IMPORTANT: This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders. Other applicants need not apply.
Under the supervision of the Principal Officer of the Scientific, Technical and Technological Matters unit
and in support of the Programme Officer responsible for the cross-cutting issues on invasive alien species
and Global Taxonomy Initiative, the candidate will contribute to the substantive work of the Secretariat
with regards to collation of information regarding guidelines on invasive alien species, possible examples
of their management and related management responses, and preparation of training materials requested
by COP10. In this context, the assistant will provide support and preparation to the following events and
activities:
1. Scientific and Technical Work
• Collect and compile information on guidelines on invasive alien species, possible examples of
their management and related management responses, reconciling the need for adaptation of
biodiversity and ecosystems to climate change as well as the need to prevent and minimize the
risks of existing and potential invasive alien species (contribution to decision X/38 B paragraph
9(a) - http://www.cbd.int/decisions/?dec=X/38);
• Incorporate the progress and lessons learned on regional island collaboration to manage the threat
of invasive alien species, including inter- and intra-regional exchanges and South-South
cooperation, in the review of the programme of work on island biological diversity scheduled for
the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties (contribution to X/38 B paragraph 9(c));
• Prepare training materials in collaboration with the Coordination Mechanism for the Global
Taxonomy Initiative and other relevant organizations for taxonomic capacity-building training
workshops focusing on minimizing the risks of invasive alien species (contribution to X/38
paragraph 9(b) and X/39 paragraph 7, 9 (a)-(d) - http://www.cbd.int/decisions/?id=12305);
2. Organizing meetings and outreach
• Collaborate with Parties, Governments and relevant organizations to facilitate the development of
the capacity, in collaboration with global, regional and subregional networks (contribution to X/38
B. paragraph 9(b) and (d), X/39 paragraph 7, 9 (a)-(d));
• Collaborate with inter-agency liaison group on invasive alien species and explore further ways
and means to improve the capacity of Parties to address invasive alien species (contribution to
X/38 A paragraph 3(c))
Competencies
Professionalism: Ability to understand complex issues pertaining to biodiversity and climate change;
ability to work under pressure and to use limited time and resources effectively; flexibility to adapt rapidly
to changing situations; ability to ensure that the highest possible quality outputs are produced.
Communication: Ability to speak and write clearly and effectively; ability to communicate effectively
with audiences of various levels of seniority and technical knowledge, tailoring language, tone, style and
format appropriately; ability to communicate with various stakeholders in politically sensitive situations
with diplomacy and tact.
Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills, ability to work collaboratively with professional and technical staff at senior and junior levels from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Planning and Organizing: Ability to identify priorities, work to tight deadlines, handle concurrent projects 3and coordinate the work of others.
Qualifications
The candidate should:
• Be familiar with biodiversity, invasive alien species and taxonomy.
• Have experience in literature reviews, technical writing and web content management.
• Have a proven ability to write clearly and concisely in English and French.
Qualifications:
Education
Completion of secondary school is required. Supplementary training in environmental, environmental
management, or related fields.
Work Experience
At least six years of progressively responsible experience, including some experience at the international level in the field of sustainable development or environment related programmes and public administration. Experience with the United Nations an asset.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of other
United Nations languages is an asset.
Other Skills
Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office, email, and internet) are required.
Special Information: Applicants should be Canadian residents or citizens. The candidate is
responsible for any travel expenses incurred in order to participate in an interview at the duty station
and to take up the assignment.
Apply by sending a cover letter and Personal History Form to: secretariat@cbd.int not later than 30 April
2011
