Regional Coordinator - CITES Tree Species Project (Africa)

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) administers the CITES Secretariat, located in Geneva. This role is part of the Outreach and Projects Unit, specifically contributing to the CITES Tree Species Programme (CTSP). The CTSP aims to foster sustainable development, enhance forest governance, and support biodiversity conservation, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Job Purpose

This role supports the CITES Secretariat in implementing the CITES Tree Species Project in Africa. The primary purpose is to ensure a smooth launch and effective implementation of shortlisted projects across target countries. This involves mapping planned activities, delivering high-quality outputs, and fostering sustainable trade and forest governance. The consultant will work closely with national authorities and project teams, providing technical assistance and monitoring progress to achieve project milestones and contribute to long-term species conservation and rural development.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include establishing strong working relationships with CITES Management and Scientific Authorities and forestry departments in African target countries. The role involves supporting project teams in document preparation, budget integration, and safeguard implementation. It also requires organizing and participating in inception meetings, developing regional project needs assessments, and submitting a work program. The Regional Coordinator will oversee project launches, monitor activity implementation, track progress and budgets, and organize stakeholder meetings to ensure smooth project execution and achievement of milestones. Additionally, the role involves liaising with other regional coordinators and the Secretariat, providing content for the CTSP website, and reporting on project implementation status.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of experience in international timber trade, forestry management, forest protection, or forest biology is required. Experience with CITES or similar conventions, knowledge of CITES-listed tree species trade regulations, and experience producing technical reports are also necessary. Experience within the UN system or international organizations is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy, good judgment, ability to liaise and coordinate with diverse actors, autonomy, initiative, resourcefulness, ability to work independently, objective information management, client-orientation, teamwork, respect for diversity, interpersonal skills, partnership building, adaptability, planning and organizing, problem-solving, ability to work under pressure, strong communication (written and spoken), presentation skills, ability to make and defend recommendations, empathy, capacity to transfer knowledge.

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