Individual Contractor – Peoples and Biodiversity Unit

Result of Service The expected final outputs are: - Technical and organizational support provided to the organization and coordination of events planned for the second part of the Fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties on the areas of work related to traditional knowledge and gender, resulting in well-organized, impact-driven successful events. These events may include, inter alia : a Nature and Culture Summit, an online launch of a manual for indigenous peoples and local communities, and side-events for gender. - Technical support and inputs provided to the elaboration of key documents and awareness materials for traditional knowledge and gender, including by conducting research and analysis and compiling science-based information, resulting in the production of high-quality documents on the areas of work under the responsibility of the Unit. - Technical and organizational support provided to indigenous peoples and local communities and stakeholders’ engagement, including women’s groups, through active preparation of and participation to coordination meetings, drafting of official communications, including in the context of events planning for the Fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties. - Update of webpages related to traditional knowledge and gender, including through the development of a booklet and associated webpage for the voluntary funding mechanism under the Convention, with a view to facilitating the participation of indigenous peoples and local communities. - Production of communication messages and plans with a view to ensuring good visibility for events and activities, in collaboration with the Communications Unit.

Work Location Montreal

Expected duration Five (5) 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 support the organization of activities and events to be held ahead of and during the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties. Under the Unit’s responsibilities, several events are being planned in relation to indigenous peoples and local communities, nature and culture, and gender. The individual contractor will provide support to the organization of these events, by drafting concept notes and providing substantive inputs, liaising with partners, indigenous peoples and local communities, and stakeholders, drafting official correspondence and invitations, organizing preparatory meetings, developing communications messages and plans, and managing logistics. The individual contractor will support the Programme Management Officers in developing the strategic vision for these events and ensuring a smooth preparation of activities and events. The individual contractor will contribute to the writing and production of relevant substantial materials, by conducting research analysis, providing science-based inputs, and liaising with colleagues across the organization, as relevant. The individual contractor will also produce and maintain key communication outputs for the Unit, that includes updating the Unit’s webpages and developing PowerPoint presentations as may be relevant.

Specific tasks and responsibilities

1. Prepare draft concept notes, substantive messages and communication materials to support the implementation of programmes of work and activities related to traditional knowledge and gender, particularly in the context of events and activities planned for COP-15; 2. Conduct science-based research, writing and analysis, as needed, to develop substantive materials and support the work related to traditional knowledge and gender; 3. Prepare draft correspondence, organize coordination meetings and support partnership-building efforts with Parties, indigenous peoples and local communities, women’s groups, partners, for a smooth organization and high number of participants registered to events and activities planned for COP-15; 4. Provide technical assistance for outreach and engagement activities targeted for Parties, partners, indigenous peoples and local communities and women’s groups, as relevant and as advised by respective Programme Management Officers; 5. Plan for, and manage, logistics, especially in the context of the preparation and organization of activities and events related to traditional knowledge and gender for COP-15; 6. Participate in cross-cutting activities and meetings across the Unit, with a view to reinforcing existing synergies and strengthening the social pillar of the Convention; 7. Develop and plan communication inputs and update webpages related to gender and traditional knowledge, in particular on the voluntary funding mechanism under the Convention; 8. Contribute to Secretariat-wide requests that might require inputs with regards to issues related to the work of the Unit; 9. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/special skills Competencies:

Professionalism: Ability to identify, collect, use and assess information from various research sources, including scientific articles, study guides, technical reports, legal documents, and databases. Ability to communicate and engage with a wide range of stakeholders in a strategic and collaborative manner. Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, especially Word, Excel and Power Point.

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; and 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, exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors’ language, tone, style and format to match audience; and demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Ability to liaise and communicate with a wide range of stakeholders, with a view to building synergies and strategic partnerships.

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. Ability to work across teams and to support various workstreams.

Academic Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent is required. University degree in public administration, international relations, environmental science, environmental policy or law, communication or related field is desirable.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience in the field of environment or international relations is required. Experience in research, writing and analysis is required. Experience in communication and organization of international events is required. Experience in website editing is desirable. Experience within the United Nations 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 Spanish is desirable.

Additional Information 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.