Result of ServiceThe work of the consultant will provide inputs to the preparation for SBSTTA 27 under the agenda item of scientific and technical needs for the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. It will also provide data and information that may be required for coordinating the overall preparation for various intersessional activities and undertaking the functional review of the Secretariat. Work LocationMontreal Expected duration14 months Five months – 1st contract from July to November 2025 Nine months – 2nd contract from February to October 2026 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. Duties and Responsibilities Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Deputy Executive Secretary at the Secretariat, the consultant will be responsible for performing the following duties: 1. Providing technical and organizational support to the Secretariat in facilitating the compilation of and access to scientific and technical tools and guidance, in cooperation with relevant partners, including supporting the development of user-interface for the clearing-house mechanism of the Convention as well as decision-tracking tools; 2. Provide technical and organizational support to the Secretariat, in compiling the submissions from Parties and organizations in response to paragraph 4(d) of decision 16/12 on views and relevant experience the following areas of work that could be advanced, and help identifying information regarding potential duplication with existing multilateral processes: a. Biodiversity-inclusive spatial planning; b. Pollution and biodiversity; c. Sustainable biodiversity-based activities, products and services that enhance biodiversity; d. Equity, gender equality and the human rights-based approach relating to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources; e. Different value systems, as stated in paragraph 7 (b) of section C of the Framework; 3. Provide technical and organizational support in compiling inputs received during the peer review process for undertaking this work by the Secretariat. 4. Provide technical and organizational support to the Secretariat in compiling and collating information related to the programmes of work and other cross-cutting areas of work, as inputs to the functional review of the Secretariat, including the compilation of information using the decision tracking tools. 5. Assist the Secretariat in enhancing the accessibility of relevant information by Parties and stakeholders. Qualifications/special skillsEducation: Advanced university degree (Master or equivalent) in international relations, global environmental policy, natural resources, or related field is required. Experience: A minimum of two years of work experience in research, writing, organizational functions, and project management is required. Experience with UN agencies is desirable. Familiarity with the work of partners in relevant areas, in particular the CBD is desirable. Ability to work with minimum supervision in a team environment is also desirable. Skills: Strong communication, writing and analytic skills, including a demonstrated record of producing reports in relevant areas, is required. Knowledge of the CBD and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and demonstrated expertise in researching and analyzing information relating to biodiversity related policy is desirable. Competencies required: Professionalism, Communication, Teamwork. 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 and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of “confident” in two of the four areas. Additional InformationSPECIAL CONDITIONS Local recruitment - Applicants must be Canadian residents or citizens or have permission to work in Canada. TRAVEL Travel as it 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.