Individual contractor for Japan Biodiversity Fund

Result of Service The ultimate result of services includes administrative support to projects/activities funded by the Japan Biodiversity Fund in a timely and effective manner, allowing implementation and completion of projects/activities. Also, this includes establishment and maintenance of files and documentation and successful completion and timely delivery of official documents and/or reports.

Work Location Montreal

Expected duration Six (6) 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.

Duties and responsibilities

The individual contractor will report to the Global Coordinator of the Japan Biodiversity Fund Team (JBF). He/she will perform the following duties:

1) Provide administrative, organizational and logistics support to the JBF activities. 2) Support and assist the Japan Biodiversity Fund Team in the management, coordination and implementation of its activities; 3) Contribute to the preparation of progress reports of the JBF for the Ministry of the Environment of Japan and the Secretariat; 4) Liaise with CBD Programme Officers regarding the submission of their reports and management of their projects; 5) Assist JBF team members in administrating the JBF related projects and activities including its consolidation; 6) Assist Programme Officers in administrating the EU funding, prepare the SCBD result-based management framework; and 7) Any other tasks assigned by the JBF Global Coordinator.

Qualifications/special skills Competencies: - 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. - Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. - Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. - Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect.

Skills: Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct analysis, including familiarity of such activities with electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases are desirable. Ability to develop sources for data collection, as well as to assess data; excellent familiarity of databases, excel and power point software are required.

Knowledge: Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems is required. Demonstrated expertise in planning, organization and communication are desirable. Knowledge of the Convention on Biological Diversity and its processes and of other international policy processes is desirable.

Academic Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent is required. University degree in public administration, natural resource management, environmental sciences, environmental policy, or related field is desirable.

Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of working experience is required. Experience in the field of programme management assistance, biodiversity, environmental management, researching, writing, administrative functions, project analysis, project implementation and monitoring 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 and Japanese is desirable.

Additional Information TRAVEL

Travel may be required depending on the assigned tasks. The Secretariat will cover the travel costs as per the UN Travel policy. However, due to the COVID-19, travel is currently restricted.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Local recruitment: Applicants must be Canadian residents or citizens or have permission to work in Canada.

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.