Resource mobilization strategy specialist (1 Post)

Result of Service

The CITES Secretariat resource mobilization strategy is developed to the satisfaction of the CITES Secretary-General. Secretariat staff have clarity on the next actions to undertake for the implementation. Outputs/Work Assignment 1. Draft resource mobilization strategy document that includes: a. Summary of the context, strategic vision and priorities, and current funding needs of the CITES Secretariat’s work; b. Donor map that includes current and potential donors in different sectors, indicating their interests and alignment with the CITES objectives; c. List of potential fundraising mechanisms for the CITES Secretariat and their feasibility, advantages and challenges; d. Guidance for supplementary actions associated with resource mobilization, such as communication/campaigns; monitoring and evaluation, risk management, governance, capacity-building and others; and e. List of references used. 2. Executive summary that includes key points of the resource mobilization strategy

Work Location

Remote. The consultancy is home-based. Regular communication and reporting will be made through virtual means (email, MS Teams, and other VoIP).

Expected duration

4 Months over a period of 6 Months

Duties and Responsibilities

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. This assignment is part of the CITES Secretariat’s work under the Outreach and Projects Unit and will undertake tasks related to communications and publications of the Secretariat. Under the overall supervision of Chief, Outreach and Projects Unit, and in close consultation with the CITES Secretary-General, the Communications consultant will support the development of a CITES Secretariat-wide resource mobilization strategy, taking into account its special situation as the Multilateral Environmental Agreement Secretariat and as a UN entity as follows: 1. Conduct research, review previous relevant documents and hold internal consultations to clarify the context, strategic vision and priorities, and current funding needs of the CITES Secretariat’s work, taking into account its role in the context of the Convention; 2. Undertake donor mapping to identify current and potential donors in different sectors, assessing their interests and how they could align with the CITES objectives; 3. Hold internal and external consultations with relevant partners and stakeholders to identify opportunities for cooperation and collaboration; 4. Explore a variety of potential fundraising mechanisms and identify those that may be suitable for the CITES Secretariat to pursue, taking into account previous studies undertaken in the area as well as the UN rules and regulations; 5. Develop guidance for supplementary actions associated with resource mobilization, such as communication/campaigns; monitoring and evaluation, risk management, governance, capacity-building and others; 6. Revise the draft resource mobilization strategy in light of feedback provided, ensuring that the document addresses priority needs, is cost-effective and implementable; 7. Develop an executive summary and present the key points of the resource mobilization strategy to the Secretariat management team; and 8. Perform other duties related to the above, as required.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in one of the following fields is required: Strategic communications, Political sciences, Security studies, Public administration, or any other related fields. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. • Minimum 10 years of relevant professional work experience in developing and implementing institutional resource mobilization strategies is required. • Proven record of successful fundraising from a variety of sources such as governments, private sector partnerships, and international donor agencies is required. • Familiarity with the various issues of environment and sustainable development, in particular wildlife and biodiversity conservation, is required. • Experience in working at the international level, establishing trusted partnerships to develop effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders is required. • Experience in developing strategies for innovative financing for conservation is desirable. • Experience in having worked on Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) is desirable. Prior experience with the UN system, intergovernmental organisations, or similar, in particular working with developing countries is desirable. • Have affinity with or interest in conservation and sustainable use of wildlife, and the UN System is required. • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment is required. • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines is required.

Languages

Fluency in spoken and written English is required; Working knowledge of French or Spanish is a strong advantage.

Additional Information

Reporting lines The consultant will report to Chief, Outreach and Projects Unit. In addition, the CITES Secretary-General and the Head of Administration & Finance Unit will evaluate the outputs of the consultant. Additional Terms of Reference: This consultancy is intended to support the development of a CITES Secretariat-wide resource mobilization strategy, pursuant to recommendations from the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS). The work will also support, in part, Decision 19.41 on the development of an integrated capacity-building framework. 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; 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; Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps a client informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of product or services to client.

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.