Specialist advice and knowledge contributes to the CITES Secretariat timely assessment of proposals to amend the CITES Appendices and external working documents to be considered at the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties.

Remote working. The consultancy is home-based. Regular communication and reporting will be made through virtual means (email, MS Teams, and other VoIP).

The duration of the work is estimated to be 9 months (63 days over 9 months period). Starting date: 2 June 2025

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 in support of the CITES Secretariat’s work under the Science Unit and the consultant will support the Unit with specialized tasks focused on scientific aspects to be considered at the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties. Under the overall supervision of the Chief of the Science Unit, the CITES scientific support specialist will assist the Science Unit by supporting and advising on the following: 1. The assessment of proposals to amend the CITES Appendices and working documents relating to scientific aspects submitted by Parties to the Convention to be considered at the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties: a. proposals to amend the Appendices (advice on possible recommendations to be made in terms of Article XV paragraphs 2 b) and c) of the Convention); and b. working documents submitted by Parties; 2. the development of working documents for consideration by Parties at the 20th meeting of the CoP; 3. webinars to be held to share information with Parties relating to proposals to amend the Appendices submitted by Parties as well as working documents to be considered at CoP20; and 4. key projects and studies carried out or commissioned by the Secretariat to be concluded prior to the CoP.

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in natural or biological sciences. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. • At least 15 years of relevant work experience in natural resource management, biological sciences, wildlife management or related area is required. • Experience in carrying out scientific based assessments to determine if species meet the criteria to be included in the CITES Appendices is required. • Experience in assessing proposals to amend the Appendices is an advantage. • Experience in preparing and presenting scientific information and building capacity relating to scientific concepts is desirable. • Experience in assessing projects in terms of key outcomes and process evaluation is an advantage.

Fluency in spoken and written English is required; Working knowledge of French or Spanish is an advantage.

Reporting lines The consultant will report to the Chief of the Science Unit in the CITES Secretariat who will also be responsible for the evaluation of the outputs and deliverables of the consultant. Travel: The consultant may need to travel to meet with the CITES Secretariat prior to the CoP and will travel to continue to provide support during the CoP. These missions will be in line with the Secretariat travel policy and funds are allocated to cover the associated costs. Payments will be made upon successful completion, review and quality assurance of the deliverables specified under Outputs/Work Assignment above. All deliverables must be submitted by the contractor to the respective direct Supervisors and certified as being of adequate quality and meeting the terms of the deliverables before payments will be made. The Consultant must have: • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications to build capacity • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadline • Have affinity with or interest in conservation and sustainable use of wildlife, and the UN System. Competencies: Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to CITES Secretariat; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to CITES Secretariat procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;

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.