Job description

Org. Setting and Reporting
The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) is a global intergovernmental treaty aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of migratory species and their habitats. Numerous additional intergovernmental instruments on migratory species conservation have been adopted under the broad umbrella of CMS and are supported by the CMS Secretariat. The CMS Secretariat also serves as the Secretariat for the Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic, North East Atlantic, Irish and North Seas (ASCOBANS). In addition, two regional agreements adopted under CMS have their own Secretariats, which are co-located with the CMS Secretariat in Bonn: the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) and the Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats (EUROBATS). The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the designated entity within the United Nations system for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional levels. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of Governments and the international community for action. In the present context, UNEP provides administrative services to the CMS, AEWA, ASCOBANS and EUROBATS Secretariats. This position is located at the CMS Office – Abu Dhabi. The Office coordinates the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia (Raptors MoU) and the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation and Management of Dugongs and their Habitats throughout their Range (Dugong MoU). Under the overall supervision of the CMS Executive Secretary and the direct supervision of the Executive Coordinator of the CMS Office – Abu Dhabi, the Programme Management Officer heads the Raptors MoU Coordinating Unit. The work of the Coordinating Unit focuses on six core areas: (1) MoU processes; (2) support to the Technical Advisory Group; (3) national and regional strategies; (4) the Vultures Multi-species Action Plan; (5) the Saker Falcon Global Action Plan; and (6) cross-cutting issues, including illegal killing, taking and trade, poisoning, and electrocution. The Programme Management Officer will jointly supervise the Associate Programme Management Officer with the Dugong MoU Coordinator. The Associate Programme Management Officer supports the implementation of both the Raptors MoU and the Dugong MoU and contributes to the broader programme of work of the CMS Office – Abu Dhabi. More information on the Raptors MoU is available at: https://www.cms.int/raptors/ The incumbent will be responsible for the following functions:
Responsibilities
1. Organize, manage and provide services to facilitate the MOU's work programme by: a. Providing the necessary support to implement the MOU's programme of work (POW) including its Action Plan and the various action plans on migratory birds of prey developed under the MOU's framework, including the mobilization of financial and in-kind resources b. Providing secretariat services to the MOU, the Meeting of Signatories (MOS), the MOU's Technical Advisory Group (TAG), as well as the MOU's various task forces, coordinating groups, and working groups c. Regularly planning, organizing and providing support to MOU meetings and workshops, drafting technical and policy-oriented papers, coordinating the preparation of expert interventions, managing meeting arrangements and secretariat services d. Coordinating development and implementation of new international species actions plans and supporting MOU Signatories to elaborate national strategies to address threats to migratory birds of prey. 2. Promote interest in and mobilize financial and in-kind resources for the Raptors MOU and its associated processes and initiatives by: a. Developing and executing a communications strategy b. Developing and executing a resource mobilization strategy c. Developing new and deepening existing partnerships with intergovernmental organisations (IGOs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other entities as appropriate; d. Representing the Raptors MOU in international meetings and conferences e. Representing the Raptors MOU in meetings and conferences within the United Arab Emirates the Coordinating Unit's host country 3. Identify opportunities to capture synergies with other international initiatives and processes by: a. Collaborating proactively with the CMS Secretariat, in particular its Avian Unit, including to capture synergies with respect to Implementation, and to provide contributions to the CMS Conference of the Parties, Standing Committee and Scientific Council as appropriate b. Liaising with Raptors MOU Focal Points, TAG members and key stakeholders and experts from IGOs, NGOs and the raptor research and conservation community c. Liaising with organisations and the research and conservation community in the United Arab Emirates 4. Undertake finance, administrative and supervisory responsibilities to facilitate operations of the Raptors MOU Coordinating Unit and CMS Office -Abu Dhabi by: a. Supervising an Associate Programme Officer and when needed short-term consultant(s) and intern(s) b. Performing general and routine office management practices including effective budget management and stewardship c. Applying UN rules and regulations, including overseeing the development, implementation and monitoring of and reporting on legal agreements in line with UN rules. 5. Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. 6. Perform other duties as required.
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to avian conservation, including the ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and in achievements; Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in biology, ecology, zoology or environmental studies and/or a field related to species conservation and management 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. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.
Job - Specific Qualification
Not available.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional work experience in the field of species conservation and management or related area is required. At least three (3) years of work experience in an international setting, such as an intergovernmental or international conservation organization, is required. Experience with avian species conservation issues is required. Experience with raptors conservation issues is desirable. Experience in working on issues related to migratory species of wild animals is desirable. Experience with Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) conference procedures, practices and administrative rules is desirable. Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French and Arabic are desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).
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EnglishUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level III
Desirable LanguagesLanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeaking
FrenchUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level II
ArabicUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level II

Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment which will be followed by a competency-based interview.
Special Notice
Appointment against this project position is for an initial period of one (1) year and may be subject to extension. External candidate selected will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited ("FTA limited") in accordance with section 2.2 (b) of administrative instruction ST/ Al/2013/1 on Administration of fixed-term appointments. Renewal of appointment is contingent upon continued existence of mandate and availability of funding. If this position is discontinued, the incumbent will be separated from service. United Nations Secretariat staff members who meet the definition of "internal candidate" in staff rule 4.10, who are selected for a position subject to FTA limited will be reassigned to the position without a lien to their parent position. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Individual Contractors and Consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, are ineligible to apply for or be appointed to any professional and higher temporary or fixed ­term positions, within six months of the end of their current or most recent service. For such positions, at least six months need to have elapsed between the end of a consultancy or individual contract and the time of application and consideration for an appointment as a staff member under the Staff Rules and Regulations of the United Nations. The requirement is not applicable when a person considered for appointment is serving or has previously served as affiliated personnel (for example as a consultant, individual contractor, intern or gratis personnel) with a specialized agency or an Office, Fund or Programme such as UNHCR, UNICEF, UNDP or UNOPS which is separately administered and funded from voluntary contributions. When completing the Candidate Profile form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. When responding to the Job Fit Questionnaire, ensure that the respective period(s) of relevant experience are clearly stipulated. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Contact Us" link.
United Nations Considerations
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.
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.