Business Process Analyst – eCITES Consultant (1 Post)

Result of ServiceBusiness Process Analysis reports for e-CITES permit systems in selected CITES Parties. Work LocationThe consultancy is home based with multiple travels, mainly in Latin America. Regular communication and reporting will be made through virtual means (email, MS Teams, zoom). Expected durationThe duration of the work is approximately 80 days over a period of 6 months. Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe 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 and will undertake tasks related to conduct individual Business Process Analysis (BPA), as well as to support implementation of electronic CITES permitting systems in four CITES Parties. The scope of each BPA may differ depending on the context of the relevant Party. This assignment will involve working directly with representatives of the CITES Parties and the CITES Secretariat. More information about electronic CITES permits is available – www.cites.org/eng/prog/eCITES. Under the overall supervision of Chief, Outreach and Projects Unit, the consultant will: 1. Business Process Analysis (BPA) of the CITES permitting process for a given CITES Party. In particular, the BPA should include: a. an analysis of existing (as-is) processes including workflow, actors, documentary requirements, time and cost involved for permit issuance, control, management, recording, reporting, and exchanging permit data for regulating trade in CITES-listed fauna and flora; and propose recommended improvements (to-be) in these areas for potential electronic permit system; b. Business Requirement Specifications (BRS) for the to-be eCITES processes in the specific context of the CITES Party; c. a technical assessment of the information and communication technology (ICT) readiness of the Management Authority (MA); d. analyses of human resources and legal readiness (applicable laws, regulations etc.) for implementing the e-permitting system; e. proposed option(s) for implementing an e-permitting system (Integrated or interfaced with Electronic Single Window, Independent etc.), including their pros and cons, based on the analyses of data standards, interoperability etc.; f. a cost-benefit analyses including fee-based solution for the proposed options; g. Next steps for implementation of recommended options, including mapping out roles and responsibilities of involved stakeholders; and h. any potential challenges, and recommendations for addressing them for the implementation of the e-permitting system. 2. Development of necessary questionnaires, conduct of interviews and engagement with relevant representatives of the Management Authorities, Scientific Authorities, Customs or border agencies and other related stakeholders, as well as desk research, as appropriate; 3. Travel to each of these countries; 4. Development of recommendations based on the available guidance materials from the CITES Secretariat including eCITES Implementation Framework, eCITES Toolkit and relevant guidelines developed by the CITES Secretariat; 5. Preparation of draft reports and subsequently final reports of the BPAs based on the feedback received by the Management Authorities or relevant stakeholders in the CITES Parties and the CITES Secretariat; 6. Guidance to the Management Authorities about the global data standards for electronic data exchange, interoperability and their application in the respective eCITES permitting systems; and 7. Participation and leading of online meetings with representatives of CITES Parties and CITES Secretariat. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree in agriculture, information systems, economics, international relations, sustainable development or any relevant degrees. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. • A minimum five years’ experience in trade facilitation, in particular working with governments or international organizations on developing digital solutions (e.g. eCITES, eSPS, eCOO, Single Window etc.) is required. • Within these five years of experience required, at least one year prior experience working with international organizations or the UN system is an advantage. LanguagesFluency in spoken and written English and Spanish is required; Additional InformationReporting Lines: The consultant will report to the Programme Management Officer within the CITES Outreach and Projects Unit. Terms of Payment: Payments will be made upon successful completion and delivery of draft BPA reports and final reports. The instalments may include a combination of draft reports or final BPA reports. All deliverables must be submitted by the contractor to the respective direct Supervisors and certified as being of adequate quality and meeting the terms of the deliverables before payments will be made. Knowledges / Skills: • Prior knowledge of BPA including completion of free online course is desirable. • Technical knowledge about electronic data standards for international trade (UN/CEFACT, WCO) and related topics. • Good knowledges and skills in preparation of presentations and reports is desirable. • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including government authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • 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 Competencies: To successfully undertake this consultancy role the incumbent will demonstrate the competencies of professionalism, technological awareness and planning and organizing. 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; Technological Awareness: Using new technology, hardware, and software packages to complete key tasks; investigating and evaluating new technology, hardware, and software packages to be used to support key work activities; providing support to others in how to use and apply new technology, hardware and software; developing or managing new office systems or procedures which use technology; ensuring the effective and cost-effective use of technology within a department or division. 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; No FeeTHE 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.