Regional Coordinator – CITES Tree Species Project (Central and South America, and the Caribbean)

The primary aim of the contract is to ensure a smooth launch of the implementation of shortlisted projects in the CSAC region, support the mapping of planned activities, and the delivery of high-quality outputs in all target countries of the region. In the course of the contract, the work will be delivered mostly in electronic form, via emails and online meetings with the CITES Secretariat, but also participating in field missions and international meetings as appropriate. Travel will depend on availability of resources, Governments invitations, and the CITES Secretariat travel policy. The ultimate result of the service will be a final report detailing all results achieved in the implementation of these terms of reference, and referring to outputs and activities achieved under the various projects conducted in the CSAC region.

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. The CITES Secretariat is administered by UNEP and is located in Geneva, Switzerland.

This assignment is part of the CITES Secretariat’s work under the Outreach and Projects Unit. In fulfillment of Decision 20.31 on the CITES Tree Species Programme, the Secretariat is coordinating the implementation of the project “CITES Tree Species Project – Sustainable trade and forest governance” funded by Germany – through the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety.

The CITES Tree Species Programme (CTSP) seeks to foster economically, socially and environmentally sustainable development. It helps maximize CITES contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, notably Goal 15 on Life on Land as it relates to sustainably managing forests and halting biodiversity loss. The Programme aims to improve and strengthen forest governance to ensure benefit from long-term species conservation and contribute to rural development in often remote areas, sustainable economic growth at country level and long-term poverty alleviation.

The Programme supports Parties that export valuable parts and derivatives of CITES-listed tree species by providing direct financial assistance for taking conservation and management measures to ensure that their trade in timber, bark, extracts and other products from CITES-listed tree species is sustainable, legal and traceable. This will be achieved through improved practical and technological capacity for the development of non-detriment findings, enhanced silvicultural and ecological knowledge for the management of CITES-listed tree species, increased capacity in the identification of timber and non-timber forest products, effective information and tracking systems and making of legal acquisition findings.

Under the overall supervision of the CTSP Project Coordinator and the Outreach and Projects Unit of the CITES Secretariat, the Consultant will assist the CITES Secretariat with implementation of the CITES Tree Species Project in Central and South America, and the Caribbean (CSAC), as specified in the terms of reference below. Specifically, the Regional Coordinator will deliver the following outputs and carry out the following activities:

• Establish close working relationships with CITES Management and Scientific Authorities and forestry departments in all target countries of the region;
• Support project teams in all target countries of the region in preparing their project documents, detailed budget, and integration and implementation of safeguards measures, as appropriate, until the signature of the legal agreement governing the project with the CITES Secretariat;
• Support the organisation of inception meetings with project teams in all target countries of the region and with the CITES Secretariat, and participate in these meetings;
• Develop a clear assessment of project needs and priorities in the region, while producing following the project roadmap for the region;
• Submit a work programme for the whole duration of the contract within 1 month of contract finalization (and within 2 months of any renewal) including all identified activities in each target country or at regional level;
• Support the launch of the projects in all target countries of the region and the implementation of approved activities in an effective manner, including undertaking all liaison, monitoring of progress, milestones and monitoring of budgeting by agencies implementing activities under the CITES Tree Species Project;
• Organize and/or participate in virtual meetings with all stakeholders as necessary, to ensure smooth progress of implementation and completion of CTSP projects with achievement of milestones and outputs as set in relevant agreements established with target countries;
• Liaise with other Regional Coordinators areas as appropriate and with the Secretariat, including providing images/information/postings to publish on the CITES Tree Species Programme website. All images carrying short and clear photo credits and captions;
• Liaise with the CITES Secretariat to report on the implementation of these terms of reference and the implementation of the projects, for any technical assistance, and to ensure non-duplication of effort.

Education: An Advanced university degree (Masters degree or equivalent) in environmental or wildlife management, environmental law, forestry and forest management, biology or related area. A first-level university degree (or equivalent) in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Work Experience: A Minimum 7 years’ work experience in international timber trade, forestry management, protection of forests, biology of forests or related area is required. Experience in and knowledge of CITES or similar organisation or Convention is required. Experience in and knowledge of rules for trade in CITES-listed tree species or related organisation is required; Experience in biology, forestry and forest management is required. Experience in production of technical reports within agreed timeframes is required. Experience with the UN system or international organizations is desirable.

Competencies: Professionalism, Teamwork and respect for diversity, Planning and organizing, and Communication skills as detailed in the official posting.

English, French and Spanish are the working languages of the CITES Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in spoken and written English and Spanish is required.