Scientific and technical consultant - PART TIME

Provide high-level support for the development of a global report.

This opening expired 1 year ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

UNEP - United Nations Environment Programme

Open positions at UNEP
Logo of UNEP

Application deadline 1 year ago: Friday 30 May 2025 at 03:59 UTC

Open application form

Overview

Provide high-level support for the development of a global report.

You have:

  • Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental management/sciences, environmental law and policy, or other related field is required.
  • At least ten years of progressively responsible experience related to the analysis of biodiversity status and trends, biodiversity indicators and social and cultural aspects of biodiversity is required.
  • Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required.
  • A record of scientific, technical and technological publications is required.
  • Experience working directly with governments in the context of the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and/or National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans, or related processes is desirable.
  • Knowledge and experience of engagement in intergovernmental processes, in particular CBD processes, is desirable.
  • Ability to prioritize, multitask and manage time efficiently is desirable.
  • Ability to align multiple strategies and ideas is desirable.

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Result of Service

The work of the consultant is expected to provide high-level support which will support the development of the global report described above.

Work Location

Remote - Home-based

Expected duration

4 months - PART TIME

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 direct supervision of the Head of the Planning, Monitoring, Review and Reporting Unit and in close collaboration with the Secretary of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice, the Consultant will be responsible for: 1. Support the development and finalization of an annotated draft outline of the global report based on the guidance provided by an Ad Hoc Scientific and Technical Advisory Group. 2. Lead the development of an options paper on how the scientific and technical aspects of the global report will be structured and collated on the basis of the sources listed in decision 16/32 (paragraph 18). The Ad Hoc Scientific and Technical Advisory Group for the preparation of the global report will consider these options and provide guidance on how the content of the global report will be prepared. 3. Conduct work on the global report according to the process established by the Ad Hoc Scientific and Technical Advisory Group for the preparation of the global report. 4. Undertake other related and relevant tasks as required.

Qualifications/special skills

Academic Qualifications Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental management/sciences, environmental law and policy, or other related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Working Experience At least ten years of progressively responsible experience related to the analysis of biodiversity status and trends, biodiversity indicators and social and cultural aspects of biodiversity is required. A record of scientific, technical and technological publications is required. Experience working directly with governments in the context of the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and/or National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans, or related processes is desirable. Knowledge and experience of engagement in intergovernmental processes, in particular CBD processes, is desirable. Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills is required. Ability to work both independently and as an active member of a team is required. Ability to align multiple strategies and ideas is desirable. Ability to prioritize, multitask and manage time efficiently is desirable. Competencies a. Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. b. Planning and Organizing: Ability to plan projects and activities, work to tight deadlines, and manage conflicting priorities. c. Client Orientation: Ability to understand users' needs and to customize services and products accordingly, in order to provide user-friendly solutions that meet their requirements.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of other UN official languages is desirable. NOTE: "Fluency equals a rating of "fluent" in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and "Knowledge of" equals a rating of "confident" in two of the four areas.

Additional Information

TRAVEL Travel as it may be required.

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.

Potential interview questions

Describe a challenging project you managed related to biodiversity. The interviewer seeks to understand your project management and biodiversity analysis experience. Provide a brief overview of the project, your role, and the outcomes.
How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple deadlines? The goal is to assess your time management and organizational skills. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you provide an example of a successful collaboration with a government agency? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure clear communication in a multi-ethnic team? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies do you use for aligning differing opinions in team discussions? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a time when you published a scientific paper. What was the process? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What factors do you consider when drafting technical reports? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
In your view, what is the most pressing issue regarding biodiversity today? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: careers.un.org