Flyways and Action Plan Consultant - CMS Avian and Aquatic teams

Result of Service

Result 1 – Inception package and integrated implementation roadmap agreed A robust inception package is delivered and approved, including an integrated workplan, stakeholder engagement plan, progress-tracking framework, and risk management approach covering all four components. Result 2 – Flyways Working Group follow-up effectively supported Planning and follow-up materials and minutes are delivered to enable timely implementation under CMS Resolution 12.11 (Rev.COP15) Flyways and the COP15 decisions: 15.154 and 15.156, including action trackers, synthesized updates, communication products, meeting documentation, and decision-ready briefs for CMS bodies as required. Result 3 – Single Species Action Plans (Christmas Island frigatebird, far eastern curlew, loggerhead turtle and whales and dolphins of the Pacific) operationalized and implementation supported For each of the single species action plans (SSAPs), a prioritized implementation roadmap, implementation package, and progress-tracking tools are produced; stakeholder coordination, partner engagement, and reporting products are delivered to support follow-up on priority measures and address implementation gaps; and progress is documented with practical recommendations to strengthen and improve implementation effectiveness. Result 4 – High-quality consolidated reporting and communication products produced Mid-term and final consolidated reports (in MS Word) and presentations (MS PowerPoint) are produced, providing a clear synthesis of progress, gaps, risks, and actionable recommendations, with all editable source files delivered.

Work Location

Home-based or UN Premises(Bonn Duty station).

Expected duration

24 months (Part time)

