Consultant for CMS Meetings

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. This includes the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) and the Agreement on the Conservation of European Populations of Bats (EUROBATS), both of which have their own Secretariats co-located with the CMS Secretariat. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) serves as the designated entity within the UN system to address environmental issues globally and regionally, coordinating the development of environmental policy and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community. The CMS Secretariat operates under UNEP's administrative functions, ensuring effective management and support for migratory species conservation efforts.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position is focused on providing secretarial, administrative, and general team assistant functions to support the Conference Service Team of the CMS. The role is crucial for ensuring the smooth operation of meetings, particularly in the lead-up to the Conference of the Parties (COP15) and subsequent meetings scheduled for Q4 202

• The consultant will be responsible for logistical and administrative support, which includes responding to inquiries from meeting participants, maintaining registration lists, liaising with various units for technical arrangements, and preparing official documents. The position requires a proactive approach to ensure that all aspects of meeting planning and coordination are handled efficiently, contributing to the overall success of the CMS's objectives in migratory species conservation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a range of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Providing logistical and administrative support for the Conference Service Team, particularly for post-COP15 tasks.
• Supporting the planning and coordination of meetings scheduled for Q4 202
• Responding to inquiries from meeting participants and CMS Secretariat staff.
• Maintaining accurate meeting registration lists and ensuring all participants are accounted for.
• Liaising with the Conference Services Unit and other staff to arrange technical and logistical details for meetings.
• Preparing invitations and other official documents necessary for meetings.
• Drafting participants lists for meetings and ensuring they are up-to-date.
• Assisting with the shipping of materials to the meeting venue.
• Providing travel and visa support to delegates attending the meetings. 1
• Communicating with delegates and travel agents regarding travel arrangements to the venue. 1
• Formatting and posting meeting documents to ensure they are accessible to all relevant parties. The consultant will report directly to the Legal Officer and the Head of Conference Services, ensuring that all tasks are completed in a timely and efficient manner.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. However, years of experience may be reduced for candidates who hold a First Level Degree. A minimum of 2 years of experience in general office support, meeting support, or a related area is required. Candidates should demonstrate excellent knowledge of office procedures and possess strong writing skills. Experience in conference support or a related area is desirable, as is proficiency in MS Office applications, including Word, Excel, MS Project, and PowerPoint. The ability to work effectively in a team and communicate clearly with various stakeholders is essential for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. Candidates with a First Level Degree may have their required years of experience reduced, making them eligible for the position with less practical experience. This educational background ensures that candidates have a foundational understanding of office practices and administrative functions necessary for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in general office support, meeting support, or a related area. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage administrative tasks effectively and support logistical arrangements for meetings. Candidates with experience in conference support or similar roles will be viewed favorably, as this background will provide them with the skills needed to excel in the consultancy position.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, with excellent drafting skills required to prepare official documents and communicate effectively with meeting participants and stakeholders. While no additional languages are specified as mandatory, proficiency in other languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with a diverse range of delegates and participants.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of 3 months. The position does not specify a seniority level, but it is understood to be a consultancy role rather than a permanent position. 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, ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process.