Individual Contractor to Support Engagement with Subnational and Local Governments

The Secretariat is effectively supported in advancing the agenda on subnational governments and local authorities in the lead-up to and during SBI 7 and COP17, including: (a) the finalization of relevant pre-session documentation and related knowledge inputs; (b) the substantive and organizational preparation and servicing of the relevant agenda item at COP17; (c) strengthened engagement of subnational and local authorities and partner organizations in official processes and events; (d) the successful coordination of key associated activities, including the Cities Summit, the meeting of mayors, meetings of the two Advisory Committees and the Global Partnership for Cities and Subnational Governments, and the programme of activities related to the subnational hub at the Action Zone. A final report summarizing activities undertaken, outputs delivered and recommendations for follow-up is submitted at the end of the contract.

Montreal, Canada (Hybrid)

Six months

ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING The United Nations Environment Programme 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. At the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, world leaders agreed on a comprehensive strategy for 'sustainable development'. The Convention on Biological Diversity was opened for signature in Rio in 1992. The Convention has three main objectives: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) is located in Montreal and is administered by United Nations Environment Programme. Its main tasks are to arrange for and service meetings of the Conference of the Parties, including preparation of pertinent documentation, operation of the central node of the clearing-house mechanism, liaison and coordination with other international bodies and processes and, in close collaboration with these partners, the provision of technical support for the effective implementation of the Convention. Duties and Responsibilities Under the supervision of the Programme Management Officer, Stakeholder Engagement and Cooperation Unit (SEC), the individual contractor will perform the following duties: 1. Support to finalization of pre-session documents and substantive inputs • Support the finalization of relevant pre-session documentation related to the role of subnational governments and local authorities in the implementation of the GBF and the Convention; • Identify, review and compile relevant case studies, experiences and examples of meaningful contributions from subnational governments and local authorities for possible inclusion in official documents and CBD knowledge/communication platforms; • Support the organization and consolidation of substantive inputs and background information relevant to the agenda item. 2. Support to the negotiation process and servicing of the agenda item at SBI 7 and COP17 • Support substantive and organizational preparations related to the agenda item on subnational governments and local authorities for SBI 7 and COP17; • Assist in preparing background notes, speaking points, briefing notes, meeting notes, presentations and other materials as required; • Support coordination and follow-up related to negotiations and consultations with Parties, observers and partners. 3. Support to engagement with subnational governments and local authorities for COP17 • Support outreach and engagement with subnational governments and local authorities to facilitate meaningful participation in relevant official and associated events at COP17; • Assist in coordination with partners and stakeholder networks, including ICLEI and other relevant organizations, as appropriate; • Contribute to communications, visibility and coordination efforts related to this workstream. 4. Support coordination and preparation of key associated events • Support the coordination of preparations for the Cities Summit during COP17; • Support preparations for the meeting of mayors scheduled for 23 October 2026; • Support the organization of the meetings of the Advisory Committees and the Global Partnership for Cities and Subnational Governments in parallel to COP17; • Support close coordination with ICLEI in the development of the programme of activities related to the hub for subnational governments at the Action Zone; • Assist in the preparation of concept notes, draft agendas, speaker coordination materials, briefing notes and related documentation for these events. 5. Final reporting • Prepare a final report summarizing activities undertaken, key outputs delivered, stakeholder engagement supported, and recommendations for follow-up following COP17.

Academic qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) in public policy, public administration, international relations, political science, governance, environmental policy, sustainable development, or a related field is desirable. Experience: A minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible professional experience in stakeholder engagement, governance, public administration, international relations, sustainable development, environmental policy, or related areas is required. Experience supporting coordination processes, drafting reports, briefing notes or other written materials, assisting in the preparation or servicing of meetings or events, and supporting the organization of international meetings or events is desirable. Experience working with or engaging subnational governments, local authorities, cities, or other public sector institutions is desirable. Experience related to biodiversity, environmental governance, sustainable development, or natural resource management is desirable. Experience working with international organizations, multilateral processes, the United Nations system, and/or the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is desirable. Skills: Strong organizational and planning skills, including the ability to support the preparation and servicing of international meetings and processes, are required. The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver high-quality outputs within tight timelines is required. Excellent drafting skills for a range of materials (including reports, briefing notes, minutes and presentations) and the ability to adapt writing to different audiences are required. Competencies: Communication - Teamwork - Planning and Organizing

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of other United Nations languages is desirable. NOTE: "Fluency equals a rating of "fluent" in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and "Knowledge of" equals a rating of "confident" in two of the four areas.

Special conditions Local recruitment: Applicants should be Canadian residents or citizens or have permission to work in Canada. The work location for this position is Montreal, Canada. The successful candidate must be based in a time zone compatible with Montreal (Eastern Time) or within a limited time difference, in order to ensure effective coordination and regular availability during the Secretariat’s core working hours. Availability to work from the Secretariat’s office in Montreal on an occasional basis is desirable. Travel may be required. The individual contractor is expected to support the work of the Secretariat on the ground during the seventeenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP17).

THE 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.