Project consultant for the project in support of Article X

Result of Service Findings and outcome from the project (including research on Article X cooperation and assistance database, and discussions held during the one-day Conference) will feed into the deliberations of the upcoming BWC Ninth Review Conference, via the preparation of a working paper.

Work Location Remote

Expected duration 24 working months, at 50% part-time (from 1 September 2022 until 31 August 2024). Workplan to be agreed on individual basis.

Duties and Responsibilities The incumbent will work on the project administered by the Implementation Support Unit (ISU) of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) based within the Geneva Branch of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA). The project will consist, most notably, 1) of the selection of experts from developing States Parties and the coordination of their participation in capacity building programmes; 2) study of the content of the BWC Cooperation and Assistance Database and follow-up discussions with relevant States Parties; 3) and the preparation for and conduct of a one-day conference on “Promoting beneficial technologies” in Geneva, Switzerland on the margin of the BWC Ninth Review Conference. The incumbent reports to the Chief of the ISU. For more information on the work of the ISU, please refer to https://www.un.org/disarmament/biological-weapons/implementation-support-unit/

The ISU, with funding from Norway, is implementing a multi-year project to further supporting cooperation and assistance activities under Article X. The project “Reducing Biological Risks by Promoting the Peaceful Use of Biology”, aims to strengthen implementation of the BWC in developing countries, particularly Article X. It has the objectives to strengthen developing countries’ expertise and capacity to fulfil their obligations under the BWC; foster South-South cooperation in this regard; as well as to promote biosafety and biosecurity and peaceful use in developing countries. The project started from September 2021 and will end in August 2024.

Qualifications/special skills Academic Qualifications: Higher degree in social sciences, international relations, medical degree, life sciences or a related field Experience: Experience: Minimum seven years of relevant working experience in the field of multilateral arms control and disarmament, global health security and biosecurity.

Good knowledge of the Biological Weapons Convention;

Familiarity with the capabilities of relevant international organizations (e.g. WHO, FAO, OIE, UN etc.) an asset;

Knowledge of similar assistance databases in other areas an asset; Language: Excellent proficiency in written and oral English is required. Proficiency in another UN language would be beneficial.

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.