Two-dimensional barcode for electronic CITES Permits (Consultant)

Result of Service

The consultant is expected to deliver a study for the ‘Use of two-dimensional barcodes on Electronic CITES Permits by CITES Parties’ including a guideline for the CITES Parties for the use of such codes.

Work Location

Remote

Expected duration

3 Months

Duties and Responsibilities

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 (www.cites.org). The CITES Secretariat is administered by UN Environment Programme and is located at the Geneva Duty Station.

This assignment is part of the CITES Secretariat’s work under the Outreach and Projects Unit. The main objective is to collect information regarding the current practices of on the use of two-dimensional (2D) barcodes on CITES and other trade documents, analyze and prepare the elements of a draft a guideline on the use of 2D codes in electronic CITES permits. More information about electronic CITES permits is available here.


The work of the consultant should focus on the following elements:

1. Conceptualize and conduct a study using a survey and key informant interviews, targeted at the current practices of the Parties that are using two-dimensional codes on their permits/certificates as well as stakeholders including international organizations.
2. Draft a guideline on the use of two-dimensional codes in the electronic CITES permits, based on international standards covering but not limited to the following areas -
a. Technical specifications and types of recommended 2D codes,
b. Content of the code,
c. Process or workflow of the permit issuance, endorsement or validation,
d. Digital signatures and data security,
e. A human-readable view of the eCITES permit,
f. Other important aspects of the code, as appropriate.
3. Prepare a first draft, and based on peer reviews, revise the study and the guidelienes and submit the final draft to the Secretariat.
4. Attend a workshop/meeting and deliver the presentation about the study and the guideline.

Qualifications/special skills

University degree in business administration, economics, management, engineering, international relations, sustainable development or any related areas.
Minimum seven years’ experience in digital technologies including two- dimensional barcodes, norms and standards related to electronic data capture, and related topics. Prior experience with international organizations or the UN system, is required.

Languages

Competencies: To successfully undertake this consultancy role the incumbent will demonstrate the competencies of professionalism, technological awareness and planning and organizing.

Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to CITES Secretariat; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to CITES Secretariat procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;

Technological Awareness:
Using new technology, hardware, and software packages to complete key tasks; investigating and evaluating new technology, hardware, and software packages to be used to support key work activities; providing support to others in how to use and apply new technology, hardware and software; developing or managing new office systems or procedures which use technology; ensuring the effective and cost-effective use of technology within a department or division

Planning and organizing effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.

No Fee

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.