Capacity-building Expert

The ultimate result of the service will be the preparation of: i. A background paper; ii. A survey for CITES Parties on capacity-building support, needs, gaps and preferred approaches; iii. A structured dataset of coded survey responses and a summary report analyzing the results; and iv. inputs and/or preparatory materials for regional consultations and/or technical workshop(s), as appropriate.

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. It aims 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 implementation of the programme of work of the CITES Parties, in fulfillment of Decision 19.40 to 19.43 (Rev. CoP20) on the Capacity-building framework. The CITES Secretariat is supporting the work of the intersessional working group on the development of an integrated capacity-building framework, including a common language and clear definitions, to improve the implementation of the Convention, and in doing so, ensure the representation of perspectives and contexts of different regions and stakeholders.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of the Outreach and Projects Unit, the consultant will assist the CITES Secretariat in supporting the intersessional working group on the capacity-building framework. Specifically, the consultant will deliver the following outputs:

• Prepare a background paper including 1) mapping of existing and past CITES capacity-building activities and initiatives; 2) review of existing capacity-building frameworks by relevant international organizations and multilateral environmental agreements, and approaches from related organizations and conventions; 3) compilation of lessons learned and good practices in capacity-building; 4) identification of possible elements, definitions and approaches that could inform the development of the framework and other elements as advised by the intersessional working group.
• Develop a survey for CITES Parties and other relevant stakeholders, to collect information on 1) existing capacity-building support and initiatives; 2) priority capacity-building needs; 3) key capacity-building gaps; and 4) preferred types and formats of capacity-building support in order to provide an evidence base to inform consultations and support the identification of priority areas and common trends.
• Analyse the results of the survey and prepare a summary report of the findings for consideration by the Secretariat and the intersessional working group.
• Assist the organization of regional consultations and/or technical workshop(s) to support the development of the capacity-building framework, as appropriate.

Education Qualifications: A Master's degree in environmental policy, conservation, social sciences, public administration or a related field is required. 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: At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in capacity‑building, institutional strengthening, or related fields within international environmental governance, preferably in the context of MEAs or intergovernmental processes is required. Demonstrated experience conducting analytical reviews, mapping exercises, or comparative assessments of frameworks, tools, or institutional mechanisms is required. Proven experience designing, administering and analyzing structured surveys for governments, international organizations or multilateral processes is required. Demonstrated experience coding open-ended survey responses, conducting thematic analysis, and synthesizing qualitative and complex information into clear, well-structured written outputs using recognized analytical tools or software is required.

Knowledge of MEAs: Familiarity with the functioning of multilateral environmental agreements, ideally including CITES, CBD, FAO, IPBES or related bodies is desirable. Experience with capacity building frameworks: Previous involvement in developing or assessing capacity building frameworks for MEAs, UN agencies or international organizations is desirable.

Competencies: Professionalism, Client orientation, Planning and organizing, and Creativity.

English, Spanish and French are the working languages of the CITES Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French and/or Spanish is desirable.