Expert in Shark and Ray Ecology and International Conservation Policy

Result of ServiceThe ultimate result of the services is an accurate list of migratory chondrichthyan species that meet the criteria for inclusion in CMS Appendices and Annex 1 of the Sharks MOU, providing essential guidance to CMS Sharks MOU Signatories and CMS Parties for potential inclusion in CMS Appendices and Sharks MOU Annex 1. Work Locationremote Expected durationeight months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) is a global intergovernmental treaty aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of migratory species and their habitats. Numerous additional intergovernmental instruments on migratory species conservation have been adopted under the broad umbrella of CMS which are supported by the CMS Secretariat. Amongst these is the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks (Sharks MOU), an international agreement that aims to achieve and maintain a favourable conservation status for migratory sharks based on the best available scientific information, taking into account the socio-economic and other values of these species for the people of the Signatories. To support this goal, the Sharks MOU Advisory Committee (Sharks AC) was established as a scientific body under the agreement, tasked with providing expert scientific advice to Signatories on its implementation. Under CMS Decision 14.236, the Scientific Council has been requested—subject to the availability of resources—to review and propose updates to the list of species relevant to the Convention. This includes developing new lists for various taxonomic groups, such as sharks and rays, that meet CMS listing criteria but are not currently included in Appendices I or II. The consultant will develop a list of migratory sharks and rays that meet the criteria for inclusion in CMS Appendices I and II, as well as Annex 1 of the Sharks MOU. This will involve the systematic collation, analysis, and synthesis of ecological and biological data, in line with the CMS Convention text, relevant CMS Resolutions (e.g. UNEP/CMS/Resolution 13.7), and outcomes of the Meetings of the Signatories to the Sharks MOU. The consultant is expected to apply migratory status criteria accurately and consistently, using the most up-to-date scientific information. This task requires advanced expertise in shark and ray ecology, movement ecology, and international conservation policy. Under this assignment, the consultant will, based on desktop research, undertake the following activities: 1. Develop a methodology for categorizing migratory status in line with the CMS definition in CMS Article I. 2. Develop a list of species to test these criteria and a species-specific template (encompassing an appropriate range of taxa, geographic area, type of data, and data availability) in consultation with the Sharks AC. 3. Update the methodology for categorizing migratory status following comments from the Sharks AC. 4. Produce the list of chondrichthyan species that are likely to meet the listing criteria of CMS, and the CMS Sharks MOU as described in Articles III and IV of the CMS, including both the migratory as well as the conservation status, excluding species that are assessed currently assessed as being of Least Concern or Data Deficient (if they are deep-water species). 5. Compile a draft report, which includes supporting text and summary table based on the template developed under (2) for review by the Sharks AC, and update accordingly. 6. Provide a final report for presentation at the 5th Meeting of the Advisory Committee of the Sharks MOU (Sharks AC5), the 5th Meeting of the Signatories of the Sharks MOU (Sharks MOS5), and CMS COP16. Qualifications/special skillsA post-graduate degree in marine biology, zoology or a related field is required. A minimum of 10 years of work experience is required in the areas of shark and ray ecology, movement ecology, and international conservation policy relevant to sharks and rays. Experience in systematically collating, analysing, and summarising complex ecological information in easy-to-understand narratives for a non-technical audience is also required. Experience in shark and ray taxonomy is required. Previous experience in developing policy guidance documents and providing scientific advice to governments and/or inter-governmental bodies is desirable. LanguagesFluency in written and spoken English is required. Competence in other languages appropriate for the case-study areas would be beneficial. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE 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.