Consultancy on a Situation Analysis of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway

Result of ServiceBased on a comprehensive literature review and consultation with national and international experts, the conservation status of all bird taxonomic groups/species both covered by EAAFP Appendix III and CMS Appendices I and/or II and relevant species contained in CMS Res. 14.20, will be summarized. The imminent and emerging direct/indirect threats, existing legal/policy/institutional practices, and opportunities for the improvement of the conservation status along EAAF will be identified and addressed. In essence, the Situation Analysis will include comprehensive recommendations to further support the favourable conservation status of CMS-listed bird species along EAAF that is consistent with the objectives under CMS. Work LocationRemote Expected duration8 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesOrganizational Setting 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, which are supported by the CMS Secretariat. The CMS Secretariat also provides 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 on migratory species 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 European Populations of Bats (EUROBATS). The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system's designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. 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 the administrative functions for the CMS, AEWA and EUROBATS Secretariats. This post is administered in the CMS Secretariat in Bonn, Germany. Background As one of the 9 globally recognized Flyways, the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF) stretches from the Russian Far East and Alaska, southwards through East Asia and Southeast Asia, to Australia and New Zealand, which encompasses 22 countries. EAAF is a crucial route for landbirds, raptors, seabirds and over 50 million migratory waterbirds from over 276 different populations, including 56 globally threatened species and 10 Critically Endangered species, as well as 13 Endangered species. Despite various national and regional efforts, there is still a lack of a comprehensive flyway-wide assessment that consolidates trends, threats, and conservation responses. The objective of this study is to advance the conservation of migratory birds in the EAAF by producing a comprehensive Situation Analysis that could serve as a baseline for priority setting of migratory bird conservation actions and recommendations for effective implementation. The key focus will be made on the assessment of the conservation status of all CMS Appendix I and II birds species, relevant species contained in Res. 14.20 Potential Avian Taxa for Listing and EAAF Partnership (EAAFP) Appendix III listed waterbird species, with the possibility of grouping them into ecologically coherent sub-groups (for example landbirds, raptors, seabirds and waterbirds), including existing and emerging direct/indirect threats, institutional practices, knowledge gaps, and opportunities for the improvement of the conservation status. The study should also indicate any existing legal frameworks affecting these species, as well as other non-legal instruments if relevant. Based on the analysis, recommendations for priority conservation and/or policy actions, as well as potential institutional arrangements, should be provided. These recommendations should explicitly address practical and effective conservation measures and align with climate mitigation and adaptation strategies, where relevant. The geographic scope of the study shall be limited to the countries in the East Asian – Australasian Flyway, including: Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Singapore, Timor-Leste, Thailand, United States of America and Viet Nam. Species extending into Oceania may be included where relevant. Justification This study aligns with and aims to support the implementation of CMS Decisions 14.137 directed to the Parties and 14.140 directed to the Flyways Working Group to share information of the implementation gaps and needs through appropriate coordination with other countries in the region, as well as identifying global synergies and gaps across different flyway-related initiatives. It further strengthens the implementation of CMS Resolution 12.11 (Rev.COP14) Flyways, which emphasizes the need for further collaboration between the CMS Secretariat and the Secretariats from other relevant international organizations and NGOs to facilitate synergistic practices for the conservation of migratory birds across the Flyways; and the analysis of existing datasets relevant to the movement of migratory bird species as well as the status of key sites and habitats crucial for their entire life cycles is emphasized. The proposed work is also aligned with other CMS Decisions and Resolutions, not limited to, but including: a) Resolution 11.16 (Rev.COP14) Prevention of Illegal Killing, Taking and Trade of Migratory Birds b) Resolution 11.27 (Rev.COP13) Renewable Energy and Migratory Species; c) Resolution 12.21 (Rev.COP14) Climate Change and Migratory Species; d) Resolution 14.1 Samarkand Strategic Plan for Migratory Species 2024–2032 e) Resolution 14.20 Potential Avian Taxa for Listing Specific tasks and responsibilities a) Identification • Identification of issues that are crucial for the elaboration of a Situation Analysis along EAAF; • Identification of sources of information (e.g. literature, datasets, organisations and experts); • Methodologies for data collection and analysis defined. b) Literature Review • Review both scientific and non-scientific literature on the conservation status, trends, threats (including habitat loss, climate change, unsustainable harvesting, and infrastructural development, including renewable energy) and any other relevant ecological information relevant for the EAAF region for the CMS/EAAFP-listed and potentially listed migratory bird species; • Analyse the status of institutional protections under relevant MEAs (e.g. CMS, Ramsar Convention, CBD), protected area networks and OECMs relevant for migratory birds, and national legislation that aligns with National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans; • Create a list of the bibliography of the relevant sources used. c) Stakeholder Engagement and consultation • Consult and coordinate the expected output with relevant MEA national focal points, NGOs, scientific experts, and local communities; • Facilitate virtual workshops or meetings to support data collection as well as situation analysis at the multistakeholder level. d) Analysis of results • Synthesize existing data sources, monitoring reports, and national/regional assessments (including visual data maps, infographics, and a factsheet) provided by relevant organizations or experts; • Integrate CMS-reported threats, international, and national ecosystem assessments (e.g. IBAT datasets, UNEP-WCMC National Ecosystem Assessment Initiative) that are considered substantial for supporting the Situation Analysis; • Based on the knowledge gaps, introduce institutional arrangements and policy options to further enhance and support migratory bird species and their habitats; • Establish priorities with international conservation and development agendas in the region, particularly in relation to climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. e) Production of the written outputs incl. draft reports, factsheet, final reports and Power Point Presentation and draft agenda for a (side) event at an international gathering. The consultant will report to Head of Avian Unit. Qualifications/special skillsAn advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in environmental or natural sciences, environmental policy, or another discipline relevant to the task is required. A first-level university degree in environmental or natural sciences, environmental policy in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of five years (or seven years in case of relevant first-level university degree instead of advanced degree) of relevant professional experience related to environmental or natural sciences, environmental policy, bird conservation policy, policy evaluation, implementation of multilateral environmental agreements, or another field relevant to the task is required. The consultant is required to have a well-rounded mix of technical expertise, strategic assessment experience, and understanding of international environmental governance. Proven knowledge in the fields relating to avian migratory flyways and species, and threats to them, including an understanding of the interactions with related but different issues and human activities such as fisheries, bird trade or hunting is required. Familiarity with tools and methodologies for assessing multidisciplinary strategic frameworks, impact and outcome evaluation, and experience of engaging with stakeholders at an international level are required. Familiarity and understanding of CMS, the EAAFP and other key players in the Asia-Pacific region will be advantageous. Familiarity and knowledge of issues and nomenclature related to bird conservation, bird migration, threat assessments and species management plans for birds are also an advantage. Proficient knowledge on the use of MS Word and Excel is required. LanguagesFluency in oral and written English is essential. Knowledge of other languages used in Asia-Pacific region is desirable. Additional InformationNot available. 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.