Consultant for the Multilateral Mechanism for the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. Established in 1972, UNEP has grown to encompass a wide range of environmental issues and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The organization operates in over 100 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to various environmental initiatives. The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD), located in Montreal, is administered by UNEP and is responsible for facilitating meetings of the Conference of the Parties and providing technical support for the effective implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity, which has 196 Parties and focuses on the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.

Job Overview:
The Consultant will play a crucial role in developing a comprehensive review methodology for the Multilateral Mechanism for the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits from the Use of Digital Sequence Information on Genetic Resources (DSI), including the Cali Fund. This position requires the Consultant to conduct a thorough desk review of existing monitoring and review frameworks related to benefit-sharing mechanisms, particularly those applicable to DSI. The Consultant will be responsible for proposing a fully developed review methodology that includes methodologies for data collection and analysis, mechanisms for stakeholder feedback, and tools for monitoring contributions and fund disbursement. Additionally, the Consultant will engage with various stakeholders to ensure that the proposed methodology is inclusive, practical, and evidence-based, while also examining synergies between the multilateral mechanism and national frameworks. The Consultant will present findings to the Steering Committee and ensure regular communication with the Secretariat, providing updates on the progress of the study and key findings.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will perform the following duties: Conduct a desk review on relevant existing monitoring and review frameworks related to benefit-sharing mechanisms focusing on DSI; Propose a fully developed review methodology for factors in Enclosure VI of decision 16/2, including methodologies for data collection and analysis, mechanisms for stakeholder feedback, and tools for monitoring contributions and fund disbursement; Design a comprehensive process to develop indicators and collect data for the review methodology of remaining factors in Enclosure VI of decision 16/2; Engage with relevant stakeholders, including Parties, indigenous peoples, local communities, database operators, industry, and researchers to ensure the proposed methodology is gender-responsive and culturally appropriate; Examine synergies and interactions between the multilateral mechanism and national ABS frameworks; Present draft review methodology preliminary findings to the Steering Committee; Ensure regular communication with the Secretariat, providing updates on the progress of the study; Participate in meetings and consultations as required by the Secretariat to support validation of the proposed methodology.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced degree in monitoring and evaluation, environmental, social or data sciences, governance, development, or related disciplines. A minimum of 5 years of work experience in monitoring and evaluation in the context of international frameworks and multilateral processes on biodiversity, access and benefit-sharing mechanisms, or environmental policy is required. Proven experience in designing or developing monitoring and evaluation methodologies, frameworks, or review processes is essential, particularly within the context of international conventions. Familiarity with multilateral environmental processes and relevant international agreements is also required. Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including indigenous peoples and local communities, is necessary, as well as experience in analyzing complex data sets using both qualitative and quantitative methods.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in a relevant field such as monitoring and evaluation, environmental sciences, social sciences, governance, or development. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of biodiversity and environmental policy, as well as for developing effective monitoring and evaluation methodologies.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, particularly in areas related to monitoring and evaluation within international frameworks and multilateral processes. Experience in designing or developing methodologies for monitoring and evaluation, especially in the context of biodiversity and environmental initiatives, is essential. Familiarity with the Convention on Biological Diversity and other international agreements is also important, as is experience in working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of other United Nations languages is desirable, as it can enhance communication with a broader range of stakeholders. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding), while 'knowledge of' indicates a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
The position is hybrid and expected to last for seven months. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be aware that the organization does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.