Provision of substantive inputs in the mainstreaming of BioTrade into the post-2020 global biodiversity framework (GBF).
Home based
Proposed contract duration: 1 November 2020 to 15 April 2021
Effective working time: 5.5 months
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Trade, Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development (TED) Branch assists developing countries in strengthening their capacity to design and implement mutually supportive trade, environment, climate change and sustainable development objectives in development strategies at all levels.
The BioTrade Initiative of TED promotes the conservation of biodiversity to further sustainable development through its sustainable commercial use in a variety of sectors in Africa, Asia and Latin America, in partnership with BioTrade partners. BioTrade refers to those activities of production, transformation and commercialization of products and services derived from native biodiversity (species and ecosystems) under social, economic and environmental sustainability criteria.
UNCTAD is implementing the project "Linking trade, biodiversity and sustainable development" focused on coordination and facilitation efforts to ensure that key stakeholders seize and capitalize on trade opportunities by linking biodiversity and sustainable development, thereby advancing the implementation of SDG 15. Appropriate matchmaking among partners, pooling of partners' resources, increased coordination and aligned efforts among stakeholders will result in more efficient and effective interventions in addressing key enabling BioTrade issues. The programme is supported by a Stakeholders Steering Committee (SSC), that defines and monitors the implementation of a 4-year Roadmap that considers new trends and priorities by partners on an annual basis, share information and if needed, priority setting for addressing new emerging issues affecting BioTrade. It is implemented in tandem with related trade and biodiversity programmes undertaken by the International Trade Centre (ITC), Helvetas, Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO), the GIZ/ABS Initiative (GIZ ABS-I), PhytoTrade Africa (PTA) and Union for Ethical BioTrade (UEBT), Development Bank of Latin America (CAF), BioTrade focal points in Andean, Mekong and Southern African sub-regions, among others.
During the second SSC in May 2019, partners requested UNCTAD to steer, coordinate and mobilize BioTrade's contribution to the discussions of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework (GBF) led by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Against this background, the consultant will provide substantive inputs in the mainstreaming of BioTrade into the post-2020 global biodiversity framework (GBF).
Specifically, the consultant will have the following duties and responsibilities:
1. Provide substantive inputs in preparing three notes regarding BioTrade to be submitted to the post-2020 global biodiversity framework (GBF) process:
a. Under a BioTrade lens, analyze the draft proposals and other documents prepared under the GBF;
b. Draft a note on the findings of the analysis and the main recommendations to enhance BioTrade’s inputs to the documents;
c. Send the file for peer review by UNCTAD and BioTrade partners; and
d. Finalize the note by addressing all the comments received during the peer review.
2. Provide inputs to UNCTAD BioTrade regarding the post-2020 monitoring framework and indicators, mainstreaming, capacity-building and means of implementation:
a. Analyze the on-going discussions under the GBF;
b. Provide inputs and key messages for UNCTAD to submit to the ongoing discussions regarding the above-mentioned topics; and
c. Support UNCTAD’s mainstreaming and advocacy actions with selected BioTrade beneficiary countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America as well as to partners including SECO, UN agencies, among others.
3. Prepare a note to update BioTrade partners and practitioners on key issues and activities in 2020 and those for 2021:
a. Draft a note that systematizes:
i. the GBF activities and key issues that took place in 2020, including UNCTAD’s BioTrade actions; and
ii. compile the main issues and meetings that will be taking place in 2021.
b. Finalize the note based on comments received from UNCTAD and key BioTrade partners.
4. Provide inputs to UNCTAD in the management of the Trade and Biodiversity statistical tool as well as on the mainstreaming of the tool into other processes such as the Biodiversity Indicators Partnership or DaRT.
a. Liaise with BIP and DaRT teams (and others if relevant) and ensure that those partners are informed on UNCTAD's BioTrade work; and
b. Explore options to promote UNCTAD’s BioTrade tools, such as Trade and Biodiversity statistical tool in international fora related to the post-2020 GBF.
5. Conduct the UNCTAD BioTrade’s trade and biodiversity webinar under the post-2020 GBF:
a. Adjust the concept of the webinar based on inputs from UNCTAD, the CBD Secretariat and other BioTrade partners;
b. Prepare the information to be included on the website and News Item;
c. Conduct a presentation at the webinar and facilitate one of the working groups; and
d. Support the drafting of the workshop report.
Academic Qualifications: Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Environmental studies
(Ecology and/or Geography), International law, Economics, Trade, Sustainable Development or related field
Experience: A minimum of 7 years of work experience on environment, law, development or relevant issues
related to sustainable development. In-depth understanding of the structure and functioning of Multilateral
Environmental Agreements (MEAs) is desirable. Practical experience in the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the post-2020 GBF is an asset.
Language: Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of Spanish and French is highly desirable.
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.