Consultant for CITES Management and Disposal of Seized Live Specimens

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. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and is responsible for administering the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which is an international agreement aimed at ensuring that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. The CITES Secretariat is located in Geneva and is part of UNEP's efforts to protect endangered species and promote sustainable practices across the globe.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be tasked with delivering a comprehensive final report that outlines best practices and procedures for the management and disposal of seized live specimens of CITES-listed animal species. This role is critical in assisting the effective implementation of Annex 3 to Resolution Conf. 17.8 (Rev. CoP19). The consultant will conduct a thorough review of existing practices and processes related to the management and disposal of seized live specimens, which is essential for enhancing the implementation of CITES provisions. The consultant will also be responsible for developing materials that will aid CITES Parties in creating action plans for the management and disposal of live animals, ensuring that decisions can be made without delay. This position requires a deep understanding of CITES guidelines and the ability to analyze and synthesize information from various sources to provide actionable recommendations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key outputs and activities:

• Conducting an analysis of existing practices and procedures among CITES Parties for the management and disposal of seized live specimens. This includes a desk review of past survey responses and potentially preparing a new survey to gather updated information.
• Engaging with selected CITES Parties to conduct interviews with relevant authorities to collect detailed information on their practices and processes.
• Developing best practices for the management and disposal of seized live specimens, considering the varying technical and financial capacities of CITES Parties.
• Creating materials such as standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guiding elements to assist Parties in implementing Annex 3 to Resolution Conf. 17.
• Consulting with authorities for feedback on the developed outputs and preparing a final report that integrates this feedback, which will be presented at the 81st meeting of the CITES Standing Committee.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have completed a recognized high school diploma and possess a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience. They should demonstrate a strong understanding of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), including its appendices, and have experience with the rules and procedures for managing and disposing of seized and confiscated live specimens. Knowledge of international customs rules and procedures related to trade, seizure, and confiscation is also required. Additionally, candidates should have a proven track record of preparing technical reports accurately and within agreed timelines. Experience in providing training and capacity-building on the disposal of seized live animals, particularly in developing countries, is desirable, as is experience working with national enforcement or customs authorities and familiarity with the UN system or similar organizations.

Educational Background:
A recognized high school diploma is required for this position. While higher education may not be explicitly stated, candidates with advanced degrees in environmental science, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, or related fields may have an advantage in understanding the complexities of CITES and its implementation.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience. This experience should include demonstrated knowledge of CITES and its operational frameworks, as well as practical experience in the management and disposal of seized live specimens. Candidates should also have experience in preparing technical reports and providing training, particularly in contexts involving developing countries and international cooperation.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary working language of the CITES Secretariat. Knowledge of French or Spanish is considered desirable, as these languages are also used within the Secretariat and may facilitate communication with a broader range of CITES Parties.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and expected to last for five months. There are no fees associated with the recruitment process, and the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage. This role is crucial for enhancing the implementation of CITES provisions and ensuring the effective management of seized live specimens.