Project consultant on ‘Supporting Universalization and Effective Implementation of the BWC in Africa’

Result of Service Strategic project framework developed;

Comprehensive background research carried out on legislation and gap analyses carried out for African States Parties to the BWC;

(Sub-)regional workshops carried out and individual work plans prepared for requesting States Parties;

Assistance in the development, review, and finalization of biosecurity legislative proposals provided;

Country specific assistance on the preparation of the CBM reports provided;

Outreach to African States Parties that have not yet designated a NCP carried out and advice on the designation of NCPs provided;

Universalization activities carried out with African states that are not yet party to the BWC;

Detailed report(s) prepared; and

Assignments carried out to completion, including required consultations, with detailed analyses and timely action, coherent decisions and clear communication.

Work Location remote

Expected duration One Hundred Forty (140) working days over a timeframe between 20 May-20 December 2022

Duties and Responsibilities The incumbent will work on the projects implemented 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, of legislative research and providing related support to States Parties in Africa. In addition, assistance will be provided to interested African states in the preparation of the BWC Confidence Building Measures, universalization and the establishment of National Contact Points. The incumbent reports to the Chief of the ISU. For more information on the work of the ISU, please refer to http://www.unog.ch/bwc.

Overall, the project will focus on enhancing the BWC universalization and its implementation in Africa during a four-year implementation timeframe between March 2022 and March/2026. By enhancing the universalization of and implementation of the Convention in Africa, the project will significantly contribute to strengthening non-proliferation and reducing bio-risks on the African continent at the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the Convention. These efforts will also help improving the capacity of African countries in early warning, risk reduction and management of global and regional health risks, thus supporting progress towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3 on good health and wellbeing.

Qualifications/special skills Skills: 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;

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