Position description
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 located in the Secretariat of the CBD, within the Scientific, Society and Sustainable Futures Division (SSSF). Under the overall guidance of the Director of the SSSF Division and the direct supervision of the Head of the Peoples and Biodiversity Unit, the incumbent will carry out the following functions:
Responsibilities
- Leads the implementation and coordination of the Programme of Work on Article 8J and related provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity, ensuring effective delivery of projects and activities related to traditional knowledge, human rights, biodiversity, and area-based conservation.
- Coordinates the preparation and servicing of the Conference of the Parties (COP), Subsidiary Body on Article 8j) (SB8J), and intersessional meetings, facilitating engagement of indigenous peoples and local communities. Strengthen inter-agency collaboration, including with UN bodies and international organizations.
- Provides technical advice and develops knowledge products on traditional knowledge, customary sustainable use, and Article 8j), ensuring their integration across the Secretariat's programmes and policies. Maintain and disseminate relevant resources such as publications, training materials, and technical reports.
- Strengthens partnerships and inter-agency collaboration with UN organizations, indigenous networks, and international bodies such as UNESCO and IUCN to advance joint initiatives, capacity-building efforts, and policy coherence.
- Manages and mobilizes resources for the Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, ensuring effective fund allocation, accountability, and alignment with programme objectives.
- Monitors programme performance and provides regular reports to the Head of Unit, the Director of Science, Society and Sustainable Futures Division and Executive Secretary, ensuring resource allocation and programme outcomes align with the Convention's strategic priorities.
- Monitors and evaluates Programme Impact - Develops and applies monitoring, evaluation, and reporting mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of activities related to traditional knowledge, biodiversity, and indigenous peoples' engagement. Provides recommendations for improvements.
- Strengthens collaboration with indigenous leaders, local communities, civil society organizations, and private sector partners to promote inclusive decision-making processes and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
- Supports the formulation of policy recommendations and strategic guidance on integrating traditional knowledge and indigenous rights into biodiversity conservation policies at national, regional, and global levels.
- Develops and implements targeted communication strategies, including social media, reports, and advocacy materials, to raise awareness of the role of indigenous peoples and local communities and traditional knowledge in biodiversity conservation.
- Identifies and responds to emerging threats to biodiversity which may impact indigenous peoples and biodiversity, such as climate change, deforestation, and land rights disputes in view of finding solutions to them.
- Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
- M. Performs other relevant duties as required to support the implementation of Article 8U) and the broader work of the Secretariat.
Competencies
- PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to natural resources management, environmental management/sciences, environmental law and policy, project management or international relations. Ability to apply various United Nations administrative rules and regulations in work situations. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis. Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations. 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 the 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 time efficiently.
- TEAMWORK: Works cooperatively 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. Builds consensus for task purpose and direction with team members. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decisions, 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 environment, education, law, sociology, anthropology, international affairs or other related disciplines 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.
Work Experience
- A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in related project or programme management, administration and/or policy development or related natural resources fields is required. Five (5) years of work experience in the field of biodiversity related to the engagement of indigenous people or local communities is desirable. Work experience in the field of human rights is desirable. Work experience at the international level or within the United Nations Systems is desirable. Two (2) years or more experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Spanish or French is desirable. Knowledge of another United Nations language 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.
Application instructions
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