Project Consultant BWC Science & Technology

Result of Service- International conference and “Science for Diplomats” events carried out in a well-organized and structured manner and to the entire satisfaction of participants and the donor. - Conference report and longer-term strategy for greater multi-stakeholder engagement under the BWC elaborated and submitted in a timely fashion

Work Location The consultant is expected to work remotely (home-based). The consultant will be entitled to duty travel in the context of the international conference (travel to conference location) as well as to Geneva for the holding of the three “Science for Diplomats” events and the side event. Travel costs and daily allowances are covered in line with UN rules and regulations.

Expected duration Around 80 working days in 2022

Duties and Responsibilities The incumbent will be contracted by the Geneva Branch of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs on a project funded under European Union Council Decision CFSP/2021/2072 of 25 November 2021 in support of building resilience in biosafety and biosecurity through the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) in the framework of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction.

The incumbent will work remotely and report to the Chief of the Implementation Support Unit (ISU) of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), UN Office for Disarmament Affairs, Geneva. The incumbent will take the lead on project pillar 3 of EU Council Decision 2021/2072 which aims at facilitating the review of developments in science and technology of relevance to the Convention by also involving academia and industry. States Parties to the BWC have repeatedly recognized the importance of staying informed about relevant advances in science and technology. Such advances could on the one hand pose risks which could lead to potential breaches of the Convention and on the other hand can be of benefit to the Convention by, for example, improving vaccines and the diagnosis of diseases. As the technology surrounding the BTWC is inherently dual-use, the constant involvement of and exchange with academia and industry is of great importance.

For more information on the work under the respective EU Council Decision, please refer to https://www.un.org/disarmament/biological-weapons/eu-support-to-the-bwc.

Qualifications/special skills- Academic Qualifications: Higher degree in natural or social sciences, international relations or a related field. - Experience: Minimum of five years of relevant working experience in the field of global health security and biosecurity. - Proven communication, research and event organization skills. - Thorough knowledge of the Biological Weapons Convention, particularly discussions related to science and technology of relevance to the Convention and on past and present proposals from States Parties in this domain. - Thorough knowledge of the landscape of relevant academic institutions and/or industry involved in relevant advances in science and technology of importance to the Convention and corresponding networks in those entities. - Participation in previous BWC meetings and conferences is a distinct asset. - Language: Excellent proficiency in written and oral English is required. Proficiency in another UN language 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.