Consultant for Situation Analysis of Migratory Birds

Job Posting Organization:
The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) is a global intergovernmental treaty established to promote the conservation and sustainable use of migratory species and their habitats. The CMS Secretariat, located in Bonn, Germany, supports various intergovernmental instruments aimed at migratory species conservation. It also provides administrative functions for the Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic, North East Atlantic, Irish and North Seas (ASCOBANS), and two regional agreements on migratory species, namely the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) and the Agreement on the Conservation of European Populations of Bats (EUROBATS). The CMS operates under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which coordinates environmental policy development and addresses global environmental issues.

Job Overview:
The consultant will conduct a comprehensive literature review and consult with national and international experts to summarize the conservation status of all bird taxonomic groups/species covered by EAAFP Appendix III and CMS Appendices I and/or II, as well as relevant species in CMS Res. 14.2

• The consultant will identify imminent and emerging threats, existing legal and policy frameworks, and opportunities for improving the conservation status of CMS-listed bird species along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF). The ultimate goal is to produce a Situation Analysis that provides a baseline for prioritizing migratory bird conservation actions and recommendations for effective implementation. This analysis will focus on assessing the conservation status of CMS-listed bird species and will include recommendations for practical conservation measures aligned with climate strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for identifying crucial issues for the Situation Analysis, reviewing scientific and non-scientific literature on conservation status, trends, and threats to migratory birds in the EAAF region. They will engage with stakeholders, including MEA national focal points, NGOs, and local communities, to facilitate data collection and analysis. The consultant will synthesize existing data sources and assessments, integrate reported threats, and propose institutional arrangements and policy options to enhance migratory bird conservation. The final outputs will include draft reports, factsheets, and presentations for international gatherings, with the consultant reporting to the Head of the Avian Unit.

Required Qualifications:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in environmental or natural sciences, environmental policy, or a related discipline is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in environmental sciences, policy evaluation, or bird conservation policy is required, with seven years acceptable if holding a first-level degree. The consultant must possess a mix of technical expertise, strategic assessment experience, and an understanding of international environmental governance, particularly concerning avian migratory species and their threats.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as environmental or natural sciences or environmental policy. A first-level university degree may be accepted with additional qualifying experience. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of environmental issues and policy frameworks related to migratory birds.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in fields related to environmental or natural sciences, environmental policy, or bird conservation. If the candidate holds a first-level university degree, a total of seven years of experience is necessary. The consultant should have a well-rounded mix of technical expertise and strategic assessment experience, particularly in international environmental governance and migratory species conservation.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is essential for this position. Knowledge of additional languages used in the Asia-Pacific region is desirable, as it may facilitate communication with stakeholders and enhance the consultant's ability to engage with diverse communities involved in migratory bird conservation.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and expected to last for a duration of eight months. The consultant will not be charged any fees during the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage of recruitment, including application, interview, or training.