Specialist in forestry and timber supply chain (Brazil wood)

Result of Service

Three written reports: 1) Report on options towards the establishment of a traceability system of Paubrasilia echinata bows 2) Report on cross-cutting matters relevant to the implementation of Decisions 19.251 to 19.252, including enforcement, stockpile management and capacity-building needs. 3) Consolidated report on improved implementation of the Appendix-II listing of Paubrasilia echinata, based on outputs 1 and 2 and other relevant information.

Work Location

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

Expected duration

62.5 working days over a 10 month period. Required Period of work: March to December 2024.

Duties and Responsibilities

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 Programme and is located at the Geneva Duty Station. This assignment is part of the CITES Secretariat’s work under the Science Unit. In fulfillment of Decision 19.249 on Brazil wood (Paubrasilia echinata), the Secretariat is to undertake a study on improved implementation of the Appendix-II listing of Paubrasilia echinata. Under the overall supervision of Chief of the Science Unit, the consultant will deliver the following outputs and undertake the following activities: – Output 1: Report on options towards the establishment of a traceability system of Paubrasilia echinata bows Activities 1.1 Review literature data relating to traceability systems for timber and wood specimens in trade that are, or could prove useful to, tracing trade of bows of Paubrasilia echinata, as per paragraph b) of Decision 19.243. 1.2 In undertaking the above, special consideration shall be given to analysing the relevant aspects of the responses to the Notification to the Parties No. 2023/033, as contained in Annex 2 to document PC26 Doc. 31. – Output 2: Report on cross-cutting matters relevant to the implementation of Decisions 19.251 to 19.252, including enforcement, stockpile management and capacity-building needs. Activities 2.1 Review, analyse and summarize the responses to the Notification to the Parties No. 2023/033 (Annex 2 to document PC26 Doc. 31) and undertake an analysis of the following: enforcement, registration of stockpiles, capacity-building needs and other cross-cutting matters relevant to the implementation of Decisions 19.251 to 19.252. 2.2 As a complement to the above, undertake a literature review and incorporate its findings in the relevant sections of the analysis of paragraph supra. – Output 3: Consolidated report on improved implementation of the Appendix-II listing of Paubrasilia echinata, based on outputs 1 and 2 and other relevant information. Activity 3.0. Prepare a draft consolidated report on Outputs 1 and 2, in preparation for the Secretariat’s reporting to the Plants and Standing Committees at their next meetings, including recommendations relating to traceability systems and cross-cutting matters

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental law, economy, biology, natural resource management or any related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with four (4) additional years of qualifying work experience may by accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. i. Experience in and knowledge of CITES is required, including traceability of timber and other wood specimens in international trade, and in particular musical instruments of Paubrasilia echinata. ii. Knowledge and experience in working with the timber industry, with particular focus on Brazil as range State of Paubrasilia echinata and importing States of specimens of CITES-listed tree species. iii. Extensive knowledge and proven experience of forest management and forest product supply chains.

Languages

English, French and Spanish are the working languages of the CITES Secretariat. For the post advertised, Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Working knowledge of one of the two other working languages is desirable.

Additional Information

Travel could be required to up to 3 countries. Any associated travel arrangements will be made separately by the CITES Secretariat, in accordance with the UN rules and regulations. Competencies: PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to produce high quality work in the area of resource management in a UN context; ability to liaise with external stakeholders in governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations; ability to compile, structure and condense information collected from various sources into professional, technically accurate, clearly written, and concise policy-relevant outputs; awareness of and respect for political sensitivities and cultural differences. COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed; skills in networking and communication and experience engaging with local communities and stakeholders in an illegal trade supply chain. PLANNING & ORGANIZING: Ability to work against tight deadlines; 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

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.