secretariat.

Work Location

Remote working. The consultancy is home-based. Regular communication and reporting will be made through virtual means (email, MS Teams, and other VoIP).

Expected duration

The duration of the work is estimated to be 8 months.

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) 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. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement between states. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival (www.cites.org). The CITES Secretariat is administered by UN Environment and is located at the Geneva duty station. This assignment is part of the CITES Secretariat’s work under the Science Unit and will undertake tasks related to the field testing of CITES NDF guidance with a focus on animal species included in the CITES Appendices as part of the Non-detriment findings project (NDF project); and assess the overall NDF project to document lessons learnt for consideration in future projects of this nature. Under the overall supervision of the Chief of the Science Unit, the NDF-Flora consultant will assist the Science Unit with the final phase of the NDF project by: 1. Providing support to the two series of online webinars (two webinars in August / September 2024 and three webinars in January / February 2025) to be organized relating to version 1.0 of the CITES NDF guidance available on the CITES webpage on non-detriment findings. a. First series of online webinars to introduce version 1.0 of the CITES NDF guidance to Parties: i. Prepare presentations, case studies and practical examples relating to plants to share during the online webinar to assist Parties to familiarize themselves with version 1.0 of the CITES NDF guidance. ii. Participate in and present information relating to plants during the webinars and consolidate inputs relating to main challenges raised by participants. b. Second series of online webinars for Parties to share their experience using the CITES NDF guidance and to share any lessons learnt: i. Liaise with Parties to gather information relating to the experiences in using the CITES NDF guidance especially relating to plant species and support Parties, as appropriate, to prepare presentations to share during the online webinars. ii. Consolidate information relating to lessons learnt and possible changes or further enhancements to the guidance to be shared during the online workshop. iii. Participate in the online webinars and present information relating to plant species. iv. Prepare a report on lessons learnt and possible changes or further enhancements to the guidance with a specific focus on plant species. 2. Assisting the Secretariat in providing support to Parties to use version 1.0 of the CITES NDF guidance and other existing guidance in making NDFs for plant species. a. Provide practical support to Parties to field test the guidance with a focus on plant species, including Parties receiving financial support as part of the NDF project and Parties in the Review of Significant Trade process that request support. b. Document support provided, lessons learnt by Parties during the field-testing including aspects to be clarified in the guidance and areas that require further guidance or where existing guidance could be enhanced. 3. Provide specialist advice to the Science Unit on a key projects and studies carried out or commissioned by the Secretariat, including African rosewood (Pterocarpus erinaceus), tree species listed at CoP19, medicinal and aromatic plant species in trade and trade in orchids. Outputs/Work Assignment 1. Presentations, case studies and practical examples relating to plant species presented as part of the online webinars relating to version 1.0 of the CITES NDF guidance. 2. Assisted the Secretariat to support Parties to use version 1.0 of the CITES NDF guidance and other existing guidance for NDFs for plant species and a report submitted on the lessons learnt, aspects to be clarified in the guidance and areas that require further guidance or where existing guidance could be enhanced. 3. Substantive specialist advice provided on key studies carried out or commissioned by the Secretariat relating to plant species.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in natural or plant sciences. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. • At least ten years of relevant work experience in natural resource management, plant sciences, forestry sciences, forestry management or related area is required. • Experience in carrying out scientific based assessments to determine sustainable off-take is required. • Experience in assessing projects in terms of key outcomes and process evaluation is an advantage. • Experience in making non-detriment findings for international trade in CITES listed species is an advantage. • Experience in preparing and presenting scientific information and building capacity relating to scientific concepts is desirable.

Languages

Fluency in spoken and written English is required; Working knowledge of French or Spanish is a strong advantage.

Additional Information

Reporting lines: The consultant will report to the Chief of the Science Unit in the CITES Secretariat who will also be responsible for the evaluation of the outputs and deliverables of the consultant. The consultant shall have excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications to build capacity; to be self-motivated, and have ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; Competencies: Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to CITES Secretariat; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to CITES Secretariat procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with Parties, Observers and staff coming from very diverse backgrounds and cultures; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;

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.