Consultant - Conservation status of migratory terns in the East Asian–Australasian and West Pacific Marine Flyway

A concise, peer-reviewed quality report providing a comprehensive flyway-wide baseline assessment of the conservation status of migratory terns in the EAAF and WPMF, with particular reference to Little, Roseate and Black-naped Terns. The report will consolidate current knowledge on population trends, threats, existing protections, and conservation actions; identify critical knowledge gaps; and produce actionable, prioritised recommendations for management, research, and policy, directly supporting the four-way information exchange between Australia, Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea, and contributing to the CMS FWG Seabirds Thematic Sub-group.

Remote/Home Based

6.5 Months

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) is a global intergovernmental treaty aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of migratory species and their habitats. Numerous additional intergovernmental instruments on migratory species conservation have been adopted under the broad umbrella of CMS which are supported by the CMS Secretariat. The CMS Secretariat also provides the Secretariat for the Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic, North East Atlantic, Irish and North Seas (ASCOBANS). In addition, two regional agreements on migratory species adopted under CMS have their own Secretariats which are co-located with the CMS Secretariat in Bonn - the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) and the Agreement on the Conservation of European Populations of Bats (EUROBATS). The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system's designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. In the present context, UNEP provides the administrative functions for the CMS, AEWA, ASCOBANS and EUROBATS Secretariats. The East Asian–Australasian Flyway (EAAF) and the West Pacific Marine Flyway (WPMF) are among the most ecologically significant and threatened migratory seabird routes in the world. Migratory tern populations across these flyways have declined markedly in recent decades, yet no consolidated flyway-wide baseline assessment of their conservation status currently exists. The conservation status of migratory terns has been identified as a priority by Australia and its bilateral migratory bird partners: the Governments of Japan, the People's Republic of China, and the Republic of Korea. The three species of immediate concern are Sternula albifrons, Sterna dougallii, and Sterna sumatrana which have all declined across the flyway. This fact has also been expressed as concern in the context of regional bird conservation agreements JAMBA, CAMBA, and ROKAMBA. A robust, evidence-based literature review delivered will provide the essential technical foundation for those discussions and contribute directly to the CMS FWG Seabirds Thematic Sub-group agenda. Legislative authority for this work derives from: Resolution 12.11 (Rev.COP15) Flyways; Resolution 15.9 Seabirds and Marine Flyways; Resolution 14.20 Potential Avian Taxa for Listing; CMS Appendix I and II listings. The CMS Resolution 12.11 (Rev.COP15) Flyways and Resolution 15.9 Seabirds and Marine Flyways, has renewed and strengthened the mandate of the Flyways Working Group (FWG) and its comprehensive Programme of Work 2026-2029 (POW) covering waterbirds, seabirds, and landbirds across all major flyway systems. Building on this mandate, the FWG established a dedicated Seabirds Thematic Sub-group at its Third Meeting (April 2024), which developed the scientific and policy groundwork for the landmark formal recognition of marine flyways as a new inter-governmental conservation framework for seabirds, adopted at COP15. The East Asian–Australasian Flyway (EAAF) and the West Pacific Marine Flyway (WPMF) fall squarely within the scope of this renewed mandate. The consultancy described here directly supports the implementation of Resolution 12.11 (Rev.COP15) Flyways and Resolution 15.9 Seabirds and Marine Flyways looking specifically to the conservation status of migratory terns in the EAAF and the WPMF. The position is located at the Secretariat’s offices in Bonn, Germany. Under the general supervision of the Executive Secretary of CMS and the direct supervision of the Head of the Avian Species Team, the CIC will be responsible for the following functions: a. Conduct a systematic scoping review of existing scientific literature, national government reports, range-state documents, and grey literature relevant to targeted tern species conservation in the EAAF and WPMF; identify key expert contacts and data holders across range states (Australia, Japan, China, Republic of Korea, and other relevant EAAF/WPMF countries) for targeted consultation where literature gaps exist. b. Agree with the CMS Secretariat and concerned focal points on the level of detail provided in the report for all migratory tern species (excluding vagrants) and for the three target species, and document a clear, repeatable review methodology; prepare and submit the Inception Report. c. Compile and synthesize published and grey literature on population estimates, distribution, breeding biology, migration routes and connectivity, and population trends for the target species across the EAAF and WPMF. d. Document and rank existing and emerging direct and indirect threats, including but not limited to: habitat loss and coastal development; climate change (sea-level rise, extreme weather events, shifting prey availability); unsustainable take and trade; invasive species and nest predation; bycatch and fisheries interactions; light and noise pollution; and renewable energy and other infrastructure developments. e. Analyze the coverage and effectiveness of existing legal and policy frameworks, including national legislation, bilateral agreements (JAMBA, CAMBA, ROKAMBA), CMS Appendix listings; review protected area networks and their adequacy in covering critical tern nesting, foraging, and staging habitats. f. Compile a summary data table for each target species, covering: population estimates by range state or region; trend status (stable/declining/increasing/unknown); IUCN Red List category; and CMS and bilateral agreement coverage; identify and prioritize critical knowledge gaps in species distribution, population connectivity, breeding success, and conservation effectiveness. g. Develop clear, prioritized, and actionable recommendations addressing research and monitoring priorities to fill identified knowledge gaps; site-specific and flyway-level management actions; policy options for enhanced international cooperation (including potential CMS Appendix listing or Concerted Action considerations); and capacity-building needs among range states. h. Incorporate feedback from the CMS Secretariat and Australian Government (DCCEEW) review of the Interim Draft Report within the agreed response timeline; produce and submit the Final Report in both PDF and editable .docx format by 30 April 2027. i. Day-to-day technical coordination will be provided by the designated CMS Secretariat focal points. The Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) as the initiating Party will participate in milestone reviews and formal output acceptance alongside the CMS Secretariat. The selected candidate is expected to maintain regular communication with both parties, including brief monthly progress updates and one structured review call or meeting per phase.

