Research Associate (Regional Environmental Management

Result of Service• Output 1: Draft report summarising the discussions of a 2-day meeting on the design of area-based management tools for the western Pacific region • Output 2: Updated regional environmental characterization reports for the western Pacific Ocean • Output 3: Updated regional environmental characterization reports for the Indian Ocean • Output 4: Inputs to 1-2 knowledge product(s) • Output 5: Inputs to one workshop • Output 6: Draft report summarising the results from the workshop on the development of a regional environmental management plan for the Area of the Indian Ocean, held in Qingdao, China in April 2025 Work LocationHome based with scheduled virtual meetings with ISA Secretariat staff as required. Where travel is deemed necessary, a round-trip airline ticket (economy) as per prevailing ISA policies on official travel and DSA at the prevailing ICSC rates established on the travel days would be provided to the Consultant. Expected duration6 months full time Duties and ResponsibilitiesOrganizational context This Individual Contractor opportunity is situated in the Office of Stewardship, Environment and Resources (OSER) at the Headquarters of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) located in Kingston, Jamaica, The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is an international organization established under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 1994 Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Authority is the organization through which States Parties to the Convention shall, in accordance with the regime for the seabed and ocean floor and subsoil thereof beyond the limits of national jurisdiction (the Area) established in Part XI and the Agreement, organise and control activities in the Area, particularly with a view to administering the resources of the Area. The ISA is required to take the measures necessary to ensure effective protection for the marine environment from harmful effects, as set out in the Convention. In line with the strategic directions as identified in the ISA’s Strategic Plan and High-level Action Plan, efforts are to be invested on a number of areas including inter alia: • Develop, implement and keep under review regional environmental assessments (REA) and management plans; • Enhance the collection, compilation, analysis and synthesis of research results and analysis, when available, in particular from contractors; • Ensure the dissemination of research results and analysis, when available, in a timely manner; • Promote and encourage the conduct of marine scientific research with respect to activities in the Area, with particular emphasis on research related to the environmental effects of activities in the Area. • To implement these priorities, a number of actions are being undertaken, including the compilation and synthesis of environmental data and information, convening of expert workshops, and preparation of workshop reports and other publications to disseminate information and research outputs. Objective Provide scientific and technical inputs to OSER in its activities related to regional environmental management in the Area, in order to ensure the activities are planned and implemented according to organisational goals and that the outputs from workshops and related activities are produced in a timely manner and meet a high scientific and technical standard. Under the direct supervision of the Programme Manager (Marine Environment), and overall supervision of the Director, OSER and in close consultation and cooperation with the relevant offices in the Secretariat the Individual Contractor will perform the following tasks: Provide technical support with the drafting of reports summarising the discussions held during ISA workshops and other events; • Assist in the development of other knowledge products, including proposals for technical studies and briefing papers; • Update regional environmental characterization reports for the Indian and Western Pacific oceans based on the scientific information received from workshop participants; and • Provide technical and administrative input in organising ISA workshops or other events, including the drafting of concept notes and other meeting materials. Qualifications/special skills• Advanced university degree (PhD preferred) in deep sea biology, ecology, marine spatial planning or a related discipline. • Knowledge of the Authority’s work, especially the work related to regional environmental management plans. • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. • Experience in writing workshop reports or other technical reports for inter-governmental or governmental bodies is required. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the Authority. For the position advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable. Additional Information• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) • Ability to work independently and as part of a team. • Attention to detail and problem-solving skills. • The agreed fee will be deemed to include all costs to be incurred in undertaking all the tasks outlined above. • Individual Contractor fee will be based on Level B ISBA/ST/AI/2021/1) and according to relevant professional experience and specialized/technical knowledge and skills possessed. • The consultancy fees will be paid in instalments as follows: Output 1: 20%; Output 2: 10%; Output 3: 25%; Output 4: 10%; Output 5: 10% and Output 6: 25%. • To facilitate timely and accurate outcomes by the Individual Contractor, the OSER officers will make reasonable and practical efforts to respond promptly to the Individual Contractor’s queries and provide the necessary reference material as identified by the Individual Contractor, where feasible. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. 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.