The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 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 Legal Unit.

In fulfillment of Decision 18.317 (Rev. CoP19) and Decision 19.265 on Information system for trade in specimens of CITES-listed tree species, the Secretariat is commissioning a study to explore the feasibility and requirements for developing an information system for the purposes of processing trade data associated with transactions in specimens of CITES-listed tree species authorized under the provisions of the Convention. Large-scale temporal and spatial patterns in trade of CITES-listed tree species are poorly known, especially at the global level. Whilst analyses of legal CITES trade in tree species may exist, they primarily focus on individual species and individual taxonomic groups. At the 74th meeting of the Standing Committee (SC74; Lyon, 2022), the Working Group on Annotations recommended to note the challenges associated with conducting timber trade studies and to explore, as an alternative, the feasibility of developing an information system to process all relevant data related to trade in specimens of CITES-listed tree species authorized under the provisions of the Convention. Such an information system would aim at providing a comprehensive presentation and analysis of the entire trade in specimens of CITES-listed tree species (whether or not covered by CITES regulations), thus informing CITES Parties and stakeholders of trends, patterns, and conservation and socio-economic benefits of this trade, as well as potential difficulties to address.

The consultant will report to the Legal Unit of the CITES Secretariat. Under the overall supervision of the Legal Unit, the consultant will deliver the following outputs and carry out the following activities:

Outputs/Work Assignment

Output 1: Literature review and analysis of trade in specimens of CITES-listed tree species and information related to such trade

1. Review and analyze relevant documentation on trade in specimens of CITES-listed tree species and information related to such trade, including CITES Decisions and Resolutions, Standing Committee, and Plants Committee documents and reports, information contained in the CITES Trade Database and other relevant information
2. Review and analyze the existing relevant information systems, guidelines, literature, studies and data relating to trade in timber (including re-export and transit / transshipment), and especially specimens of CITES-listed tree species, including (but not limited to) systems or guidelines developed by other organizations such as, inter alia, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO)

Output 2: Analysis of the feasibility assessment relating to the development of an information system for trade in specimens of CITES-listed tree species

1. Building upon Output 1, consider and assess the feasibility and requirements for developing an information system for trade in specimens of CITES-listed tree species
2. Consider and assess the benefits and drawbacks of establishing an information system for trade in specimens of CITES-listed tree species, including the potential costs related to the establishment and maintenance of the system
3. Prepare a preliminary report of outputs 1 and 2 for circulation by the Secretariat to Parties and other relevant stakeholders;

Output 3: Consultations with Parties, Plants Committee, experts and other relevant stakeholders

1. Analyze the responses to a Notification to the Parties issued by the Secretariat seeking feedback on the preliminary report stemming from outputs 1 and 2
2. Consult with the Plants Committee on the preliminary report stemming from outputs 1 and 2
3. Consult, as appropriate, with the Chair of the Standing Committee’s intersessional working group on annotations on the draft report stemming from outputs 1 and 2;

Output 4: Report on the review and feasibility findings relating to an information system for trade in specimens of CITES-listed tree species

1. In close consultation with the CITES Secretariat, the Chair of the Plants Committee, and the Chair of the Standing Committee’s intersessional working group on annotations, as appropriate, develop a final report on the feasibility and requirements for developing an information system for the purposes of processing trade data associated with transactions in specimens of CITES-listed tree species, incorporating the feedback received from Output 3 to be submitted to the CITES Secretariat.

Education, Skills and Other Requirements

• An Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental law, environmental or wildlife management, natural resources management or related area.
  A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Experience in and knowledge of CITES, CITES Appendices are required
• Experience in and knowledge of international trade of timber and associated supply chains are required
• Experience in and knowledge of international customs rules and procedures relating to trade in timber is required.
• Experience in production of technical reports within agreed timeframes is required
• Experience in legal analysis and law enforcement is desirable.
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing is desirable.
• Experience with the UN system or international organizations is an advantage. The following competencies are also desirable
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development
• 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
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines
• Have affinity with or interest in conservation and sustainable use of wildlife, and the UN System