Duties and Responsibilities

Organizational Setting The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) is a global intergovernmental treaty aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of migratory species and their habitats. Numerous additional intergovernmental instruments on migratory species conservation have been adopted under the broad umbrella of CMS, which are supported by the CMS Secretariat. The CMS Secretariat also provides the Secretariat for the Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic, North East Atlantic, Irish and North Seas (ASCOBANS). In addition, two regional agreements on migratory species adopted under CMS have their own Secretariats which are co-located with the CMS Secretariat in Bonn - the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) and the Agreement on the Conservation of European Populations of Bats (EUROBATS). The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system's designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. In the present context, UNEP provides administrative functions for the CMS, AEWA, and EUROBATS Secretariats. This post is administered in the CMS Secretariat in Bonn, Germany. The CMS Secretariat supports several programmatic and institutional instruments and partnerships within the CMS Family that are particularly relevant to the conservation of migratory species in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF) and Pacific region. The CMS Conference of the Parties through Resolution 12.12 (Rev.COP15) Action Plans for Birds has adopted several international single-species action plans for priority species. Furthermore, in line with CMS Resolution 12.11 (Rev.COP15) Flyways, the CMS Working Group on Flyways has established a comprehensive Programme of Work (POW) on migratory birds and flyways, including the development and implementation of Species Action Plans for priority species. The advertised consultancy directly supports the implementation of the following mandates: a) Resolution 12.11 (Rev.COP15) Flyways by supporting the CMS Flyways Working Group, b) the implementation of the Single Species Action Plan for the Christmas Island frigatebird (Fregata andrewsi) c) the implementation of the Single Species Action Plan for the far eastern curlew (Numenius madagascariensis), d) the implementation of the Single Species Action Plan for the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) in the South Pacific Ocean, and e) the Whale and Dolphin Action Plan for the Pacific under the CMS Pacific Cetaceans MOU. This consultancy can be conducted home-based or at the CMS Secretariat premises in Bonn. Purpose This consultancy will support the coordination of the implementation of 4 specific CMS-approved species action plans by reviewing and identifying high priority activities for implementation in cooperation with Range States and key stakeholders. The work involves breaking these plans into manageable tasks, coordinating efforts on an international level, monitoring progress, and producing clear recommendations for action. The overall objective of this assignment is to strengthen coordinated delivery of avian and aquatic COP15 mandates and selected CMS-adopted species action plans relevant to the East Asian-Australasian and Pacific region through: (i) structured review, planning and prioritization; (ii) targeted stakeholder coordination and facilitation; (iii) practical implementation tools and regular monitoring; and (iv) timely reports for CMS bodies and partners. The consultant will function as an implementation support resource to enable follow-up, accelerate delivery, and enhance accountability across the integrated portfolio. Background The approach combines species- and ecosystem-based measures and promotes international cooperation and coordination among States, multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), United Nations institutions, non-governmental organizations, indigenous peoples and local communities, and other stakeholders. At the Fifteenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CMS (COP15), Parties adopted decisions related to the Flyways Working Group and the implementation of its Programme of Work (POW) under CMS Resolution 12.11 (Rev. COP15) Flyways. In addition, CMS has adopted species action plans that define coordinated measures to improve conservation outcomes for selected threatened migratory species. In this context, the CMS Secretariat invites applications for an individual consultant to provide integrated implementation support for: (a) CMS Resolution 12.11 (Rev.COP15) Flyways, including follow-up to COP15 decisions related to the Flyways Working Group (WG) and implementation of its POW; (b) implementation of the Christmas Island frigatebird (Fregata andrewsi) Single Species Action Plan; (c) implementation of the far eastern curlew (Numenius madagascariensis) Single Species Action Plan; (d) implementation of the South Pacific Ocean Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) Single Species Action Plan, and e) implementation of the Whale and Dolphin Action Plan for the Pacific. Objectives, output expectations and performance indicators Objectives: (a) COP15 decisions and the Programme of Work under Resolution 12.11 (Rev.COP15) Flyways will be translated into structured, time-bound follow-up actions, enabling the CMS Flyways Working Group to function with clear priorities, assigned responsibilities, and measurable progress; (b) Conversion of CMS-adopted SSAPs for the Christmas Island frigatebird (Fregata andrewsi), the far eastern curlew (Numenius madagascariensis), and the Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) into operational implementation packages with defined milestones, coordination mechanisms, and evidence-based tracking tools; and implementation of projects under the Whale and Dolphin Action plan; (c) Facilitated structured engagement with Range States, implementing partners, and relevant stakeholders to advance priority actions, identify cross-cutting implementation needs, and promote synergies across the four components; and (d) Establishment and maintenance of an integrated monitoring and reporting framework that ensures traceable, accountable, and decision-ready outputs for CMS bodies and partners throughout the assignment period. Outputs and Performance indicators: Deliverable 1 – Inception Report Content: approach; integrated workplan and timeline; stakeholder engagement plan; progress-tracking framework; quality assurance and risk management measures; proposed reporting schedule. Suggested length: 12–20 pages excluding annexes. Deliverable 2 – Integrated Implementation Roadmap and Tracking Matrix (plus evidence repository index) Content: consolidated work packages for Flyways + species plans; milestones; responsible entities; dependencies; evidence requirements; risks and mitigation actions; and a structured index of supporting evidence/documents. Format: Excel and/or Word annex plus editable templates. Deliverable 3 – Flyways Working Group Support Package(s) Content: for each Working Group engagement cycle as agreed: agenda; background note(s); draft recommendations (as needed); action-oriented minutes; updated action tracker; and a short synthesis note of implementation updates and needs. Format: Word plus optional spreadsheet annex. Deliverable 4 – Species Action Plan Implementation Packages (four packages) Content: for each of the action plans: implementation roadmap; coordination note(s); progress tracker; and a concise progress update note capturing achievements, gaps, risks, and recommended next steps. Format: Word plus optional spreadsheet annex. Deliverable 5 – Mid-term Consolidated Progress Report Content: consolidated narrative progress report covering all four components, including a dashboard-style summary, achievements, challenges, risk log, and recommendations. Format: Word and PDF. Suggested length: 15–25 pages excluding annexes. Supporting factsheets to support dissemination of information (1 – 2 pages max). Deliverable 6 – Final Consolidated Progress Report and Recommendations Content: final narrative report summarizing outputs delivered, progress against the integrated roadmap, lessons learned, and actionable recommendations for continued implementation and coordination. Format: Word and PDF. Suggested length: 20–35 pages excluding annexes. Deliverable 7 – Presentation (PowerPoint) A PowerPoint presentation summarizing key progress, gaps, and recommendations for CMS bodies and partners. Recommended slides: 18–25. Supporting factsheets to support dissemination of information (1 – 2 pages max). Deliverable 8 – Editable Source Files All editable files shall be provided, including Word, PowerPoint, tracking spreadsheets, templates, and any non-proprietary datasets prepared under the assignment. Specific tasks and responsibilities Component A – CMS Resolution 12.11 (Rev.COP15) Flyways: follow-up to COP15 decisions and support to the Flyways WG 1. Support planning and delivery of Flyways WG activities (virtual or in person as applicable), including preparation of agendas, background papers, draft recommendations, action-oriented minutes, and follow-up communications. 