About UN University (UNU)

The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development and dissemination of knowledge in furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The mission of UNU is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.

For the past four decades, UNU has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on human survival, conflict prevention, sustainable development, and welfare.

With more than 400 researchers in 12 countries, UNU’s work spans the 17 Sustainable Development Goals’ full breadth, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change.

UNU maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu

United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system.

UNU-IAS is a UNU institute based at UNU Headquarters in Tokyo. The mission of UNU-IAS is to serve the international community through policy-relevant research and capacity development focused on sustainability, including its social, economic and environmental dimensions.

Through its postgraduate education programmes UNU-IAS developes future international leaders with interdisciplinary understanding and skills needed to advance creative solutions to problems of sustainability. UNU-IAS builds on a strong tradition of UNU research and capacity development in Japan, undertaken in collaboration with a global network of professionals and scholars, particularly in Africa and Asia.

For more information, please visit http://ias.unu.edu

The Strategic Programme (SP) is a flagship programme implemented by the Strategy and Management Office
(SMO) in collaboration with Units of Thematic Programmes of the Institute and UNU-IAS partners under the Strategic Period 2020-2024.

The Strategic Programme implements a research project on the governance for sustainable.
Development focusing on synergies between climate change and sustainable development, budgeting and monitoring & evaluation system for SDGs.

Global Youth MIDORI platform (GYM) is the joint programme established between UNU-IAS and AEON Environmental Foundation.

The objective of this project is to enhance the capacity of youth to develop solutions for biodiversity loss and other global challenges. As a part of the programme, GYM will offer the opportunity for youth to join the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD-COP16).

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is the international legal instrument for the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources” that has been ratified by 196 nations.

The Sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD-COP16) will be held from 21 October to 1 November 2024 in Cali, Colombia, to be the first Biodiversity COP since the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at COP 15 in December 2022 in Montreal, Canada.

Responsibilities

The consultant will support tasks implemented by the SP associated with the Global Youth MIDORI platform (GYM), a newly launched youth empowerment project (https://ias.unu.edu/jp/research/global-youth-midori-platform-gym.html#outline).

The consultant will undertake various tasks to support and facilitate the participation of UNU delegation, including youth, at the Sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD-COP16) in Cali, Colombia.

Responsibilities will include ensuring smooth logistics, effective networking, and active engagement for all participants.
Under the general supervision of the UNU-IAS Director and the direct supervision of Programme Manager of the Strategic Programme, the contractor shall:

1. Support logistical arrangements for the GYM team’s participation to the CBD-COP16 (1 Sep – 20 Oct 2024, remotely)
• Gather general information of the host country and the city (Colombia and Cali), including overview, safety information, currency, health, local laws, local emergency contact addresses and develop a note to support for planning of the GYM team’s travel plan and activities during the CBD-COP16.
• Gather logistical information specific to the CBD-COP16 and develop a note including the venue information, visa requirements, accommodation, and transportation information between the venue and accommodation to ensure smooth participation and operation of the planned activities by the GYM team.
• Provide an overall travel advisory to the team, including information on transit schedules, airport details, and local transportation options.
• Handle communication with local vendors including hotels, CBD-COP16 conference management companies, printing companies, and the conference secretariat as needed for the GYM team’s preparation for the activities during the CBD-COP16.

2.

Provide on-site support to the GYM team during the CBD-COP16 (expected from 21 Oct to1 Nov 2024, Cali, Colombia)
• Provide operational support for the planned events organized by the GYM team, including stage and equipment setup, time keep, mic-run, and note taking.
• Provide operational support for the GYM’s panel booth at the CBD-COP16 venue by being present and handle inquiries and manage promotional materials.
• Provide translation and interpretation between English and Spanish, including local transportation arrangements between accommodation and venue, and communication with local event operation staff for event preparation organized by the GYM team.
• Address any logistical issues that arise during the conference under the supervision of the Programme Manager.
• Actively communicate and network with other youth and youth organizations to create networking and exchange opportunities with the youth from the GYM team.

3.

