Wildlife Data Specialist (1 post)

Result of Service

The enhanced MIKE data collection and analysis framework is developed to the satisfaction of the CITES Secretariat and relevant stakeholders, providing a potential tool for decision-making on various environmental issues. The feasibility of applying MIKE methodologies to other wildlife species is assessed and documented. Outputs/Work Assignment: 1. Assessment of current MIKE data collection methodology 2. Feasibility study for applying MIKE methodology to other wildlife species 3. Potential wider uses of MIKE data framework and conditions/enabling factors 4. Summary of human resource, expertise and funds needed for implementing the proposed expansion/enhancements

Work Location

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

Expected duration

5 Months. The consultant will not be paid on monthly basis. Delivery schedule (that will be shared by the Secretariat with the selected candidate) to follow.

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, Monitoring of the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) Programme. The MIKE programme incorporates the system established by the CITES Conference of the Parties to monitor levels of illegal killing of elephants at more than 90 conservation areas spread across 45 elephant range States in Africa and Asia, with the goal of providing reliable information and building capacity for the management of elephant populations. Under the overall supervision of Chief, Outreach and Projects Unit, and in close consultation with the Programme Management Officers of the MIKE Programme team, the Wildlife Data Analysis Specialist will study the different MIKE data collection methodologies, and analysis processes to assess the feasibility of (1) expanding the application of the same data collection methodologies to other wildlife species in Africa, and (2) enhancing and augment the current MIKE datasets to enable its use in decision-making on other environmental issues such as climate change and human-wildlife conflicts. Minimising the Illegal Killing of Elephants and Other Endangered Species (MIKES) is a project funded by the European Union and implemented under the MIKE programme. It provides support for generating data on the status and trends in African elephant populations, illegal killing and illegal trade in ivory, as well as for activities to strengthen the capacity of wildlife law enforcement agencies at the national level and in focal sites to reduce the impacts of poaching and illegal wildlife trade. The second phase of the project is currently underway which commenced in 2019 and is concluding in 2025. Following the successful implementation of the previous MIKES projects and taking into account the new strategic framework of the current programmatic cycle of the European Commission, the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG-INTPA) agreed for the CITES Secretariat to develop a third phase of the project for financing by the European Development Fund. This consultancy is intended to support the Secretariat in considering the feasibility of additional applications of the MIKE methodology and datasets, with a view to attracting new and innovating funding sources. Key responsibilities include: 1. Assessment of MIKE Data Collection Methodology: a. Review the current MIKE data collection and analysis processes, including aerial, mortality, and dung surveys through desk studies and discussions/interviews with the CITES MIKE data officers, IUCN African Elephant Specialist Group experts, and others. b. Evaluate each of the methodologies through a SWOT (or similar) analysis. 2. Feasibility to Other Wildlife Species: a. Conduct a desk study on data collection methodologies for other wildlife species, such as African Lions, rhinoceroses, etc. b. Consult/interview the members of the African Carnivores Initiative (ACI), MIKE Technical Advisory Group (TAG), and other relevant experts to investigate the applicability of the MIKE methodologies for other species. c. Identify potential target species and conservation areas that may be used for further testing of expanded data collection efforts. 3. Enhancement of MIKE Data: a. Conduct a study on the applicability of using MIKE-related data to support decision-making on other environmental issues other than poaching trend analysis, such as human-elephant conflicts, drought, etc. b. Identify enabling conditions and enhancement needs for the current MIKE data methodologies that would allow such applications. c. Consult relevant stakeholders to investigate the feasibility of integrating additional data points and analysis metrics. 4. Report preparation: a. Prepare detailed report(s) outlining findings, recommendations, and implementation plans. b. Seek inputs from the CITES Secretariat, MIKE TAG members, ACI members and donors to revise the report. c. Propose additional human resource, expertise and funds needed for implementing the proposed expansion/enhancements. 5. Perform other duties related to the above, as required.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in statistics, environmental statistics, environmental science, or related fields 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. • At least ten years of relevant work experience in data analytics, statistical modeling, and their applications to wildlife conservation and development issues is required. • Knowledge of MIKE data collection, submission and analysis systems is required. • Experience in using data analytics for addressing wildlife conservation, protected areas management, and other environmental/biodiversity questions in developing countries is required • Familiarity with a wide variety of data analysis softwares and mothodologies, including knowledge of Bayesian statistical modelling is required. • Experience in preparation of peer-reviewed studies and reports is required. • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; knowledge of database management; and office technology equipment is required. • 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 is required. • Experience with international organizations is an advantage

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 French is desirable.

Additional Information

Reporting lines The consultant will report to Chief of the CITES Outreach and Projects Unit. The consultant may need to travel to some of the MIKE sites to discuss with the rangers collecting data, and to Nairobi to discuss the findings with the CITES Secretariat. 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; 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; 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.