Consultant for Feasibility Assessment of ETIS

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 coordinating the environmental activities of the United Nations. Established in 1972, UNEP has grown to encompass a wide range of environmental issues and operates in over 100 countries, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to various environmental initiatives. The organization works closely with governments, civil society, and the private sector to address pressing environmental challenges and foster sustainable development worldwide.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant for Feasibility Assessment of the Elephant Trade Information System (ETIS) involves conducting a comprehensive feasibility assessment that evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of alternative supporting mechanisms for ETIS. This role is crucial in supporting the implementation of the CITES Resolution Conf. 10.10 (Rev. CoP20) on Trade in elephant specimens. The consultant will be responsible for mapping the requirements necessary to implement the ETIS programme, which includes identifying operational, technical, analytical, governance, and resource requirements. The consultant will also conduct a comparative analysis of existing institutional structures within the UN system and intergovernmental organizations to determine their suitability as alternative supporting mechanisms for ETIS. The expected outputs include detailed reports on the mapping of requirements and a comparative analysis of institutional options, along with recommendations for the most feasible choices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key duties and responsibilities, including:

• Mapping ETIS requirements by identifying operational, technical, analytical, governance, and resource needs based on CITES Resolution Conf. 10.10 (Rev. CoP20) and related documents.
• Distinguishing between core mandated functions and additional functions of ETIS and mapping the requirements associated with the core mandated functions.
• Identifying existing institutional structures that could support ETIS, including UN entities and intergovernmental organizations, and evaluating their suitability based on the core mandated functions.
• Conducting a comparative analysis of institutional options, addressing aspects such as mandate, technical capacity, data governance, operational capacity, financial sustainability, and legal feasibility.
• Developing a comparative matrix of all viable institutional options and assessing whether identified gaps could be addressed through capacity-building or partnerships.
• Preparing draft recommendations on potentially feasible options for supporting ETIS mandated functions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in environmental governance, international policy, criminology, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, candidates should have at least 10 years of progressively responsible work experience in institutional assessment or governance reviews, with in-depth knowledge of CITES and expertise in trade issues related to elephant specimens. Experience working with international organizations and in preparing presentations and reports is also desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as environmental governance, international policy, or criminology. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by additional qualifying experience. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of environmental governance and international trade regulations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible work experience in institutional assessment or governance reviews. Candidates should have a strong background in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and a deep understanding of issues related to trade in elephant specimens. Experience in working with international organizations is highly desirable, as is experience in preparing presentations and reports.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary working language of the CITES Secretariat. A working knowledge of French is desirable, given that French is one of the working languages of the Secretariat. Proficiency in Spanish is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the CITES Secretariat.

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