Capacity Needs and Priority Assessment Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the Office of Legal Affairs of the Secretariat of the United Nations, specifically through its Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea. This division is responsible for addressing legal and policy issues related to ocean affairs and the law of the sea, particularly in the context of sustainable development and conservation of marine biodiversity. The organization aims to strengthen the capacities of developing States to become parties to international agreements, such as the BBNJ Agreement, and to implement these agreements effectively. The United Nations, established in 1945, operates globally with a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among member states. It has a vast workforce and operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various global issues including human rights, environmental sustainability, and international law.

Job Overview:
The Capacity Needs and Priority Assessment Consultant will play a crucial role in assessing the needs and priorities of Latin American States regarding their capacities to become parties to the BBNJ Agreement and to implement its provisions. This position involves conducting thorough assessments based on a methodology provided by the Division, which will inform subsequent regional workshops aimed at enhancing the understanding and implementation of the BBNJ Agreement. The consultant will work closely with stakeholders from various Latin American countries, including Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico, to gather insights and data that will contribute to a comprehensive capacity needs and priorities assessment report. This report will not only highlight common needs across the region but also provide individualized assessments for each State, thereby facilitating targeted capacity-building initiatives. The consultant will be expected to develop a workplan, prepare draft reports, and engage in a peer review process to ensure the quality and relevance of the findings. The overall goal is to enhance the capabilities of these States in marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, aligning with the United Nations' broader objectives in ocean governance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a range of duties, including:

• Developing a detailed workplan for conducting consultations with relevant stakeholders in Latin American States.
• Preparing a draft capacity needs and priority assessment report for review by the Division.
• Undertaking a peer review process to gather feedback on the draft report.
• Finalizing the report by incorporating all relevant comments and ensuring adherence to United Nations editorial style and guidelines.
• Delivering a comprehensive capacity needs and priorities assessment report that includes an executive summary, main body, prioritized lists of needs and priorities, and full citations and references. The report is expected to be approximately 50 pages long, excluding annexes. The consultant will also be expected to engage with various stakeholders, including government officials and parliamentarians, to gather necessary data and insights for the assessment.

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 in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in ocean affairs and law of the sea in Latin America is required. Candidates must demonstrate experience in conducting capacity needs and priority assessments specifically within Latin American States. Additionally, experience in ocean affairs or related fields, as well as a working knowledge of the BBNJ Agreement, is essential. Experience in capacity-building and awareness-raising for parliamentarians is also required, along with proficiency in using computers and office software packages. Previous work experience within the UN system is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes 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. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have substantial additional relevant work experience. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complex legal and policy frameworks governing ocean affairs and marine biodiversity conservation.

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 Latin America. Candidates should have a proven track record of conducting capacity needs and priority assessments in this region, demonstrating their ability to analyze and address the specific challenges faced by Latin American States in relation to the BBNJ Agreement. Experience in capacity-building initiatives and awareness-raising efforts for parliamentarians is also essential, as the consultant will be engaging with government officials and stakeholders to facilitate understanding and implementation of the Agreement.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Spanish is mandatory for this position, as the consultant will be working with stakeholders from Latin American States where these languages are prevalent. 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 contract sum for this consultancy is US$ 22,400, which will be paid in two instalments. The initial payment of US$ 7,400 will be made upon the positive assessment of the draft summary report of preliminary findings, followed by a final payment of US$ 15,000 upon the positive assessment of the finalized report by the Division. The consultancy is home-based with the possibility of travel, which will be funded by the consultant. It is important to note that individuals currently in active government service, including employees of institutions under direct management of a government, are not eligible for selection for this consultancy. The organization strongly encourages female candidates to apply. Furthermore, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.