Posting Title: Individual contractor to support horizon scanning for synthetic biology
Department/Office: United Nations Environment Programme
Duty Station: MONTREAL
Posting Period: 28 April 2023 – 11 May 2023
Job Opening Number: 23-United Nations Environment Programme-207523-Consultant
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Result of ServiceThe programme broad and regular horizon scanning, monitoring and assessment of the most recent technological developments in synthetic biology is supported.
Work LocationMontreal (hybrid) (home-based, with occasional office presence, when required)
Expected durationSix months
Duties andResponsibilities
Organizational setting The United Nations Environment Programme is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. At the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, world leaders agreed on a comprehensive strategy for ‘sustainable development’. The Convention on Biological Diversity was opened for signature in Rio in 1992. The Convention has three main objectives: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) is located in Montreal and administered by United Nations Environment Programme. Its main tasks are to arrange for and service meetings of the Conference of the Parties, including preparation of pertinent documentation, operation of the central node of the clearing-house mechanism, liaison and coordination with other international bodies and processes and, in close collaboration with these partners, the provision of technical support for the effective implementation of the Convention. Following the fifteenth Conference of Parties, decided on a process for broad and regular horizon scanning, monitoring and assessment of the most recent technological developments in synthetic biology. In this decision, the Secretariat will be responsible for the information gathering, as well as the compilation, organization and synthesis of this information. The individual contractor will report directly to the Environmental Affairs Officer, and the Associate Programme Management Officer, under the supervision of the Head of Unit. Duties and responsibilities The incumbent would be responsible for the following tasks: – Assist in the researching and gathering information related to new developments in synthetic biology; – Monitor publications in scientific journals; – Assist with identifying actors within the field of synthetic biology; – Support outreach to research institutions and stakeholder groups, as needed; – Curate and compile lists of scientific publications; – Support the preparation of documents for meetings; – Provide support for organizing virtual and physical meetings, as necessary; – Provide support to the development of documents and synthesis of information; – Create a data base for horizon scanning.
Qualifications/special skillsHigh school diploma or equivalent required. Academic degree in molecular biology, biotechnology, genetics, microbiology, biological sciences or related field would be desirable. A minimum of one year of relevant work experience is required. Familiarity with life sciences, biotechnology, molecular biology, synthetic biology, genetic engineering or related fields would be desirable. Experience in conducting research and finding information from peer-reviewed publications, including searching databases would be required. Understanding of life sciences would be required. Familiarity with the work of the Convention on Biological Diversity would be desirable. Ability to work quickly, accurately, and independently in a fast-paced environment with a team of colleagues from different backgrounds would be desirable. Experience preparing documentation would be desirable.
LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of other United Nations languages is desirable.
Additional InformationSPECIAL CONDITIONS Local recruitment. Applicants must be Canadian residents or citizens or have permission to work in Canada. TRAVEL Travel as it may be required.