Regional Coordinator - CITES Tree Species Project (Asia)

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) administers the CITES Secretariat, which is dedicated to ensuring international trade in endangered species does not threaten their survival. This role is part of the CITES Secretariat's Outreach and Projects Unit, specifically supporting the CITES Tree Species Programme (CTSP) funded by Germany.

Job Purpose

This role supports the CITES Secretariat in implementing the CITES Tree Species Project in Asia. The primary purpose is to ensure a smooth launch and effective implementation of shortlisted projects across target countries in the region. This involves mapping planned activities, facilitating project document finalization, and ensuring high-quality outputs. The role contributes to fostering sustainable development, strengthening forest governance, and maximizing CITES' contribution to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 15, by supporting sustainable, legal, and traceable trade in CITES-listed tree species.

Responsibilities

Establish and maintain close working relationships with CITES Management and Scientific Authorities, and forestry departments in target Asian countries. Support project teams in developing project documents, budgets, and safeguards until legal agreements are signed. Organize and participate in inception meetings and virtual stakeholder meetings to ensure smooth project implementation and milestone achievement. Develop regional project needs assessments and adhere to the project roadmap. Submit a comprehensive work program within the first month of the contract. Monitor project progress, budgets, and outputs in collaboration with implementing agencies. Liaise with other Regional Coordinators and the Secretariat, providing content for the CITES Tree Species Programme website. Report on project implementation status and provide technical assistance as needed, ensuring no duplication of effort.

Work Experience

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

Skills

Professionalism, technical capabilities relevant to CITES procedures, discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy, tact, good judgment, coordination, autonomy, initiative, resourcefulness, ability to work independently, information management, client orientation, teamwork, interpersonal skills, partnership building, cross-cultural communication, planning, organization, problem-solving, ability to work under pressure, communication (spoken and written), reporting, presentation skills, ability to empathize with diverse staff, capacity to transfer knowledge.

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