Specialist on QR codes, international trade and information technology (1 post)

Result of ServiceThe key result of the consultancy will be a written report covering all the elements mentioned above, allowing the Secretariat to present its findings and proposed recommendations on the benefits and drawbacks of incorporating QR codes into the application of the CITES guidelines for a universal labelling system for the trade in and identification of caviar to the Standing Committee at its 78th meeting. Work LocationRemote Expected duration60 Days of work spread over 4 Months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 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 UNEP and is located at the Geneva Duty Station. The species covered by CITES are listed in three Appendices, according to the degree of protection they need:  Appendix I includes species threatened with extinction. Trade in specimens of these species is permitted only in exceptional circumstances;  Appendix II includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which trade must be controlled in order to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival; and  Appendix III contains species that are protected in at least one country, which has asked other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling the trade. At the 74th meeting of the Standing Committee (SC74; Lyon, 2022), the use of QR codes as a technology to potentially consider to improve traceability along the production, processing and trade chain for caviar was discussed (see SC74 Doc.47, p.21). The working group on the labelling system for trade in caviar reported to the Standing Committee on their discussion on the benefits and drawbacks of using QR codes for labelling, as suggested in the informal background document prepared by the Secretariat. The working group indicated that there were mixed views, with some members of the working group supporting the inclusion of QR codes as a way to provide fulsome tracking information, including production and packaging dates; while various challenges were also identified in terms of technological capabilities and size of the code needed. The working group however agreed that the use of QR codes would merit further exploration (see SC74 Doc. 48, p. 3). These conclusions were further reported to the 19th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP19; Panama City, 2022) (see CoP19 Doc.45, p. 2). At its 19th meeting (CoP19; Panama City, 2022), the Conference of the Parties adopted Decisions 19.175 on Labelling system for trade in caviar: Directed to the Secretariat 19.175 Subject to external funding, the Secretariat shall prepare, in consultation with relevant information technology, industry and other experts, an analysis of the benefits and drawbacks of incorporating QR codes into the application of the CITES guidelines for a universal labelling system for the trade in and identification of caviar contained in Annex 1 of Resolution Conf. 12.7 (Rev. CoP17) on Conservation of and trade in sturgeons and paddlefish, and present its analysis and recommendations to the Standing Committee. Duties and Responsibilities Under the overall supervision of the Legal Unit of the CITES Secretariat, the consultant will: 1. Review and analyze CITES decisions and resolutions, Standing Committee documents and reports, and all relevant documentation on labelling system for trade in caviar, as well as opinions expressed by Parties to the Convention and members of the intersessional working group on this topic; 2. Review and analyze existing data on trade in caviar issued from aquaculture and corresponding labelling requirements; 3. Review and analyze the existing literature and data on the use of QR codes for labelling trade products; 4. Consider and assess the benefits and drawbacks of incorporating QR codes into the application of the CITES guidelines for a universal labelling system for the trade in and identification of caviar; 5. Consider the challenges of the existing caviar labelling system and identify alternative systems that can address them effectively if such challenges cannot be addressed by using QR codes; 6. Consider whether Management Authorities, law enforcement, caviar producers, and re-packagers have the technical capabilities necessary to implement QR codes as a universal labelling system for the trade in and identification of caviar; 7. Develop the requirements for an efficient use of QR codes into the application of the CITES guidelines for a universal labelling system for the trade in and identification of caviar; 8. Support the CITES Secretariat in preparing the presentation of this analysis and proposed recommendations to the Standing Committee. Qualifications/special skillsi. Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental or wildlife law, trade law, natural resource management or any related field is required. ii. A first-level university degree in combination with four (4) additional years of qualifying work experience in the above-mentioned fields may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. i. Experience in and knowledge of CITES, CITES appendices, and CITES negotiations is required. ii. Experience in and knowledge of international trade of wildlife and labelling for trade is required. iii. Experience in and knowledge of QR codes is required. iv. Experience in legal analysis is required. v. Experience in production of technical reports within agreed timeframes is desirable. i. Experience with the UN system is desirable. LanguagesEnglish, French and Spanish are the working languages of the CITES Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of French or Spanish is desirable. Additional InformationRequired competencies: To successfully undertake this consultancy role the incumbent will demonstrate the competencies of: 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; excellent research, analytical and problem-solving skills; 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. 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 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.