Consultant, CITES Hub Model for Permit Data Exchange

Result of Service

The consultant is expected to produce a report on the feasibility of a voluntary Global Hub model for the exchange of CITES permit data.

Work Location

Homebased

Expected duration

60 days over a period of 6 (six) months

Duties and Responsibilities

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 part of the CITES Secretariat’s implementation of the programme of work of the CITES Parties. The Consultant will conduct a feasibility assessment of a voluntary global Hub model for CITES electronic permit data exchange. This assignment is undertaken in connection with Decision 20.129 on Electronic Systems and Information Technology, paragraph b). More information about the electronic CITES Permit System is available here. Under the direct supervision of the Outreach and Projects Unit of the CITES Secretariat, the consultant will: 1.Conduct a study assessing technical, financial, operational and legal considerations and benefits of a voluntary global Hub model for eCITES permit data exchange. The following topics must be covered, along with other relevant topics: a. Evaluation of existing electronic Hub models, including the ePhyto Hub for the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). b. Operational modalities analysis of setting up such a Hub, taking into account: the transition to, and adoption of, the Hub in connection with existing or planned national electronic CITES permit systems; how data exchanged through the Hub would align with Customs and border procedures; how interoperability with national Single Window environments could be facilitated, where these exist or are being developed; and how a Hub model could interact with emerging international Single Window interoperability arrangements. c. Financial analysis of developing and maintaining the Hub, including its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure, applications, human resources and all associated costs. d. Cybersecurity requirements and implications for data processing, storage and exchange for CITES Parties, including legal requirements. e. Advantages and disadvantages of a voluntary Global Hub model over a Point-to-Point (P2P) model or any other methods (e.g. Regional Hub) for the exchange of CITES permit data, considering financial, technical and operational aspects. f. Detailed analysis of the alternatives for exchanging CITES permit information and associated recommendations to enable the CITES Standing Committee and CITES Parties to make an evidence-informed decision on the most sustainable, scalable, and interoperable model for the future of eCITES permit exchange. 2. Produce a draft technical report containing the afore-mentioned topics, based on: a. Desk research, structured interviews (questionnaires), and consultation with CITES Standing Committee Working Group on Electronic Systems and Information Technology, CITES Secretariat, IPPC Secretariat, any other relevant UN or non-UN organizations and individual experts. 3. Produce the final technical report based on feedback received from the stakeholders through online and offline consultations or meetings.

Qualifications/special skills

EDUCATION: An Advanced university degree in information systems, economics, international relations, sustainable development or any related field 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 ten years’ experience in trade facilitation, in particular working with international organizations or governments on developing digital solutions for sustainable trade (e.g. eCITES, eSPS, eCOO, Single Window etc.) is required. Prior experience working with the IPPC ePhyto hub and technical knowledge about electronic data standards for international trade (UN/CEFACT, WCO), interoperability, and related topics is desirable; Experience in the preparation of technical reports and presentations is desirable; Experience using standard office technology, including MS Office applications such as Excel and Word, email and internet tools, and database management systems is desirable; Experience conducting research and analysis, and preparing written reports for CITES stakeholders is desirable; Experience conducting research and analytical assessments, drafting reports and technical documents for CITES stakeholders, and familiarity with CITES permit systems and procedures is desirable.

Languages

English, French and Spanish are the working languages of the CITES Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in spoken and written English is required

Additional Information

Not available.

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.