2. Compile and synthesize implementation updates provided by Parties, Range States, and partners relevant to flyways decisions, including identification of implementation gaps, needs, and opportunities for synergies with CMS instruments and external initiatives. 3. Maintain and periodically update an action tracker for Flyways WG follow-up, including status of actions took to fill in the identified implementation gaps, next steps, responsible entities, and risk/issue flags; propose practical mitigation options to maintain momentum. 4. Draft decision-ready briefing notes and concise summaries to inform CMS bodies as required (e.g., Scientific Council and other relevant fora), ensuring clarity, accuracy and traceability to source input. Component B to E – Operationalization and implementation support for SSAPs 1. Translate each action plan into an operational implementation package, including: prioritized work packages; sequencing; stakeholder roles; proposed coordination mechanisms; and suggested indicators and evidence requirements to track progress. 2. Support partner engagement and coordination across Range States and relevant stakeholders through targeted outreach, and documentation of agreed actions and follow-up. 3. Identify cross-cutting implementation needs (e.g., data, capacity, funding, policy steps, threats) across the SSAPs and propose integrated options for efficiency and synergy. o Component B – Christmas Island Frigatebird (Fregata andrewsi) Species Action Plan 1. Develop a practical implementation roadmap for priority measures, including coordination steps, suggested deliverables, and evidence requirements aligned with the action plan. 2. Support coordination of implementing partners (as appropriate), including preparation of action logs, and progress of updated drafts. 3. Support development of implementation support products such as project concept notes, factsheets and partner briefs suitable for technical and policy audience. o Component C – Far Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis) Species Action Plan 1. Prepare a prioritized implementation roadmap translating the action plan into time-bound work packages, including country/region coordination steps and proposed indicators. 2. Support information gathering on implementation progress, including structured requests for updates, consolidation of inputs, and preparation of synthesis notes to inform coordination and reporting. 3. Support preparation of outreach and coordination materials and factsheets to facilitate action plan delivery and partner alignment. o Component D – Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) Species Action Plan 1. Review the loggerhead turtle action plan, identify relevant new information available since its finalization in 2014 and determine potential new high priority activities. Translate the review into an implementation package with milestones, suggested indicators, and coordination mechanisms appropriate for the plan’s scope. 2. Support engagement with relevant stakeholders and partners (as applicable) to advance priority actions; document agreed steps and follow-up requirements. 3. Support preparation of progress updates and recommendations to strengthen delivery and address implementation of bottlenecks. o Component E – Whale and Dolphin Action Plan of the Pacific Cetaceans MOU 1. Support engagement with relevant stakeholders and partners (as applicable) to advance priority actions; document agreed steps and follow-up requirements. 2. Support preparation of progress updates and recommendations to strengthen delivery and address implementation of bottlenecks. 3. Support preparation of an online Meeting of Signatories to the Pacific Cetaceans MOU, as appropriate. Monitoring, reporting, and knowledge management (cross-cutting) 1. Establish and maintain an integrated monitoring framework and evidence repository (e.g., structured tracker and document library) to support traceable reporting across the four components. 2. Prepare periodic progress updates against the integrated roadmap, including: achievements; delays; risks; mitigation options; and recommended next steps for CMS Secretariat decision-making. 3. Prepare a mid-term consolidated progress report and a final consolidated report summarizing delivered outputs, implementation progress, lessons learned, and actionable recommendations for continued follow-up. 4. The Consultant will also coordinate closely with designated project focal points. Draft outputs will be reviewed by the commissioning entity and selected technical stakeholders, as appropriate. Periodic progress updates should be provided at least at inception, quarterly thereafter (or as agreed), upon submission of draft reports, and before final delivery. Production of communication and decision-support materials Prepare clear, concise materials such as briefing notes, factsheets, summaries, and PowerPoint presentations (as applicable – maximum of 15 slides) that translate technical content into formats that are easy for CMS bodies and partners to understand and use for decision-making, ensuring consistent language, compliance with UN editorial standards, and proper acknowledgement of any third-party sources, if used.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in conservation biology, ecology, environmental policy, international environmental law, international environmental governance, marine biology, ornithology, or a related field. A first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. At least 2 years of relevant professional experience in migratory species conservation, biodiversity policy and implementation, and/or support to multilateral environmental agreement processes is required. Experience with flyways-related work and/or species action plan implementation is a strong asset. Demonstrated experience supporting multi-stakeholder working groups/task forces, including preparation of agendas, background briefs, minutes, action trackers, and decision-ready summaries is required. Proven capacity to translate technical action plans into implementable workplans and tracking tools, and to produce high-quality progress reporting products is required. Excellent drafting skills in English, including the ability to produce clear, concise and accurate outputs suitable for UN intergovernmental processes is required. Strong organizational skills, ability to manage multiple parallel workstreams, and ability to work independently in a home-based setting while maintaining close coordination with the Secretariat is required. Competencies: Planning and organizing: Ability to plan own work, prioritize multiple tasks within set deadlines, and apply clear decision-making and risk management approaches. Proficient knowledge on the use of MS Word and Excel is required. Knowledge of GIS and data analysis, and interpretation of the data is desirable. Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft, edit and synthesize policy and technical documents for diverse audiences. Professionalism: Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; sound judgement; and consistent delivery of high-quality outputs aligned with UN standards. Client orientation and teamwork: Ability to establish productive relationships with Parties, partners and stakeholders, and to facilitate coordination in multi-stakeholder contexts.

Languages

Fluency in oral and written English is essential. Knowledge of Spanish, Chinese and Russian is desirable.

Additional Information

The Consultant will report directly to the heads of the Avian Species Team (Flyways, far eastern curlew and Christmas Island frigatebird) and Aquatic Species Team (Loggerhead turtle, whale and dolphin action plan) of the CMS Secretariat. 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.