Consultant for Forest Elephant Conservation Proposal Development

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 several agreements, including the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) and the Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic, North East Atlantic, Irish and North Seas (ASCOBANS). The CMS has been instrumental in establishing conservation measures for species like the African Elephant, with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) concerning West African populations established in 2005, currently involving 13 signatory countries. The organization is dedicated to identifying funding opportunities and mobilizing resources for effective conservation strategies.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be responsible for developing a comprehensive proposal for the conservation of Forest Elephants, which will be submitted to relevant donors, including the Global Environment Facility (GEF). This role involves reviewing existing concepts on Forest Elephant conservation, researching potential funding sources, and crafting a proposal that aligns with the criteria of identified funding opportunities. The consultant will work closely with the CMS Secretariat and the Range States to ensure that the proposal meets the necessary requirements and is finalized for submission by the deadline.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review five previously drafted, unfunded CMS concepts on Forest Elephant conservation, summarizing key themes and identifying areas for improvement.
• Research and compile a list of appropriate funding sources for Forest Elephant conservation projects, including reviewing their requirements and funding limits.
• Write a concise report on the identified funding sources, making recommendations on which previously drafted concepts align best with available funding streams.
• Support the CMS Secretariat in selecting one concept for further development and submission, consulting with relevant Range States as necessary.
• Draft the selected proposal, ensuring it meets the criteria and requirements of the target funding sources.
• Submit the first draft of the proposal to the Secretariat for review and integrate feedback from the Secretariat and stakeholders into the final proposal.
• Ensure the proposal is finalized and submitted to the identified funding source by the deadline of 31 May 2026.

Required Qualifications:
An advanced university degree in management, natural resource management, conservation, ecology, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in developing successful funding proposals is essential. Proven experience in natural resource management and conservation, particularly in the African context, is required. Demonstrated expertise in project financing, funding management, and the establishment of environmental or humanitarian funds is necessary. Experience working with Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) and intergovernmental organizations is also required, while experience in developing or implementing Global Environment Facility (GEF) projects is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in management, natural resource management, conservation, ecology, or a related subject. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by two additional years of qualifying experience, demonstrating flexibility in educational requirements based on experience.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in developing successful funding proposals. Candidates should have a strong background in natural resource management and conservation, with a specific focus on Africa. Experience in project financing and funding management is crucial, as well as familiarity with Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) and intergovernmental organizations. Experience with Global Environment Facility (GEF) projects is considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position. A working knowledge of French is desirable, as it may facilitate communication with stakeholders and partners in relevant regions.

Additional Notes:
This is a remote position expected to last for 3.5 months. The consultant will not incur any fees during the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage. The role is focused on developing a proposal for the conservation of Forest Elephants, with a clear deadline for submission set for 31 May 2026.