Dalbergia spp. Taxonomy Specialist

1. Technical report documenting the nomenclatural and taxonomic review of Dalbergia species occurring in Nicaragua, with a clear analysis of the taxonomic circumscription of D. tucurensis, D. cubilquitzensis and D. retusa and recommendations, as appropriate, on potential revisions to the current standard nomenclature reference of the genus. 2. Updated identification materials for Dalbergia species occurring in Nicaragua, including simplified diagnostic keys based on vegetative traits, suitable for use by CITES authorities. 3. Recommendations to the CITES Secretariat outlining the implications of the taxonomic findings for the implementation of Article IV of the Convention, including considerations relevant to the formulation of non-detriment findings for Dalbergia species in Nicaragua.

Home based

6 months

The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) 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. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement between states. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival (www.cites.org). The CITES Secretariat is administered by UN Environment and is located at the Geneva duty station. This assignment is supporting the work of the CITES Secretariat’s Science Unit. The Dalbergia spp. taxonomy specialist will undertake tasks to support to Parties in the implementation of the provisions of the Convention as it relates to the identification of CITES-listed Dalbergia species. Under the overall supervision of the Chief of the Science Unit, the Dalbergia spp. taxonomy specialist consultant will: 1. Undertake a comprehensive nomenclatural and taxonomic review of species of the genus Dalbergia occurring in Nicaragua, with particular attention to the taxonomic circumscription of D. tucurensis, D. cubilquitzensis and D. retusa: a.Review and synthesize relevant scientific literature, herbarium records and available databases to clarify accepted names, synonymy and distribution of the species concerned. b.Prepare an updated technical overview of the taxonomic treatment of the species of Dalbergia concerned, including recommendations on potential revisions to the current standard nomenclature reference of the genus [see Resolution Conf. 12.11 (Rev. CoP20)]. 2. Develop practical identification materials for the Dalbergia species occurring in Nicaragua, including simplified diagnostic keys based on vegetative traits, and with particular attention to the specimens that first appear in international trade. 3. Upon request, support the CITES Secretariat in providing technical guidance to the CITES Authorities of Nicaragua, by ensuring consistency between taxonomic findings under this consultancy and their potential implications in the implementation of Article IV of the Convention and the formulation of non-detriment findings for Dalbergia.

Education Qualifications: An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in biological or forestry sciences is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Work Experience: A minimum of 7 years of demonstrated experience in conducting specialised taxonomic research for plant species is required. Experience in scientific publications relating to advancing the taxonomic knowledge of plant species in peer-reviewed journals, in particular of the family Fabaceae/Leguminosae is required. Experience with international organisations is desirable. Experience in the preparation of presentations and briefing notes is desirable

English, Spanish and French are the working languages of the CITES Secretariat. For this consultancy, fluency in oral and written Spanish is required. Knowledge English or any another UN Language is desirable.

Not available.

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