UNEP Consultant - Conservation Status of Migratory Terns in the East Asia-Australasia

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, also supports various regional agreements on migratory species conservation, including ASCOBANS, AEWA, and EUROBATS. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) serves as the designated entity for addressing environmental issues globally, coordinating the development of environmental policy consensus and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community. The CMS operates under the auspices of UNEP, providing administrative functions for multiple conservation agreements and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be responsible for producing a comprehensive flyway-wide baseline assessment of the conservation status of migratory terns in the East Asian–Australasian Flyway (EAAF) and the West Pacific Marine Flyway (WPMF). This role involves consolidating existing knowledge on population trends, threats, protections, and conservation actions for key tern species, specifically the Little, Roseate, and Black-naped Terns. The consultant will identify critical knowledge gaps and provide actionable recommendations for management, research, and policy, thereby supporting international cooperation among Australia, Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea. The position requires a systematic review of scientific literature and collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure a robust assessment of the conservation status of these migratory species.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will conduct a systematic scoping review of existing literature and reports relevant to the conservation of targeted tern species in the EAAF and WPMF. Responsibilities include agreeing on the report's detail level with the CMS Secretariat, compiling and synthesizing data on population estimates and trends, documenting threats to the species, analyzing legal frameworks and protected area networks, and developing prioritized recommendations for research and management actions. The consultant will also maintain regular communication with the CMS Secretariat and the Australian Government, providing progress updates and participating in milestone reviews. The final deliverables include an inception report, an interim draft report, and a comprehensive final report, all of which must adhere to agreed timelines and formats.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in biology, ecology, ornithology, wildlife conservation, marine sciences, environmental sciences, or a closely related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Familiarity with international law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">environmental law, multilateral environmental agreements, and conservation policy is highly advantageous. The position requires demonstrated experience in conducting systematic literature reviews and synthesizing scientific data into accessible documents for conservation or policy audiences.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in a relevant field such as biology, ecology, ornithology, wildlife conservation, marine sciences, or environmental sciences is required. Candidates with a first-level university degree must have two additional years of directly qualifying experience to be considered. Advanced degrees that integrate theoretical conservation biology with practical field and policy-oriented components are particularly relevant for this interdisciplinary role.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of relevant experience in ornithology, wildlife conservation, coastal conservation, or flyway management is required. Candidates with a first-level degree must have four years of relevant experience. Acceptable experience may include professional employment, research assistantships, fieldwork placements, and documented internships with recognized conservation organizations or intergovernmental bodies. Experience in conducting systematic literature reviews and synthesizing scientific literature is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory. Knowledge of Chinese is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with stakeholders across the East Asian–Australasian Flyway.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 6.5 months, with the final report due by 30 April 202

• The position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. The consultant will be compensated according to UN fee and remuneration levels for consultants and individual contractors. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and equitable hiring process.