Assist in coordination the overall operational coordination for the delegation (1 Sep – 20 Oct 2024 and 2-15 Nov, remotely)
• Participate in the GYM team meetings for the relevant activities and provide necessary logistical information.
• Participate in review meetings, post-COP discussion, provide assessment and recommendations for the future engagement.

4. Perform other duties requested by the Head of Programme and Administration

Key performance indicators

• Provision of timely and effective assistance to all participants with their logistical needs.
• Timely updates and distribution of logistical information.• Provision of the conference highlights on discussed topics in a timely manner.
• Active engagement with youth delegation
• Participate in regular project meetings.
• Respond to email communications promptly.

Competencies

Values:
• Inclusion – Take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity.
• Integrity – Act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards.
• Humility – Demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others.
• Humanity – Act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet.

Behaviours:
• Connect and Collaborate – Build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
• Analyse and Plan – Seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action
• Deliver Results with Positive Impact – Hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves
• Learn and Develop – Pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
• Adapt and Innovate – Demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways

1) Education and certification

• Required: Master’s degree in environmental science, international relations, sustainable development, or other related disciplines

2) Required skills and experience

• At least one year of working experience in government, academic or research institutions, consulting firms, and NGOs related to sustainability or environment, some of which preferably in an international and multi-cultural environment
• Experience in providing on-site support for tours or similar events, ensuring smooth logistical arrangements is desirable
• Experience in research in the field of biodiversity and sustainability science is an asset
• Knowledge of international conferences and biodiversity policies is an asset
• Knowledge of the host city and the country (Cali, Colombia) and the ability to provide relevant local information are required
• Good team player with strong interpersonal skills with sensitivity and respect for diversity
• ICT literacy and proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Experience in working for a UN organization is an asset

3) Language Requirements

• Fluency in English and Spanish is required
• Working knowledge of other UN official languages is an advantage

Duration

Duration of contract: 2 months (from the contract start date to 15 November 2024)

Remuneration

Payment schedule and condition:
Payment will be made on a monthly basis upon satisfactory completion of the assigned tasks with submission of the time sheet and a brief activity report by the end of each month.
The payment conditions are divided into two categories based on the support provided:
1.

Off-site support (during preparation and post-event) period (expected from 1 Sep-19 Oct 2024 and 2-15 Nov):
• A contractor is expected to work twice a week, totaling to 18 days during the off-site period.
• The payment rate for off-site support is USD 175 per day.
2.

On-site support during the period of CBD-COP16 (expected from 21 Oct-1 Nov 2024):
• A contractor is expected to work for 12 days during the period of the CBD-COP16 to be held from 21 Oct-1 Nov 2024.
• The payment rate for on-site support is USD 175 per day.
• Travel expenses, including daily allowances and flight, may be provided separately from the daily fee, in accordance with the UNU travel policies, if applicable.

Total Amount: USD 5,250 (maximum)

UNU-IAS shall reserve the right to withhold, in full or in part, the final payment if in its opinion the said the delivery are not satisfactory.
You are reminded that UNU is not liable for any taxes that may be levied on the remuneration you receive under this contract.

Payment of any such taxes remains your sole responsibility.

Travel considerations

Should “mission travel” be required, UNU will pay for travel.

However, this will be subject to the following prerequisites: Medical Clearance, Security Clearance through the Travel Request Information Process (TRIP) system, completion of the BSAFE online course, travel Visa, and liability waiver. Trip prerequisites will be met at the expense of the consultant.

Travel costs will be calculated based on economy-class travel, regardless of the length of travel.

Costs for accommodation, meals and incidentals must not exceed applicable daily subsistence allowance (DSA) rates, as promulgated by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC at http://icsc.un.org).

Expected start date

September 2024

How to Apply

To apply to UNU, you will not need an account.

Instead, we ask that you:

• Apply via the apply link;
• fill out the UNU P11 Form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);
• provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form); and
• answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.

You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.

Application Deadline

23 August 2024 (UCT)

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a desk review and/or a competency-based interview, background checks and references.

Special Notice

UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this position.

Consultants do not hold international civil servant status nor are they considered a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.

UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply.

Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged.

UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.

If you have supervisory function you need to have awareness on gender related issues.

Information about UNU rosters

UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.

We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU.

Scam warning

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Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.