Job Description

The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement between states. 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 administered by UN Environment and is located at the Geneva duty station. The main objective of this consultancy is to assist the Secretariat during the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties and to assist the Secretariat's work on support to Parties to develop and implement national legislation and to provide compliance assistance. Additionally, the IC may contribute to other areas of work, such as demand reduction, introduction from the sea and preparing draft responses to queries from CITES Management Authorities etc. Under the supervision of the Chief of the Legal Unit, and day-to-day management by the legal officer in the CITES Secretariat, the IC will: o Review and prepare draft legislative analyses of draft or final national legislation for the implementation of the Convention; o Provide legislative advice and guidance to the Parties concerned o Undertake the tasks specifically assigned to the IC before and during the meeting of the CoP; o Assist in preparing a regional workshop on demand reduction; o Assist in preparing a regional workshop on Introduction from the sea; o Work towards ensuring that all relevant webpages are updated in all three languages; o Assist in day-to-day work related to responding to queries from Parties and other stakeholders; o Undertake other tasks to support the work of the Secretariat as assigned by the Chief of Unit
Qualifications/special skills
At least recognized first-level university degree. The required experience for this assignment is estimated to a minimum of 6 to 8 Months o Relevant work experience in environmental law is a strong advantage. o Experience in preparation of presentations and briefing notes is desirable. o Accuracy, thoroughness and professionalism in preparing legislative analyses is a strong advantage o Solid writing skills in English and in document production and editing is an advantage
Languages
Fluency in spoken and written English and French is required; Working knowledge of Spanish is an advantage.
Additional Information
The Individual Contractor must: o Have an ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; o Have a solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management and content management; and office technology equipment; o Be self-motivated, and have the ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; o Have an affinity with or interest in conservation and sustainable use of wildlife, and the UN System (strong advantage). Reporting lines: The IC will report to the Chief of the Legal Unit and undertake assignments under the supervision of the legal officer. The Chief will evaluate the outputs of the Individual Contractor Competencies: Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to CITES Secretariat; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to CITES Secretariat procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
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.

Skills Required