UNEP Consultant to Conduct a Technical Study on Access and Benefit-Sharing

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. Established in 1972, UNEP has been pivotal in advocating for the global environment and has a presence in over 100 countries. The organization works to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and its mission is to inspire, inform, and enable nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD), which is administered by UNEP, is located in Montreal and plays a crucial role in facilitating international cooperation on biodiversity issues.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to deliver a comprehensive technical study focusing on the experiences of indigenous peoples and local communities regarding access and benefit-sharing frameworks related to genetic resources and traditional knowledge. The consultant will be responsible for preparing a draft technical study and action plan, facilitating a peer review process, and finalizing the study based on stakeholder feedback. This role is critical in supporting the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity, particularly in understanding and integrating the perspectives of indigenous communities into policy frameworks. The work will be conducted remotely and is expected to span twelve months, requiring a structured approach to research, analysis, and stakeholder engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including conducting a desk review of relevant literature and national access and benefit-sharing measures, analyzing documented experiences from indigenous peoples and local communities, and identifying trends and best practices. Specific duties include preparing a draft technical study and action plan, facilitating a peer review process, compiling and analyzing feedback from various stakeholders, and ensuring that the final outputs are clear, accessible, and oriented towards implementation. The consultant will also be expected to work closely with the Head of the Engagement and Cooperation Unit and the Programme Management Officer to ensure alignment with the objectives of the Convention.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as law, environmental policy, biodiversity, international relations, social sciences, or development studies. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. The role requires strong analytical and research skills, excellent writing and communication abilities, and the capacity to work independently while meeting deadlines. Familiarity with genetic resources and traditional knowledge is essential, as is the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in law, environmental policy, biodiversity, international relations, social sciences, development studies, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree, combined with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of biodiversity policy and the legal frameworks surrounding access and benefit-sharing.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of work experience in areas related to biodiversity policy, traditional knowledge, access and benefit-sharing, environmental law, and international policy processes is required. Experience in conducting technical research, policy analysis, and drafting analytical reports is desirable. Additionally, familiarity with access and benefit-sharing related to genetic resources and traditional knowledge is preferred, as this role involves significant engagement with these topics.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of other United Nations languages is considered desirable. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding), while knowledge is rated as 'confident' in two of the four areas, which is important for effective communication in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for twelve months and will be conducted remotely. The position does not require any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants for application, interview, or training processes. This role is crucial for supporting the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity and engaging with indigenous peoples and local communities.