Result of Service

The work of the consultant will provide technical support to the operation of the area of work on Biodiversity and Health, including the analysis of information, preparation of documents, training materials, webinars, meetings, among others.

Work Location

Remote - Home-based

Expected duration

10 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Organizational Setting The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), adopted at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, is one of the key agreements on a comprehensive strategy for sustainable development. The Convention has 196 Parties (195 States and the European Union as a regional organization) and three main objectives: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits from the use of genetic resources. The CBD Secretariat, administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is located in Montreal, Canada. 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 overall supervision of the Director of SSSF Division and direct supervision of the Programme Officer for Invasive Alien Species and Biodiversity and Health, the consultant will perform the following duties: • Provide organizational and technical support in compiling, organizing, and analyzing information, including submissions from Parties and organizations, peer review processes, and meetings, among others; and undertake research on relevant literature and documents, to support the work on biodiversity and health, and the implementation of the goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This requires knowledge in the area of One Health, planetary health and the biodiversity and health nexus. • Coordinate activities to support the implementation of the Global Action Plan on Biodiversity and Health, including webinars, side events, meetings, and dialogues. This includes facilitating liaison with stakeholders, identifying speakers, engaging major actors, and coordinating events as needed. The consultant should be familiar with key stakeholders on biodiversity and heath and One Health. • Development of documents, including drafting documents and reports, preparing surveys, preparing thematic agendas for events, researching, keeping the website up-to-date, preparing communication materials, and developing training and awareness-raising materials on the interlinkages on biodiversity and health; • Provide technical support to the meetings of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice, and Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, as needed. • Perform any other duties as required.

Qualifications/special skills

Academic qualifications Advanced University degree (Master's Degree or equivalent) in environmental sciences or related areas, such as planetary health, One Health, health care, medical studies, biology 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 A minimum of two years of work experience in the linkages/nexus between biodiversity and health is required. A minimum of two years of experience in program support, research, writing and organizational functions is required. Experience with UN agencies is desirable. Familiarity with the work of partners in relevant areas, particularly the Quadripartite Organizations for One Health (WHO, UNEP, WOAH, FAO); and other relevant partners is desirable. The ability to work with a minimum of supervision in a team environment is also desirable. Skills: Strong communication and writing skills, including a demonstrated record of producing reports in relevant areas, are required. Knowledge of the CBD, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework is desirable. Competencies required: Professionalism - Communication - Teamwork - Planning and Organizing

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of other United Nations 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 may be required during this consultancy period.

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.