An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in biology, ecology, ornithology, wildlife conservation, marine sciences, environmental sciences, or a closely related discipline is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of directly qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Familiarity with international environmental law, multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), conservation policy, and/or population ecology is a strong advantage. Advanced degrees that integrate theoretical conservation biology with practical field and policy-oriented components, are considered highly relevant to the interdisciplinary and multi-stakeholder nature of this assignment. A minimum of two years of relevant experience in ornithology, wildlife conservation, coastal conservation and/or flyway management, or a closely related field is required (four years for candidates holding a first-level degree only) Relevant experience may include a combination of professional employment, research assistantships, fieldwork placements, and documented internships with recognised conservation organisations or intergovernmental bodies. - Demonstrated experience in conducting systematic literature reviews and synthesizing scientific and grey literature into clear, accessible documents for conservation or policy audiences is required. - Familiarity with the East Asian–Australasian Flyway and the West Pacific Marine Flyway, including range states, key habitats, and multilateral conservation frameworks, and the ecology, population dynamics, and threats facing migratory birds, particularly seabirds in the Indo-Pacific or Asia-Pacific region is required. - Understanding or exposure to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), including its Appendices, Resolutions, and Decisions relevant to seabirds and flyways is required. - Familiarity with bilateral migratory bird agreements (JAMBA, CAMBA, ROKAMBA) and their species coverage is an advantage. - Working knowledge of relevant data tools (e.g. bibliographic software, reference management, and GIS) is desirable. - Knowledge of, or demonstrated interest in, the East Asian–Australasian Flyway and/or the West Pacific Marine Flyway, including range states, key habitats, and multilateral conservation frameworks is desirable. Competencies: - Planning and organizing: Ability to work independently, self-manage workload across the full contract duration, meet agreed milestones without close supervision, and a good understanding of the principles of clear decision making, planning, and management of risks. - Communication: Excellent written and oral English; ability to produce clear, concise, technically sound reports accessible to both government delegates and conservation practitioners. Demonstrated ability to synthesise complex scientific data and information into clear findings and recommendations. - Professionalism: Demonstrates professional competence; good research, problem-solving, and analytical skills; sound judgement, attention to detail, and commitment to scientific integrity and impartiality throughout the assignment.

Language: Fluency in oral and written English is essential. Knowledge of Chinese is desirable.

Output/ Work Assignment, Performance Indicators The selected consultant/individual contractor is required to produce, in close consultation with the CMS Avian Species Team and the Australian Government (DCCEEW), a comprehensive flyway-wide baseline report on the conservation status of migratory terns in the EAAF and WPMF. The objectives of the work are as follows: - To compile and critically assess existing scientific and grey literature on the conservation status, population estimates, distribution, and population trends of all migratory tern species occurring within the EAAF and WPMF, vagrant species excluded, in close cooperation with the ongoing CMS-led Situation Analysis of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. - To further expand the information available for three migratory terns (target species): o i) Little Tern (Sternula albifrons ) o ii) Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii) o iii) Black-naped Tern (Sterna sumatrana) - To identify, document, and rank existing and emerging threats across the flyway for the target species, including but not limited to habitat loss, climate change and sea-level rise, unsustainable direct take, invasive species, light and noise pollution, and threats from infrastructure development (including renewable energy) relative to the priority species. - To analyse the status, coverage, and adequacy of existing legal frameworks, protected area networks, bilateral agreements, and range-state conservation actions for the target species. - To map critical knowledge gaps in species distribution, population connectivity, breeding success, and threat assessment. - To develop evidence-based, prioritised recommendations for management approaches, research priorities, and policy options including potential CMS Appendix listing considerations to enhance the conservation status of migratory terns across the flyway. Outputs and Performance indicators: a. Inception Report: Agreed methodology, annotated bibliography, links to the ongoing CMS situation analysis for the East Asian – Australasian Flyways, and proposed report structure which is to be delivered within 30 days of contract start. The report should be of maximum 10 pages, excluding the annexes and agreed with CMS Avian Species Team for focal point. b. Interim Draft Report: Prepare a first draft report covering the status, threats, and gap analysis for all migratory tern species occurring in the region, but with a special focus on the 3 target species species. The interim report is due by 31 December 2026. It should be between 30 and 80 pages in length (excluding references and annexes) and include clear, accessible text, supported by photos and diagrams. c. Final Report: Full literature review, gap analysis, prioritised recommendations, executive summary (maximum 3 pages), species data tables, and full bibliography delivered in both PDF and editable .docx format by 30 April 2027. The comprehensive report should include clear, accessible text, supported by photos and diagrams. The remuneration will be in line with the UN fee and remuneration levels for consultants and individual contractors.

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.