UNEP Flyways and Action Plan Consultant

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 related to migratory species conservation. It also provides administrative functions for the Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic, North East Atlantic, Irish and North Seas (ASCOBANS), as well as two regional agreements on migratory species, namely the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) and the Agreement on the Conservation of European Populations of Bats (EUROBATS). The CMS Secretariat plays a crucial role in coordinating international efforts to protect migratory species, particularly in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF) and Pacific region, and is involved in the implementation of various action plans and resolutions adopted by the Conference of the Parties (COP).

Job Overview:
The UNEP Flyways and Action Plan Consultant will be responsible for providing integrated implementation support for several key initiatives under the CMS framework. This includes supporting the CMS Flyways Working Group and the implementation of specific Single Species Action Plans for threatened migratory species such as the Christmas Island frigatebird, far eastern curlew, and loggerhead turtle. The consultant will also assist in the operationalization of the Whale and Dolphin Action Plan for the Pacific. The role requires the development of a robust inception package, stakeholder engagement plans, and progress-tracking frameworks to ensure effective implementation of the action plans. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and local communities, to facilitate coordination and communication regarding conservation efforts. The position can be conducted either home-based or at the CMS Secretariat premises in Bonn, and is expected to last for 24 months on a part-time basis.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with delivering a comprehensive inception package that includes an integrated workplan, stakeholder engagement plan, and risk management approach. They will support the Flyways Working Group by providing planning and follow-up materials, including action trackers and synthesized updates. The consultant will also operationalize Single Species Action Plans by producing prioritized implementation roadmaps and progress-tracking tools, while ensuring stakeholder coordination and reporting on priority measures. High-quality consolidated reporting and communication products will be produced, including mid-term and final reports that synthesize progress, gaps, and actionable recommendations. The consultant will be responsible for documenting progress and providing practical recommendations to enhance implementation effectiveness.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in fields such as conservation biology, ecology, environmental policy, or marine biology. A first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may be accepted. The consultant should demonstrate strong client orientation and teamwork skills, with the ability to establish productive relationships with various stakeholders. A minimum of two years of professional experience is required, including at least six months in an international context, such as with the United Nations or an international NGO. Knowledge of the UN system and relevant migratory species conservation issues is essential, along with experience in supporting multi-stakeholder working groups and excellent drafting skills in English.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in conservation biology, ecology, environmental policy, international law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">environmental law, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by additional qualifying experience.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of professional experience, including at least six months in an international context. Candidates should have experience with flyways-related work and/or species action plan implementation, as well as demonstrated experience in supporting multi-stakeholder working groups and task forces.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory. Knowledge of additional languages such as Spanish, Chinese, or Russian is considered desirable.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is part-time and expected to last for 24 months. The consultant will report directly to the heads of the Avian Species Team and Aquatic Species Team of the CMS Secretariat. Travel may be required during the consultancy. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and fair hiring process.