Study - Conservation priorities for sharks and rays in Oceania

Result of Service

The ultimate result of the consultancy is a comprehensive prioritization of conservation activities for Sharks MOU Annex 1-listed shark and ray species in the Oceania region. The results will guide Signatories in implementing effective conservation actions.

Work Location

remote

Expected duration

8 months (part-time assignment for 60 days within an 8-month period)

Duties and Responsibilities

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 the administrative functions for the CMS, AEWA, ASCOBANS and EUROBATS Secretariats. The Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks (Sharks MOU) is an international agreement in accordance with Article IV(4) of CMS, that aims to achieve and maintain a favourable conservation status for migratory sharks based on the best available scientific information, considering the socio-economic and other values of these species for the people of the Signatories. In accordance with activity 5.2 in the Programme of Work of the MOU, the consultancy is required to identify and prioritize conservation actions for sharks and rays listed in Annex 1 of the Sharks MOU within the currently agreed Conservation Plan, Programme of Work, and relevant Sharks MOU Fact Sheets, specifically for Signatories from the Oceania region. The study aims to provide Oceania Signatories with actionable, science-based recommendations for prioritizing conservation activities for sharks and rays, in alignment with the existing Conservation Plan and Programme of Work under the Sharks MOU, using the methodology outlined in MOS4/Doc. 10.5 and the Advisory Committee’s prioritization matrix. Under the overall supervision of the Coordinator of the Sharks MOU the consultant will be responsible for the following tasks: 1. Develop an inception report that outlines steps, timelines, risks, and draft structure of the report on regional and subregional priorities for the conservation of Shark MOU Annex 1-listed shark and rays in the Oceania region for approval by the Secretariat. 2. Apply the methodology outlined in CMS/Sharks/MOS4/Doc.10.5 “Regional prioritization of shark and ray species listed in Sharks MOU Annex 1 and CMS Appendices” and the Advisory Committee’s prioritization matrix that will be provided to the consultant to identify priority species and conservation actions for the Oceania region, potentially subdividing the region into meaningful subregions. 3. As feasible, appropriate, and within the available budget, and where sufficient data exist, conduct assessments that may include: a. a vulnerability assessment for listed shark and ray species, drawing on the Walker et al. approach b. an (m-)risk assessment 4. Based on the findings from the activities above, prepare a draft consultation report outlining regional and subregional priorities for the conservation and management of Shark MOU Annex 1-listed sharks and rays in the Oceania region, in alignment with the Sharks MOU Conservation Plan (Annex 3 of the Sharks MOU). 5. Develop regional species fact sheets, modelled on the existing global species fact sheets, for shark and ray species listed in Annex 1 of the Sharks MOU that occur in the region. These fact sheets should be included as an annex to the report. 6. Engage with the Secretariat, the Sharks MOU Advisory Committee, the relevant Signatories and SPREP to solicit input and comments on the draft report 7. Consolidate comments and develop final report, including a clear set of recommendations for priority actions. Ensure recommendations address all aspects of the Sharks MOU Conservation Plan, not only those focusing on fisheries. 8. Make suggestions, as appropriate, for future methodological improvements and iterations of prioritization exercises. The consultant will report to Coordinator of the CMS Sharks MOU.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental science, marine biology, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree, combined with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in conservation planning, project management and international conservation policy is required, including substantial experience related to the conservation of sharks and rays. Experience in assessing the conservation needs of sharks and rays and in formulating international or regional conservation measures is required. Knowledge of conservation priorities and requirements in the Oceania region is required.

Languages

Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Competence in other languages appropriate for the case-study areas would be beneficial.

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.