Regional Coordinator - CITES Tree Species Project (Central and South America, and the Caribbean)

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) hosts the CITES Secretariat, which administers an international agreement to ensure 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 serves to coordinate the implementation of the CITES Tree Species Project in Central and South America, and the Caribbean (CSAC) region. The purpose is to ensure a smooth launch of shortlisted projects, support activity mapping, and facilitate the delivery of high-quality outputs across target countries. The role contributes to fostering sustainable development, improving forest governance, and maximizing CITES' contribution to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 15 on Life on Land, 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 CSAC target countries. Support project teams in developing project documents, budgets, and integrating safeguards. Organize and participate in inception meetings and virtual stakeholder meetings to ensure smooth project progress and milestone achievement. Develop regional project needs assessments and adhere to the project roadmap. Submit a comprehensive work program and monitor project implementation, including budgets and activities. Liaise with other Regional Coordinators and the Secretariat, providing information for the CITES Tree Species Programme website. Report on project implementation and provide technical assistance as needed, ensuring no duplication of effort.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7 years of work experience in international timber trade, forestry management, forest protection, or related biological fields is required. Experience with CITES or similar conventions, rules for trade in CITES-listed tree species, and producing technical reports is necessary. Experience with the UN system or international organizations is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, technical capabilities relevant to CITES, discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy, tact, good judgment, liaison and coordination, autonomy, initiative, resourcefulness, ability to work independently, information management, responsiveness, client-orientation, teamwork, interpersonal skills, partnership building, cross-cultural communication, adaptability, gender equality commitment, planning and organizing, problem-solving, time management, ability to work under pressure, communication (spoken and written), presentation skills, ability to make and defend recommendations, empathy, capacity to transfer knowledge.

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