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 the United Nations, specifically the Office of Legal Affairs through its Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea. The United Nations was established in 1945 and has a mission to promote international cooperation and maintain international peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. It operates in 193 member states and employs thousands of staff across various departments and agencies worldwide. The Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea focuses on issues related to ocean governance, sustainable development, and the conservation of marine biodiversity, particularly in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Job Overview:
The Capacity Needs and Priority Assessment Consultant will play a crucial role in assessing the capacities of Latin American States to become parties to the BBNJ Agreement and implement its provisions. This position is part of a larger project aimed at enhancing understanding and capacity regarding the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. The consultant will be responsible for developing a methodology for the assessment, conducting consultations with stakeholders, and preparing a comprehensive report that outlines the needs and priorities of the states involved. The consultant will work closely with the Director of the Division and other legal officers to ensure that the assessment aligns with the objectives of the project and adheres to United Nations editorial standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing a methodology for the capacity needs and priority assessment tailored to the specific context of Latin American States.
• Conducting 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 reflects the findings from the consultations and research.
• Undertaking 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 that is approximately 50 pages long, including an executive summary, main body, prioritized lists of needs, and full citations and references.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires 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. Candidates must have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in ocean affairs and law of the sea specifically in Latin America. Demonstrated experience in conducting capacity needs and priority assessments in Latin American States is essential, along with experience in ocean affairs or related fields. Knowledge of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and experience in capacity-building initiatives for parliamentarians are also required. Proficiency in computer usage and office software is necessary, and previous experience within the UN system is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as public law, international law, ocean affairs, law of the sea, sustainable development, or environment. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by additional relevant work experience, indicating a flexible approach to educational qualifications based on practical experience.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of progressively responsible experience in ocean affairs and law of the sea, particularly within the context of Latin America. Candidates should have a proven track record in conducting capacity needs assessments and working on projects related to ocean governance and sustainable development. Experience in managing stakeholder relationships and conducting capacity-building initiatives is also essential, highlighting the importance of interpersonal skills and project management capabilities.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Spanish is mandatory for this position, reflecting the bilingual nature of the work and the stakeholders involved. Additionally, fluency in French and/or Portuguese is considered desirable, as it may enhance communication with a broader range of stakeholders in the region.

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 fair selection process.