Provision of substantive inputs in the mainstreaming of BioTrade into the post-2020 global biodiversity framework (GBF); and preparation of a project document on trade and biodiversity.
Home Based
Proposed contract period: 26 April 2021 to 15 January 2022
Effective working time: 7.2 months
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 two notes regarding BioTrade to be submitted to the post-2020 global biodiversity framework (GBF) process which is expected to be adopted in October 2021.
2. Provide inputs to UNCTAD, including the programme team, regarding the post-2020 monitoring framework and indicators, mainstreaming, capacity-building and means of implementation.
3. Prepare a draft note regarding a BioTrade/sustainable trade contribution to the GBF and the SDGs, including on concepts discussed in the context of the GBF, such as related to sustainability and nature-based solutions.
4. Provide inputs to UNCTAD, including the programme team, to mainstream the GBF considerations into ongoing tools and activities implemented under the programme.
5. Support the conceptualization of the session on the post-2020 GBF to be organized at the 4th Stakeholder Steering Committee (4 SSC) in Spring 2021.
6. Develop a Project document on trade and biodiversity.
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 and sustainable development issues. 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) is an asset. Deep understanding of the post-2020 GBF negotiations is desirable.
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.