Scientific and technical consultant

Result of ServiceThe work of the consultant is expected to provide support to develop a specialized section of the global report described above. Work LocationRemote Expected duration13 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesORGANIZATIONAL SETTING The United Nations Environment Programme 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. At the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, world leaders agreed on a comprehensive strategy for 'sustainable development'. The Convention on Biological Diversity was opened for signature in Rio in 1992. The Convention has three main objectives: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) is located in Montreal and is administered by United Nations Environment Programme. Its main tasks are to arrange for and service meetings of the Conference of the Parties, including preparation of pertinent documentation, operation of the central node of the clearing-house mechanism, liaison and coordination with other international bodies and processes and, in close collaboration with these partners, the provision of technical support for the effective implementation of the Convention. The Conference of the Parties, at its 15th meeting, decided to conduct a global review of collective progress in the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at its seventeenth and nineteenth meetings. The global review will have a global report as a key input to the process. The global report will be prepared following the process described in decision 16/32. The Conference of the Parties established an Ad Hoc Scientific and Technical Advisory Group for the preparation of the global report. The global report will include information synthesized from multiple information sources, including national reports, national biodiversity strategies and action plans and other sources (see decision 16/32, paragraph 18 for the list of the sources of information). The report will contain the following draft structural elements, which are being reviewed and revised by the Advisory Group: (a) An introduction to the report and the Framework; (b) A concise scientific and technical synthesis of the status of, and trends in, biodiversity; (c) A review of collective progress in the implementation of the Framework, including a target-by-target assessment of progress towards the 23 targets, the 2030 mission and other elements of the Framework, including its sections C, I, J and K; (d) A dedicated section on the provision of means of implementation consistent with the Framework; (e) An analysis of progress towards the goals of the Framework and the 2050 vision; (f) A concise compilation of examples of contributions of relevant multilateral environmental agreements towards the implementation of the Framework, in line with their respective mandates; (g) A conclusion that summarizes the relevant key messages and content of the report. Per the draft annotated outline of the global report made available for peer review, the section on the means of implementation is expected to include: 1. A summary of the provision of means of implementation as based on information from the national reports, in particular reporting on Goal D, targets 18 and 19, as well as information from reports of the Council of the Global Environment Facility on progress in the Global Environment Facility Trust Fund and the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund. 2. A summary of successes and barriers, including possible gaps in the means of implementation, which were noted by Parties in their national reports and in their national target submissions. This will include information drawn from the national reports on the specific challenges faced by developing country Parties, in particular the least developed countries and small island developing States. 3. An analysis of the identified needs and required means of implementation vis-à-vis progress towards targets 18, 19 and 20 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Duties and Responsibilities: Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Planning, Monitoring, Review and Reporting Unit, in close collaboration with the Secretary of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice, the Consultant will: 1. Deliver all aspects of drafting, compilation, analysis and research services for the production (through iterations) of the section of the global report on the “provision of means of implementation consistent with the Framework”. 2. Support the drafting of the target-by-target analysis of Targets 15, 18 and 19 of the Framework and of Goal D. This includes an analysis of progress using the relevant means of implementation related indicators (e.g. international public finance, domestic public finance, private finance, subsidies, etc.) 3. Review the full report to ensure that means of implementation is reflected across the report. 4. Collect information from the Global Environment Facility and others referenced in the decision to draft the section on the means of implementation. 5. Incorporate guidance and comments from the Advisory Group and from peer review processes to improve the draft towards finalization for the consideration of the Conference of the Parties at its seventeenth meeting (October 2026). 6. Draft tailored messages for different audiences as companion pieces to the global report. 7. Present the findings to the Advisory Group on a regular basis and to others as needed. 8. Undertake other related and relevant tasks as required. Qualifications/special skillsAcademic qualifications: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental economics/management/sciences, environmental law and policy, or other related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Experience: At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience related to the analysis of biodiversity status and trends including funding and capacity development, and biodiversity-related social and cultural indicators is required. A record of scientific, technical and technological publications related to this experience is required. Experience working in the context of the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and/or National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans, or related processes is desirable. Knowledge and experience of engagement in intergovernmental processes, in particular CBD processes, is desirable. Skills: i) Excellent written and verbal communication skills is required. ii) Ability to work both independently and as an active member of a team is required. iii) Ability to align multiple strategies and ideas is desirable. iv) Ability to prioritize, multitask and manage time efficiently is desirable. Competencies: Professionalism - Teamwork - Planning and Organizing - Client Orientation LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of other UN official languages is desirable. NOTE: \"Fluency equals a rating of \"fluent\" in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and \"Knowledge of\" equals a rating of \"confident\" in two of the four areas. Additional InformationTravel may be required. 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.