Consultant for biodiversity and health

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, collaboration with partners, among others.

Work Location

Remote/Home-based

Expected duration

Seven months

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 196 Parties and 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 the 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 overall supervision of the Director of Scientific, Society and Sustainable Futures Division and the 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 and meetings. This includes facilitating liaison with stakeholders, identifying speakers, engaging major actors, and coordinating events as needed. The consultant should be familiar with key stakeholders in biodiversity and health and One Health. • Development of documents, including drafting documents and reports, preparing surveys, preparing thematic agendas for events, researching, preparing communication materials, and developing training and awareness-raising materials on the interlinkages between biodiversity and health. • Provide technical support to the meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, as needed. • Update of website: to update, the content of the website on biodiversity and health. • Perform any other duties as requested.

Qualifications/special skills

Academic qualifications: An advanced university degree (Master's Degree or equivalent) in environmental sciences or related areas, such as planetary health, One Health, health care, medical studies, or biology, is required. A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. 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: 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 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.