Result of Service

The feasibility of applying data collection and reporting protocol to monitor illegal killing of other CITES listed species is assessed and documented.

Work Location

The consultancy is home-based. Regular communication and reporting will be made through virtual means (email, MS Teams, and other VoIP). Depending on where the consultant is based, he/she may require travel to Nairobi.

Expected duration

3 Months. Payment Terms: The payments will be made upon successful completion, review and quality assurance of the deliverables specified under Outputs/Work Assignment above. All deliverables must be submitted by the consultant to the respective direct Supervisors and certified as being of adequate quality and meeting the terms of the deliverables before payments will be made.

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement between states. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival (www.cites.org). The CITES Secretariat is administered by UN Environment and is located at the Geneva duty station. This assignment is part of the CITES Secretariat’s work under the Outreach and Projects Unit, Monitoring of the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) Programme. The MIKE programme incorporates the system established by the CITES Conference of the Parties to monitor levels of illegal killing of elephants at more than 90 conservation areas spread across 45 elephant range States in Africa and Asia, with the goal of providing reliable information and building capacity for the management of elephant populations. Under the overall supervision of Chief, Outreach and Projects Unit, and in close consultation with the Programme Management Officers of the MIKE Programme team, the Wildlife Data Analysis Specialist will study the data collection methodology and analysis processes used by the MIKE programme to monitor the illegal killing of elephants, to assess the feasibility of expanding data collection and management protocol option to other CITES listed species in Africa. Key responsibilities include: 1. Feasibility to Other Wildlife Species: a. Conduct a desk study on data collection and reporting methodologies applied to monitor illegal killing of other CITES listed species, such as African Lions, rhinoceroses, etc. b. Consult/interview the members of the African Carnivores Initiative (ACI), MIKE Technical Advisory Group (TAG), and other relevant experts to investigate the applicability of data collection and reporting protocol options to other CITES listed species. c. Identify potential target species and conservation areas that may be used for pilot testing of expanded data collection efforts. 2. Report preparation: a. Prepare detailed report(s) outlining findings, proposed protocols, recommendations, and implementation plans. b. Seek inputs from the CITES Secretariat, ACI members and any other experts to revise the Accessibility report. c. Propose additional human resource, expertise and funds needed for implementing the proposed expansion/enhancements. 3. Perform other duties related to the above, as required.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in wildlife ecology, statistics, environmental statistics, environmental science, or related fields is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. • At least ten years of relevant work experience in wildlife monitoring and biodivesity conservation. • At least five years experience in data analytics, statistical modeling, and their applications to conservation and development issues is required. • Knowledge of MIKE data collection, submission and analysis systems is required. • Experience in using data analytics for addressing wildlife conservation, protected areas management, and other environmental/biodiversity questions in developing countries is required • Familiarity with a wide variety of data analysis softwares and methodologies, including knowledge of Bayesian statistical modelling is required. • Experience in preparation of peer-reviewed studies and reports is required. • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; knowledge of database management; and office technology equipment is required. • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel is required. • Experience with international organizations is an advantage • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.

Languages

English, French and Spanish are the working languages of the CITES Secretariat. For the post advertised, Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Working knowledge of French is desirable.

Additional Information

Reporting lines The consultant will report to the Chief of the CITES Outreach and Projects Unit. Competencies: Professionalism: Demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to CITES Secretariat; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to CITES Secretariat procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; Planning and organizing: Effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; Communication: Proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps a client informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of product or services to client.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.