Notification to the Parties

CONCERNING:

Vacancy announcement

1. The Secretariat hereby transmits to the Parties the vacancy announcement for the post of Environmental Affairs Officer (Senior Scientific Officer) in the CITES Secretariat.

2. The Management Authorities of the Parties are urged to provide copies of the attached document to potential candidates for this important post.

 

Environmental Affairs Officer, P-4

CITES Secretariat

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 8 July 2003

DATE OF ISSUANCE: 9 May 2003

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT: United Nations Environment Programme

DUTY STATION: Geneva

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: 03-PGM-UNEP-401405-R-GENEVA

Remuneration: Depending on professional background, experience and family situation, a competitive compensation and benefits package is offered (see the CITES website for more information, English only).

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Head of the Scientific Support Unit , the incumbent is responsible for the following duties: 1. Represent the CITES Secretariat in matters related to the implementation of the Convention by: a) acting as a contact for the Secretariat with Parties, other States and non-governmental organizations on matters related to the conservation management of species of wild fauna and flora in international trade, the Animals and Plants Committees, and the Nomenclature Committee; b) reviewing proposals related to the listing of species in the CITES Appendices and drafting Secretariat recommendations to the Conference of the Parties on amendment proposals; c) developing projects, programmes or proposals for amendments to improve the implementation of CITES and the conservation management of species of wild fauna and flora; and d) assisting with the implementation of decisions and resolutions and other tasks assigned to the Secretariat. 2. Collect, analyze and disseminate information related to species of wild fauna and flora in trade by: a) assisting in the preparation of, and participating in, regional or national training seminars, meetings and conferences on the implementation of CITES; b) assisting with the development and dissemination of technical materials and programmes in support of capacity building and scientific aspects related to the implementation of CITES, particularly concerning the conservation management of species of wild fauna and flora in international trade; c) maintaining contact, and encouraging collaboration with government agencies, non-governmental conservation organizations and academic institutions regarding the conservation management of species of wild fauna and flora in international trade, and in particular, the trade in CITES-listed species; d) assisting the Animals and Plants Committees with their review of the impact of international trade in species of wild fauna and flora and with other responsibilities assigned to these Committees; e) compiling and publishing annual export quota lists. 3. As part of the Regional Assistance team within the Secretariat, carry out assignments by: a) establishing contacts with -Parties, Permanent Missions in Geneva and Management and Scientific Authorities in Party countries and providing direct assistance in regard to the provision of documentation or information, facilitating the identification of needs, such as training, enforcement, legislation and projects on the conservation management of CITES-listed species; -non-Parties and providing information, documentation and any other assistance required. b) providing technical input to queries from Parties; c) providing input, as required, into the organization of regional CITES meetings and participating in other relevant fora to inform countries about CITES and its mission; d) visiting new Parties and providing them with information concerning the implementation of the Convention. 4. Other duties as assigned.

Competencies

Planning and organizing - Thoroughness in planning and implementation of activities Communication - Effective communication (spoken, written and presentational) skills including ability to defend and explain difficult issues and positions to senior officials. Teamwork - Excellent interpersonal skills including ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, including gender balance. Commitment to continuous learning is highly desirable.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Must have advanced university degree in zoology, botany, ecology, conservation biology, wildlife or fisheries management, forestry, sustainable development or related field.

Work Experience

Ten years of relevant working experience of which preferably three to four years should be in an international environment. Experience in conservation/management of wild populations of CITES covered species will be an advantage.

Languages

Fluency in one of the official languages of the Convention (English, French and Spanish) is required and a good working knowledge of another (including English) is essential.

Other Skills

Demonstrated computer skills.

The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations – Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

How to apply

There are two ways you can apply to vacancies available at the United Nations Human Resources Site.

1. Online – If you consider applying for the United Nations online now or in the future you have to register with the United Nations Human Resources (see the CITES website).

2. Offline – fax or mail paper application.

Online

1. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online as early as possible after the vacancy has been posted, and well before the deadline. All online applications will be acknowledged immediately, if an email address is provided.

2. To start the online application process, applicants will be required to register by opening a "My UN" account. Go to Login, and Register as a User. Fill in the form and choose a User Name and Password.

3. After opening the account, applicants may apply for vacancies using the Personal History Profile (PHP) provided. Once the PHP has been completed for a particular vacancy, it can be saved and used for future applications. The PHP may be modified as necessary for future applications.

4. In completing the PHP, please note that all fields marked with an asterisk must be completed.

5. For UN staff members, after submission of an application, they will receive an email reminding them to provide copies of their last two Performance Appraisal System evaluations to the appropriate office. These copies may be submitted by email, fax or regular mail with a clear indication of the vacancy announcement number.

6. Once an application has been submitted, it will be transmitted to the appropriate office for review.

Offline

1. If applicants cannot submit an application online, they may send paper applications to the address, email or fax number indicated below before the deadline.

PO UNON
Room No.: Recruitment & Classification Section Human Resources Management Services
P.O. Box 67578
Nairobi, Kenya

E-mail: Recruitment@unon.org

Applications must be submitted using the United Nations Personal History form (P-11) (in Word format).

The applications should indicate the vacancy announcement number on the application and on the envelope, email or fax.

2. Applicants may wish to retain copies of their completed P-11 form for use for future applications.

3. Due to the volume of applications received, receipt of offline paper applications cannot be acknowledged individually.

4. UN staff members must attach copies of their last two Performance Appraisal System evaluations to their applications.