Wildlife Data Specialist (1 post)

Result of ServiceThe feasibility of applying data collection and reporting protocol to monitor illegal killing of other CITES listed species is assessed and documented. Work LocationThe consultancy is home-based. Regular communication and reporting will be made through virtual means (email, MS Teams, and other VoIP). Expected durationThe duration of the work is estimated to be 5 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 (OPU), Monitoring of the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) Programme. The MIKE Programme incorporates the system established by the 10th meeting of the CITES Conference of the Parties in 1997 to monitor levels of illegal killing of elephants at about 100 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 MIKE Programme Coordinator, the Wildlife Data Analysis Specialist will review the elephant data collection methodology and protocols as well as the analysis used by the MIKE Programme to assess the feasibility of adapting and expanding mortality data collection and analysis to other CITES listed species in Africa. Key responsibilities include: 1. Feasibility study to adapt and expand mortality data collection and analysis to other CITES listed 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, giraffes to identify potential species that could be included in the feasibility assessment. b. Consult the range States of the species identified through the desk study [relevant national wildlife authorities, including those participating in the African Carnivores Initiative (ACI)], the MIKE Technical Advisory Group (TAG) and other relevant experts involved in monitoring programmes at national level to investigate the applicability of data collection and reporting protocol options to other CITES listed species. c. Identify potential target species (at least two species) and conservation areas that may be used for pilot testing of expanded data collection efforts. d. Identify key data elements to be collected and develop a data collection form and other related protocols as well as basic training materials based on existing relevant training materials relating to data collection for the selected species. e. Identify and test options to analyze the data (based on existing information) taking into consideration the MIKE data analysis and other existing methodologies used for the selected species. 2. Feasibility Study Report preparation: a. Prepare detailed report(s) outlining findings, an executive summary, proposed data collection and management protocols, possible analysis options and recommendations. b. Seek inputs from the CITES Secretariat, range States of the species selected and any other relevant experts to refine the draft feasibility study report. c. Assess the potential additional human resource, expertise, support and funds needed by range States and the Secretariat to implement a potential expanded programme relating to monitoring the illegal killing of other CITES listed species. 3. Regional workshop a. Facilitate a two-day regional workshop involving range States and relevant experts to present the feasibility study report, incorporate recommendations and prepare a workshop report. b. Develop a clear implementation plan with the agreement of the concerned range States to implement a pilot testing phase through to 2027. 4. Perform other duties related to the assignment, as required. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced 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. Within the seven years of experience required, at least five years of relevant work experience in wildlife monitoring and biodiversity conservation. Within the seven years of experience required, 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. Within the seven years of experience required, at least four years of experience in using data analytics for addressing wildlife conservation, protected areas management, and other environmental/biodiversity questions in developing countries is required Within the seven years of experience required, at least five years of familiarity with a wide variety of data analysis software and methodologies, including knowledge of Bayesian statistical modelling is required. Within the seven years of experience required, at least five years of experience in preparation of peer-reviewed studies and reports is required. Within the seven years of experience required, at least five years of 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. Within the seven years of experience required, at least five years of 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. LanguagesEnglish, 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 InformationReporting lines: The consultant will report to the Chief of the CITES Outreach and Projects Unit. Depending on where the consultant is based, the consultant may require travel to Nairobi as well as to facilitate the regional workshop. If necessary, all travel costs, will be covered by the CITES MIKE Programme in accordance with UN rules and procedures. e) 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 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.