The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival (www.cites.org). The CITES Secretariat is established to support Parties in their implementation of the Convention. It is administered by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and is located at the Geneva duty station.
The Science Unit (SU) leads the scientific work of the Secretariat, including supporting Parties in the maintenance of the Appendices of the Convention (the list of species whose trade is regulated) and in making non-detriment findings, which confirm the biological sustainability of export trade being permitted. The Unit also administers the Review of Significant Trade, a compliance mechanism to correct instances of unsustainable trade. SU supports the work of the Convention's two science committees (the Animals and Plants Committees), and undertakes other instructions of a scientific, management or technical nature given to the Secretariat by the Conference of the Parties.
This temporary project position is located at Geneva duty station. Under the overall supervision of the Chief of the SU, the incumbent will, within limits of delegated authority, assist the Scientific Support Officer (Flora) as follows:
1.Support the 75th meetings of the Standing Committee (SC75), and 19th meeting of the Conference of Parties (CoP19) by:
a. Contributing to the Secretariat’s findings and recommendations on proposals to amend the Appendices submitted to CoP19;
b. Presenting documents related to flora at CoP19 as required and supporting the work of Committee in particular;
c. Presenting documents related to flora at SC75 as required and supporting the Chair and Committee to deliver the meeting objectives in this field; and organizing and contributing to flora related side-events being organized by the Secretariat and by others in the margins of CoP19;
d. Providing general support to CoP19 as needed as part of the Secretariat team.
2.Support capacity-building on non-detriment findings (NDFs) for CITES Scientific Authorities; by
a. Inventorying and review materials and guidance for making NDFs already available to the Parties, and identifying any apparent gaps or needs;
b. Supervising contracts placed to obtain examples of good practice;
c. Preparing for a 2nd international expert workshop on non-detriment findings in 2023.
3. Assist the Plants Committee and its Chair with its inter-sessional work and at the extraordinary meeting of the Plants Committee at the close of CoP19.
4. Assist in supporting the Parties, on request, with the implementation of the Convention with respect to plant species in particular with the review of voluntary export quotas for flora, and in the discharge of instructions to the Secretariat from the Conference of the Parties on this theme.
5. Performs other duties as required in the CITES Scientific Unit to strengthen the implementation of CITES.
PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of the theories, concepts and approaches relevant to animal science; ability to gather, analyze and disseminate information; good research, analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to identify and participate in the resolution of issues/problems; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results, ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given; ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Ability to develop sources for data collection. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
PLANNING & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in botany, plant biology, science or natural resource management, or a related field is required. A first level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in management of plant resources, project/ programme management or related field is required.
Experience in providing scientific support in the framework of an inter-governmental organization and/or plant management agencies is desirable.
Good knowledge of UN or similar international organization, a basic understanding of international law, experience with providing technical advisory services and previous experience in projects to improve natural resources management is desirable.
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. English, French and Spanish are the working languages of CITES. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French, Spanish another UN official language 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.
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
This position is temporarily available until 31 January 2023. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.
While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post.
Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station.
This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15.
Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation.
Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.
Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position.
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.
The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
Internal Applicants – When completing the Candidate Profile form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you.
Individual Contractors and Consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for or be appointed to any professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions, within six months of the end of their current or most recent service. For such positions, at least six months need to have elapsed between the end of a consultancy or individual contract and the time of application and consideration for an appointment as a staff member under the Staff Rules and Regulations of the United Nations.
At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.
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