Individual contractor to support for work under the CBD Secretariat on marine, coastal and island biodiversity

Result of Service The individual contactor shall provide technical, organizational and communication support to the work of the Secretariat on marine, coastal and island biodiversity. This shall be done with the direct input and oversight of the Programme Management Officer (Marine, Coastal and Island Biodiversity) within the Biodiversity, Science, Policy and Governance Unit.

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

Under the general supervision of the Programme Management Officer, (Marine, Coastal and Island Biodiversity), Biodiversity Science, Policy and Governance Unit, Science, Society and Sustainable Futures Division, and in collaboration with the SCBD marine, coastal and island biodiversity team, the individual contractor will support the implementation of the programme of work on marine and coastal biodiversity and the programme of work on island biodiversity focusing on the following:

(a) Organizational support in convening workshops, meetings and side events; (b) Support for the implementation capacity building work under the Sustainable Ocean Initiative; (c) Support in reviewing and editing documents and reports; (d) Support in coordination of various expert consultants; (e) Support in developing inputs to relevant intergovernmental processes related to marine, coastal and island biodiversity; (f) Other relevant activities as requested by the Programme Management Officer (Marine, Coastal and Island Biodiversity).

Qualifications/special skills Competencies

Professionalism: Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis. Ability to identify, collect, use, and assess information from various research sources, including scientific articles, studies, technical reports, legal documents, and databases. 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 and 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.

Academic Qualifications: High School Diploma is required. University degree in environmental science/policy, international development/relations, or related fields is desirable.

Experience: A minimum of 4 years of work experience in the field of environmental science/policy, international development/relations or related fields is required. Experience in reviewing, editing, and drafting scientific and/or technical documents is required. Knowledge and work experience relevant to areas of work under the Convention on Biological Diversity 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 individual contractor may be required to travel.

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.