Executive Secretary of the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA)

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, which operates under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), supports various intergovernmental instruments related to migratory species conservation. The CMS Secretariat is located in Bonn, Germany, and oversees several agreements, including the Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic, North East Atlantic, Irish and North Seas (ASCOBANS), the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA), and the Agreement on the Conservation of European Populations of Bats (EUROBATS). The AEWA, which is the largest agreement of its kind under CMS, was concluded on June 16, 1995, and entered into force on November 1, 1999, with the aim of achieving a favorable conservation status for migratory waterbird populations. The CMS and its associated agreements are supported by a dedicated team within the UNEP framework, which coordinates environmental policy and promotes international cooperation on conservation issues.

Job Overview:
The Executive Secretary of the AEWA is responsible for executing the functions of the Agreement, ensuring its efficient operation, and reporting to the Meeting of the Parties. This role involves representing AEWA at both national and international levels, managing the Secretariat's activities and staff, organizing meetings, and overseeing the implementation of the Agreement. The incumbent will develop proposals to enhance the Agreement's implementation, maintain relationships with various stakeholders, and actively pursue outreach activities to raise the profile of AEWA. The position requires a strong understanding of conservation issues, effective communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups to achieve organizational goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Represent AEWA at national and international levels, engaging with governmental institutions and organizations to encourage support and accession to the Agreement.
• Manage and supervise the Secretariat's activities and staff.
• Organize sessions of the Meeting of Parties and related meetings, providing necessary documentation and services.
• Coordinate the implementation of the Agreement, its budget, and operations, identifying and resolving issues as they arise.
• Develop proposals to improve the Agreement's implementation and seek support for related projects.
• Report on progress to the Parties and maintain regular communication regarding the Secretariat's work.
• Foster relationships with the CMS Executive Secretary and other relevant organizations to enhance synergies.
• Collaborate with financial and personnel management officers on budgetary matters.
• Engage with other Secretariats on common concerns and cooperation. 1
• Pursue outreach activities to elevate the Agreement's visibility. 1
• Analyze data to identify trends and provide insights for decision-making and reporting. 1
• Perform additional duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of the AEWA Agreement and its operational context. They should demonstrate the ability to identify and address potential challenges effectively. Professionalism, efficiency, and a commitment to achieving results are essential. Candidates should also exhibit strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to engage in two-way communication with various stakeholders. Teamwork and leadership capabilities are crucial, as the role involves collaboration with colleagues and the ability to inspire and guide others towards achieving organizational objectives.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in conservation biology, environmental management, administration, international relations, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable, as it aligns with the role's data analysis requirements.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of relevant work experience in species conservation within national or international institutions is required. Candidates should have experience managing staff, budgets, and administrative functions. Additionally, experience in developing and implementing conservation and management plans for wild species is essential. Proven ability to build partnerships with organizations focused on wildlife conservation is necessary. Familiarity with the UN system or similar international organizations is desirable, along with experience in providing secretariat services to international conventions. Two or more years of experience in data analytics or related fields is also preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French or any other official United Nations language is desirable, as it enhances communication capabilities within the international context of the role.

Additional Notes:
The appointment is for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of extension based on the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The position is classified as fixed-term appointment limited (FTA limited). Candidates selected for this position will be subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be reassigned to different functions as needed. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be provided upon request to support participation in the recruitment process.