Capacity Needs and Priority Assessment Consultant

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Capacity Needs and Priority Assessment Consultant
Location: New York
Country: United States
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is a strategic partnership between the Office of Legal Affairs of the Secretariat of the United Nations and the European Union. This partnership focuses on the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement, which aims to enhance the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. The organization is involved in capacity-building activities and operates under the framework of the United Nations, which has a mission to promote international cooperation and maintain peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The organization has a global presence, working in various countries to address critical issues related to ocean affairs and sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The Capacity Needs and Priority Assessment Consultant will play a crucial role in assessing the capacities of African States along the Indian Ocean, Red Sea, and Mediterranean Sea coasts, as well as landlocked States in the region. This position is vital for informing a regional workshop aimed at parliamentarians and government officials, focusing on the BBNJ Agreement. The consultant will be responsible for developing a methodology for the assessment, conducting stakeholder consultations, and preparing a comprehensive report that outlines the needs and priorities of the States involved. The role requires a deep understanding of ocean affairs and the legal frameworks governing marine biodiversity, as well as the ability to engage with various stakeholders effectively. The consultant will work under the supervision of senior legal officers and will be expected to deliver a detailed report that adheres to United Nations editorial standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including:

• Developing a robust methodology for conducting capacity needs and priority assessments.
• Engaging in consultations with relevant stakeholders, including government officials, parliamentarians, and other key actors in the region.
• Preparing a draft capacity needs and priority assessment report that captures the findings of the assessment.
• Facilitating a peer review process for the draft report to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness.
• Finalizing the report by incorporating feedback and comments from the review process. The deliverables will include a detailed methodology and a capacity needs and priorities assessment report, which should be approximately 50 pages long, excluding annexes. The report must include an executive summary, a main body detailing the findings, a prioritized list of needs and priorities, and full citations and references.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in public law, international law, ocean affairs, law of the sea, sustainable development, environment, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with additional relevant work experience may be accepted. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in ocean affairs and law of the sea, particularly in the context of the Indian Ocean, Red Sea, and Mediterranean coasts of Africa, is required. Candidates should also demonstrate experience in conducting capacity needs and priority assessments, as well as familiarity with the BBNJ Agreement and its implications for marine biodiversity.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as public law, international law, ocean affairs, or sustainable development. A first-level university degree may be considered if accompanied by substantial relevant work experience. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complex legal and environmental issues related to marine biodiversity and the governance frameworks that support sustainable ocean management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in ocean affairs and law of the sea, specifically within the context of the Indian Ocean, Red Sea, and Mediterranean regions. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in capacity needs assessments and a solid understanding of the BBNJ Agreement. Experience in capacity-building initiatives, particularly for parliamentarians, and managing stakeholder relationships is also essential. Familiarity with the United Nations system and its operational frameworks is highly desirable, as is proficiency in using office software and computer applications.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and French is mandatory for this position. This bilingual requirement is crucial for effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders across the diverse regions involved in the project. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based with the possibility of travel, which will be funded by the consultant. The contract duration is set for 60 days within a 4-month period. It is important to note that individuals currently in active government service, including employees of institutions directly managed by a government, are not eligible for selection for this consultancy. Furthermore, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and equitable selection process.