Senior Programme Officer

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 related to migratory species conservation. It also provides administrative functions for agreements such as ASCOBANS, AEWA, and EUROBATS, which focus on specific groups of migratory species. The CMS Secretariat plays a crucial role in coordinating international efforts to protect migratory species and their habitats, ensuring that these efforts are effective and well-supported by member states and organizations.

Job Overview:
The Senior Programme Officer will be responsible for executing the functions of the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA). This role involves ensuring the efficient operation of the AEWA Secretariat and reporting to the Meeting of the Parties to the Agreement. The incumbent will represent AEWA at national and international levels, manage the Secretariat's activities and staff, prepare for meetings, coordinate the implementation of the Agreement, and develop proposals to enhance its effectiveness. The position requires strong leadership, communication, and teamwork skills, as well as the ability to analyze data and trends to inform decision-making and reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Represent AEWA at national and international levels, engaging with governmental institutions and organizations to promote the Agreement and encourage non-member states to join.
• Manage and supervise the Secretariat's activities and staff, ensuring effective operations.
• Organize and prepare for the Meeting of Parties, including meetings of the Standing and Technical Committees, and provide necessary documentation and support.
• Oversee the implementation of the Agreement, its budget, and operational decisions, identifying and addressing challenges.
• Develop proposals to improve the Agreement's implementation and seek support for related projects.
• Report on progress to the Parties and maintain communication regarding the Secretariat's work.
• Foster relationships with the CMS Executive Secretary and other relevant organizations to enhance collaboration.
• Work closely with the Administrative and Fund Management Officer on financial and personnel matters.
• Engage with other Secretariats within the CMS Family on shared concerns. 1
• Pursue outreach activities to raise awareness of the Agreement. 1
• Collect and analyze data to identify trends and provide insights for planning and reporting. 1
• Perform additional duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of the AEWA Agreement and its operational context. They should demonstrate the ability to identify and solve problems effectively, show professionalism in their work, and maintain a high standard of efficiency and integrity. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, as is the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Leadership qualities are important, including the ability to empower others and drive change. Candidates should also be committed to gender balance and diversity in the workplace.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in biology, zoology, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">environmental law, environmental management, international relations, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable, as is supplementary training in avian species conservation, conservation biology, environmental policy, or international relations.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in wild species conservation within national or international institutions is required. Candidates should have experience leading teams in conservation or environmental policy, managing staff and budgets, and developing partnerships for wildlife conservation. Experience in the UN system or similar international organizations is desirable, as is experience in developing and implementing conservation plans for wild species. Familiarity with Multilateral Environmental Agreements and experience in data analytics are also advantageous.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, and proficiency in French is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available from January 1, 2026, for a duration of 364 days, with the possibility of extension. The selection process may be limited to internal candidates within the UN system. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment.