Shark Assessment Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda. Established to promote the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, UN Environment serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various environmental issues and initiatives. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement administered by UN Environment, aimed at ensuring that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. The CITES Secretariat, located in Geneva, plays a crucial role in the implementation of this agreement, working with parties to develop and enforce regulations that protect endangered species.

Job Overview:
The Shark Assessment Specialist will be responsible for applying specialized knowledge and expertise in shark and ray assessments to develop practical guidance on non-detriment findings (NDFs) for these species. This consultancy aims to adapt existing CITES NDF guidance by providing practical frameworks that can be applied across various biological, fisheries, and data contexts. The work will contribute to capacity-building efforts for Parties implementing Appendix-II shark and ray listings, ultimately resulting in a publication-ready guidance document. The specialist will work under the supervision of the Chief of the Science Unit and will be expected to conduct literature reviews, develop conceptual frameworks, draft guidance documents, and facilitate peer reviews.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a comprehensive literature review of existing NDFs for sharks and rays, CITES NDF guidance, relevant Animals Committee documents, and international/regional best practices. This includes focusing on approaches used by Scientific Authorities, data and methodological challenges, and how uncertainty is addressed in practice.
• Propose a conceptual framework for practical guidance that adapts existing CITES NDF guidance, considering biological diversity, fisheries interactions, uncertainty, and priority data needs.
• Prepare a detailed annotated outline based on the conceptual framework, articulating the intended logic, scope, and key content of each proposed section.
• Draft the practical guidance for making NDFs for sharks and rays, including three worked examples as annexes that demonstrate the application of the guidance across different scenarios.
• Facilitate peer review of the draft guidance in consultation with the CITES Secretariat, consolidating feedback and revising the draft accordingly to incorporate comments from reviewers and the Secretariat.

Required Qualifications:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in biological or fisheries sciences is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates must demonstrate a strong understanding of shark and ray biology, fisheries science, and population assessment.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in biological or fisheries sciences. A first-level university degree may be accepted if combined with two additional years of relevant experience. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of shark and ray assessments and the development of NDFs.

Experience:
Candidates must have at least seven (7) years of relevant professional experience in shark and ray biology, fisheries science, or population assessment. Experience working with data-limited fisheries or assessments for sharks and rays is required, along with experience interpreting fisheries data and stock assessment outputs for management or conservation decision-making. Experience contributing to the development of NDFs for CITES-listed marine species is desirable, as is experience working in an international organization for at least two years.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this consultancy position. Knowledge of Spanish or French is desirable, as these are also working languages of the CITES Secretariat. Proficiency in these languages will enhance communication and collaboration within the international context of the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last for a duration of seven months. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Additionally, the organization does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.