Result of ServiceThe consultant’s work will support the Secretariat in the work and efforts to explore possible new tools and models for making digital sequence information on genetic resources publicly available and accessible in a transparent and accountable manner to all Parties. The deliverables of this consultancy are: 1. Presentation of initial findings to the Steering Committee. 2. Comprehensive report on existing tools and models for digital sequence information availability and accessibility, an assessment of their benefits and limitations, and recommendations on the potential need for new tools and models to host DSI that fulfill the criteria of transparency and accountability. 3. Incorporation and potential revisions in light of comments from the Secretariat of the CBD and the Steering Committee. 4. Final study, including an executive summary. Work LocationRemote Expected durationSeven 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 196 Parties and 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 the 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 Access and Benefit Sharing Unit of the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity serves the Conference of the Parties on issues related to the third objective of the Convention. Duties and Responsibilities Under the overall supervision of the Senior Programme Management Officer and the direct supervision of the DSI Programme Management Officer, the Consultant will perform the following duties: (1) Utilize the submissions of views, explore relevant, emerging tools and models for making DSI available and accessible. (2) Review and analyse the existing landscape of tools and models that host DSI and analyze their impact on data transparency, accessibility and accountability for DSI, including challenges/limitations. (3) Engage with Parties, indigenous peoples and local communities, and relevant stakeholders, including academic institutions and databases on the topic to inform the study. (4) Potentially propose new tools or models, or the increased or modified use of existing tools that could fill any gaps identified or address any lack of transparency and accountability in the current landscape from (2). (5) Prepare and present a draft study, including any recommendations, to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, and to the Steering Committee of the multilateral mechanism on benefit-sharing from the use of digital sequence information on genetic resources. (6) Finalize the study, incorporating feedback from the Steering Committee, and provide actionable recommendations for Parties. Include an executive summary for the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. (7) Ensure regular communication with the Secretariat, providing updates on the progress of the study and key findings. (8) Participate in meetings and consultations, ensuring the study aligns with the project goals and addresses stakeholder concerns. [Note on conditions: If artificial intelligence is used in preparation of the report, it must be declared, and all statements of fact must be subjected to validation. The consultant will be expected to provide a clear, human readable explanation of procedures used for validation and proof of the factual accuracy of empirical evidence used in the report.] Qualifications/special skillsAcademic qualifications: • Advanced degree in biological sciences, data management, bioinformatics, social sciences or related disciplines is required. Experience: • A minimum of 5 years of work experience (10 years is preferred) in areas related to biodiversity data management, use and/or governance is required. • Experience with relevant data governance principles including those adopted by UNESCO or other intergovernmental bodies and the FAIR and CARE principles is required. • Experience with assessment, design or management of data platforms, models or tools in the context of international environmental policy compliance is required. • Experience of assessing data transparency and accountability with regards to access and availability of genetic data and metadata is desirable. • Awareness of and experience with emerging thematic areas and new technologies as tools and models for making digital sequence information on genetic resources publicly available is desirable. Skills: • Capacity to identify and understand the scope and context of the study and propose the best analytical and innovative method for its assessment is essential. • Excellent knowledge and understanding of concepts of open data and metadata and the tools to support them. • Excellent knowledge of existing platforms and tools for biodiversity data. • Excellent and demonstrated analytical, writing and communication skills and an ability to work with minimal supervision and to deliver results within agreed deadlines required. • Very good understanding of international, multilateral or environmental processes. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of other United Nations 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 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.