Result of ServiceOUTPUTS Working under the direct supervision of the Head of Strategic Communications and Global Engagement in the EOSG, and in close collaboration with the Deputy Secretary-General and the Director of the Office of Stewardship of the Environment and Resources, the selected contractor will produce the following outputs: Month 1 ● Output 1: Workplan ● Output 2: Report of the mapping exercises 1 and 2 in the Scope of Services. Month 2 ● Output 3: Report of the analyses 3 and 4 in the Scope of Services. ● Output 4: Final framework for tracking stakeholder interests, engagement, and influence. Month 3 ● Output 6: Report on common challenges and bottlenecks for countries in developing national positions and possible support the ISA Secretariat could provide. ● Output 7: Recommendations for effective outreach to Member States and fora. RESULTS The consultancy should enable us to gain a clearer systems perspective and identify, among other things: ● Key events and fora where ISA is currently absent, including relevant industry or financing meetings (e.g., Bloomberg-type business events); helping to shape the planning for leadership missions. ● A tracking system for participation in Council and Assembly meetings, allowing ISA to analyse geographical gaps and trends (e.g., underrepresented subregions or Member State typologies). ● A clearer understanding of the contractor landscape and the relevant technical partners and other key stakeholders for enhanced collaboration. Work LocationKingston Two of the 3 months consultancy shall be performed in Kingston, Jamaica. Travel is to be covered by the International Seabed Authority. Expected duration3 months full time Duties and ResponsibilitiesORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is an international organization established under the United National Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the United National Convention on the Law of the Sea (1994 Agreement). ISA is the organization through which States Parties to UNCLOS organize and control activities in the Area, particularly with a view to administering the resources in accordance with the regime for the seabed and the ocean floor and subsoil thereof beyond the limits of national jurisdiction (the Area) established in the 1994 Agreement. ISA is currently engaged in the development of the Mining Code, a comprehensive set of rules, regulations, and procedures to govern exploitation activities in the Area. The negotiations involve a wide range of actors and stakeholders, each of which has an influence in the pace and substance of regulatory outcomes, with Members of the ISA Council at the core of the negotiation process. Understanding the key persons and stakeholders shaping the negotiations, their influence, and the internal governance mechanisms by which Member States (and observers or non-ISA member countries) define and revise their national strategies and interests is essential to support informed participation and effective decision-making within the ISA. Taking an inclusive approach to deliver a Mining Code for exploitation activities in the Area can help establish effective ocean governance for seabed mineral resources in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction. In this context, ISA is seeking a consultant with requisite experience and expertise, especially in international relations, ocean governance, and the mapping of international process and frameworks. MONITORING The consultant will report to and receive guidance from the Head of Strategic Communications and Global Engagement in the EOSG, who will review and approve the deliverables/outputs following close consultation and cooperation with the relevant offices in the Secretariat. OBJECTIVE This consultancy aims to apply a systemic analysis and map key actors and position-forming processes in the negotiations of the ISA exploitation regulations. SCOPE OF SERVICES Working under the direct supervision of the Head of Strategic Communications and Global Engagement of the Executive Office of Secretary-General (EOSG), the contractor shall: 1. Map key companies (including key stakeholders and senior leaders) with the technical and financial capacity to carry out exploitation activities in the Area and who influence the decision-making landscape surrounding negotiations on the Mining Code, including: a. Identifying potential opportunities for collaboration and mechanisms for key industry experts to contribute to the development of the Mining Code. 2. Map most influential organizations and informal alliances (and major donors) influencing the negotiations of the Mining Code, including: a. Identifying news outlets and key influential individuals shaping narratives on deep-sea mining. 3. Analyse the decision-making landscape within key Member States of the ISA Council for the period of 2026-2028, including: a. Identifying which ministries, agencies and focal points have authority over matters related to the ISA, including during the intersessional period. b. Assessing the adaptability of the identified internal national mechanisms to new scientific findings, policy shocks, and evolving stakeholder pressure. c. Analysing the dynamics and coalitions surrounding key contentious draft provisions in the Council’s draft roadmap for work during the 31st session. 4. Analyse participation and engagement trends across the Members of the Assembly, Council and other ISA organs. 5. Develop a framework for tracking stakeholder interests, engagement, and influence over time to inform strategic decision-making and outreach strategies within the ISA. 6. Identify common challenges and bottlenecks for countries in developing national positions for the discussion of the Mining Code and possible support the ISA Secretariat could provide. 7. Provide practical recommendations for effective outreach by the Secretariat to member States and fora in which ISA is not participating. 8. The consultant may also be asked to do research and schedule meetings and consultations (invites, briefing materials, decks, agendas, minutes, etc.) on related topics. Qualifications/special skillsQUALIFICATIONS Mandatory: ● Experience in working with intergovernmental organizations. ● Experience in analyzing multilateral negotiations and divergent views of various stakeholders related to global ocean governance. ● Experience in identifying key stakeholders, potential partners, and outreach opportunities to facilitate international discussions related to managing global ocean resources. ● Experience in compiling and analysing complex information to develop reports and frameworks for strategic planning and stakeholder engagement. ● A Masters Degree in a related topic across Law, International Relations and Environment. Desirable: ● Knowledge of the discussions and stakeholders of ISA on the development of the Mining Code. ● Knowledge of international negotiation processes and experience in drafting and/or analysing related documents. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the Authority. For the position advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable. Additional InformationPAYMENT The agreed fees between the Secretariat and the selected consultant will be reflected in a contract signed by both parties at a rate of $5,000 per month. Payments shall be made in installments upon presentation of an invoice in USD, based on the agreed rates and deliverables, and subject to any agreed modifications made in accordance with this contract. 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.