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Associate Programme Officer – P2

Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity
United Nations Environment Programme
413 Saint-Jacques Street, Suite 800, Montreal, QC, H2Y 1N9, Canada

Associate Programme Officer – P2
Type of Contract: Fixed Term
Post Level: P-2
Duty Station: Montreal
Duration: 1 year (renewable based on performance)
Application Deadline: 22 February, 2011

Background
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is one of the key agreements adopted at the 1992
Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, where world leaders agreed on a comprehensive strategy for
sustainable development – meeting our needs while ensuring that we leave a healthy and viable
world for future generations. The Convention has 193 Parties and three main goals: the
conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and
equitable sharing of the benefits from the use of genetic resources.

The Secretariat of the Convention, administered by the United Nations Environment Programme
(UNEP), is located in Montreal, Canada. It is a small but dynamic and multicultural office
consisting of approximately 100 staff. Its main tasks are to arrange for and service meetings of
the Conference of the Parties, including the preparation of pertinent documentation, the operation
of the international node of the clearing house mechanism, and the liaising and coordination with
other international bodies and processes for the effective implementation of the Convention.

Terms of Reference
Under the guidance and supervision of the Executive Secretary – OES, and in close cooperation
with the Heads of Units of the SCBD, the incumbent of the post will have the following duties:
· Liaise with Japan authorities and in particular the staff of the Ministries of Environment
of Japan for the follow up of the decisions adopted at COP10 and MOP5;
· Liaise with various sectors in Japan, including relevant government agencies, local
governments, NGOs and private sector, in order to facilitate the implementation of
COP10 and COP –MOP 5 decisions
· Support the celebration of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity in Japan;
· Undertaking research and contributing, as requested, to the work to be carried out on
United Nations Decade;
· Support the celebration in Japan of the International Day on Biodiversity;
· Representing the Secretariat and making presentations at meetings of other organizations
related to the COP 10 and COP – MOP 5 outcomes;
· Contribute to the dissemination of information on the CBD and COP 10 related issues to
the relevant organizations in Japan in order to raise the awareness of biodiversity and
CBD in Japan as COP10 President
· Support the implementation of the International initiative on Satoyama adopted by cop10
· Undertaking other related activities as may be requested by the Executive Secretary.
Competencies
Professionalism: Ability to understand complex issues pertaining to biodiversity and ecosystem
management, analyze them and develop solutions; ability to work under pressure and to use
limited time and resources effectively; flexibility to adapt rapidly to changing situations; ability
to ensure that the highest possible quality outputs are produced.
Communication: Ability to speak in Japanese and write clearly and effectively; ability to
communicate effectively with audiences of various levels of seniority and technical knowledge,
tailoring language, tone, style and format appropriately; sound working knowledge of media
networks; ability to communicate with various stakeholders in politically sensitive situations with
diplomacy and tact.
Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills, ability to work collaboratively with professional and
technical staff at senior and junior level from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Advanced university degree in environmental science or related area. A first level university
degree in environmental science or environmental management, or related fields in combination
with qualifying experience.
Work Experience:
At least two years of professional and progressively responsible experience, including experience
at the international level in the field of sustainable development or environment related
programmes, public administration and environmental conventions. Experience in organization of
large intergovernmental meetings a requirement. Work experience with the CBD Secretariat or
UNEP an advantage. Knowledge of UNEP and CBD policies, activities and programmes as well
as sound knowledge of UN Rules and Regulations desirable. Previous experience working with
MEAs a significant advantage.. Experience from advisory functions to senior management an
advantage.

Languages:
Ability to speak Japanese an asset. English and French are the working languages of the United
Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of other United Nations languages an asset.
Other Skills:
Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office, email, and internet) are required.
Please send all applications to: secretariat@cbd.int