Professional Team Support - CMS Sharks MOU

Result of Service CMS Sharks MOU Secretariat effectively supported with a) developing project funding proposals and implementation, b) capacity-building and awareness-raising activities to further the conservation of sharks and rays, and the implementation of CMS Sharks MOU for sharks and rays, and c) substantial preparation of Sharks AC4 and MOS4.

Work Location remote

Expected duration The contract shall be for an initial period of 6 months (1 September 2022- 28 February 2023) with the option of extension by another 3 months (until 31 May 2023).

The contract shall be for a part-time position of 50% (10.5 working days per month).

Duties under this contract may be implemented on-site at the premises of the CMS Secretariat (Bonn, Germany) or remotely online. It is expected that Individual Contractors working remotely are available during core working hours (between 9am and 6 pm UTC +1/+2).

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 the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (also known as CMS or Bonn Convention) aims to conserve terrestrial, marine, and avian migratory species throughout their range. It is an intergovernmental treaty, concluded under the aegis of the UN Environment, concerned with the conservation of wildlife and habitats on a global scale (www.cms.int).

The Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks (Sharks MOU) is an international agreement in accordance with Art. IV of CMS that aims to restore a favorable conservation status for endangered shark and ray species on a global level. It complements existing international wildlife conservation agreements, fisheries agreements, and Regional Fisheries Management Organizations. The Secretariat’s work is guided by the Programme of Work adopted at the 3rd Meeting of the Signatories to the MOU.

The Secretariat is seeking support from an Individual Contractor to implement its tasks as included in the Programme of Work to the CMS Sharks MOU. This will involve working closely with the coordinator in drafting detailed and technical documents, preparing the 4th Meeting of the Signatories and the 4th meeting of the Advisory Committee, project development and coordination, and more general support to ongoing activities.

Under the overall supervision of the head of the Aquatic Species Team and the day-to-day supervision of the Associated Programme Manager/Sharks MOU Coordinator, the Individual Contractor is expected to fulfill the following tasks:

Project Management ¿ Assist with developing project funding proposals, including budgets to implement the Sharks MOU Programme of Work and the Capacity Building Programme, and supporting CMS Concerted Actions on sharks or rays; ¿ Assist with drafting SSFAs with Implementing Partners; ¿ Assist with preparing substantial reports on the implementation of project funds to donors;

Capacity Building and Awareness-raising ¿ Assist with drafting training materials on CMS and Sharks MOU goals and requirements to be delivered at observer training workshops in the Range States; ¿ Assist with developing, finalizing, and updating species factsheets and other awareness-raising materials for sharks and rays listed in Annex 1 of the Sharks MOU; ¿ Assist with developing outreach materials to encourage non-signatory Range States to sign the Sharks MOU.

Governance ¿ Assist with substantial preparation of the 4th Meeting of the Signatories (MOS4) planned for February 2023, including drafting meeting documents, reviewing proposals for inclusion of species in Annex 1 of the Sharks MOU, drafting presentations to introduce agenda items at MOS4 and other documents as required; ¿ Assist with preparing and following up on monthly calls and the 4th Meeting of the Sharks MOU Advisory Committee (AC), including drafting meeting documents and meeting minutes; ¿ Assist the Secretariat and the Sharks MOU Advisory Committee with implementing their tasks, including reviewing and compiling relevant scientific information.

Qualifications/special skills Academic Qualifications: An advanced university degree (Master’s) in a relevant scientific field, including biology, ecology, or other relevant natural sciences, with a specific focus on marine conservation, is required. Experience: A minimum of two years of professional work experience is required in marine conservation science or fisheries management. Experience in communicating complex marine conservation topics to different audiences is an asset. Language: Fluency in English is a requirement. Knowledge of French and/or Spanish is an asset.

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.