Org. Setting and Reporting
The 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. At the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, world leaders agreed on a comprehensive strategy for sustainable development. A key agreement opened for signature at Rio was the Convention on Biological Diversity. The Convention has three objectives: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) is located in Montreal, Canada and is administered by UNEP. This post is in the Secretariat of the CBD, within the Scientific, Society and Sustainable Futures Division (SSSF). Under the overall supervision of the Head of the Peoples and Biodiversity Unit and the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer responsible, the incumbent will carry out the following functions:
Responsibilities
A. Contributes to provide substantive support to the implementation and management of the Programme of Work on Article 8(j); (i) Supports the preparation and servicing of meetings of the Conference of Parties and intersessional meetings, with a focus on traditional knowledge (Article 8 (j) issues and related provisions as well as programme of activities for indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs). (ii) Manage partnership initiatives, parallel events and side events; (iii) Prepare and service meetings of the Subsidiary Body on Article 8(j) and Other Provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity Related to Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (SB8J). (iv) Produce, maintain and disseminate information related to the programme of work through publications such as the CBD Technical Series. (v) Provide technical advice to Parties and staff of the Secretariat on mainstreaming of Articles 8(j),and10(c). (vi) Supports the management of and fundraising for the Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities. B. Contributes to develop outreach and partnerships in support of the Programme of Work on Article 8(j); (i) Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with IPLCs and NGOs, and other relevant international agencies, to support the work on Article 8 (j) and related provisions, in particular with the Inter-Agency Support Group on Indigenous Peoples Issues (IASG), the United Nations Permanent Forum on (Indigenous Issues as well as contributing to the System-Wide Action Plan (SWAP) for ensuring a coherent approach to achieving the ends of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. (ii) Develop and disseminate guidelines, publications, newsletters and training materials to support IPLCs. (iii) Develop and improve the web pages on Article 8 (j). C. Assists Parties, indigenous peoples, local communities and stakeholders in the effective implementation of the Convention, especially articles related to traditional knowledge. (i) Provide advice relevant to the implementation of the Convention as it relates to indigenous peoples and local communities. (ii) Contribute to awareness-raising activities on the Convention, among indigenous peoples and local communities. D. Contributes to the capacity building activities; (i) Document capacity-building activities and approaches on traditional knowledge, including good practices and lessons learned. (ii) Develop a partnership with academic and educational sector with regard to the Convention on Biological Diversity-related issues. E. Contributes to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables, and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation, and reporting. F. Undertakes other activities as assigned by the Programme Officer on Traditional Knowledge, the Head of the Unit or the Executive Secretary.
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to biodiversity, environmental management, international environmental policy and law and issues related to indigenous peoples and local communities under the Convention on Biological Diversity. Provides substantive support for the effective Implementation of the programme of work on Articles 8(j) and other provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity related to indigenous peoples and local communities. Supports the preparation and servicing of meetings and related processes under the Convention. Outreaches partner line with the relevant decision of the Conference of the Parties for capacity-building activities. The ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. Shows pride in work and in achievements; Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges. Remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: 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; uses efficiently. TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; Places team agenda before personal agenda; Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
Education
An advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in indigenous affairs, public policy, environmental law, education and/or a biodiversity-related area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.
Job - Specific Qualification
Not available.
Work Experience
A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in programme or project management, policy development, environmental governance, engagement of indigenous peoples and local communities or related fields is required. Experience in supporting the implementation of international programmes, projects or initiatives related to biodiversity, sustainable development, traditional knowledge or related areas is required. Experience in conducting research, analysis and preparation of technical, policy or briefing documents for intergovernmental, governmental or international processes is required. Experience in supporting the organization and servicing of international meetings, workshops, consultations or conferences involving multiple stakeholders, including indigenous peoples and local communities, is required. Experience in collecting, analyzing and synthesizing information from diverse sources to support decision-making processes is required. One year or more experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable. Experience within the United Nations system or another international organization is desirable. Experience working with indigenous peoples and local communities, traditional knowledge systems or community-based approaches is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and French are required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).
Language
Reading
Writing
Listening
Speaking
English
UN Level II
UN Level II
UN Level II
UN Level II
French
UN Level II
UN Level II
UN Level II
UN Level II
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a substantive assessment which will be followed by a competency-based interview.
Special Notice
The appointment against this post is for an initial period of one (1) year and may be subject to extension. An external candidate selected for this position will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited ("FTA-limited") in accordance with section 2.2 (b) of the administrative instruction ST/AI/2013/1 on Administration of fixed-term appointments. Renewal of appointment is contingent upon the continued existence of the mandate and the availability of funding. If this position is discontinued, the incumbent will be separated from service. United Nations Secretariat staff members who meet the definition of "internal candidate" in staff rule 4.10 and are selected for this position, subject to limitations, will retain their current appointment status and will be reassigned or transferred to the position without a lien on their parent position. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/ Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position. When completing the Candidate Profile form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the Hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Individual Contractors and Consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for or be appointed to any professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions, within six months of the end of their current or most recent service. For such positions, at least 6 months must have elapsed between the end of a consultancy or individual contract and the time of application and consideration for an appointment as a staff member under the Staff Rules and Regulations of the United Nations. The requirement is not applicable when a person considered for appointment is serving or has previously served as affiliated personnel (for example, as a consultant, individual contractor, intern or gratis personnel) with a specialized agency or an Office, Fund or Programme – such as UNHCR, UNICEF, UNDP or UNOPS which is separately administered and funded from voluntary contributions. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. Online applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Contact Us" link.
United Nations Considerations
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.
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.
