The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 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. A key agreement opened for signature at Rio was the Convention on Biological Diversity. The Convention has three objectives: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) is located in Montreal, Canada and is administered by UNEP. This post is located in the Secretariat of the CBD, within the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES). Under the supervision of the Executive Secretary, the incumbent will carry out the following functions:

A. Deputizes for the Executive Secretary, coordinates the day-to-day operations of the Secretariat and its strategic and planning activities and leads the monitoring of the delivery of the responsibilities of the Secretariat and of work requested by Parties. B. Coordinates intergovernmental processes and activities under the Convention and its Protocols by acting as the Secretary of the Conference of the Parties and its Bureau; supervising the preparation of and logistical arrangements; advising the chairs of the meetings and the Executive Secretary on agendas, conduct of meetings, procedures, strategies and substantive aspects of the meetings and the drafting of decisions, recommendations and other outcomes of meetings; and liaising with and advising delegations and officers of intergovernmental organizations. C. Provides policy advice to the Executive Secretary on the implementation of the Convention and its Protocols and supports the Executive Secretary to lead the development and implementation of periodic strategic plans and to design approaches to address emerging issues. D. Assists in high-level advocacy, represents and speaks on behalf of the Executive Secretary at meetings, workshops and conferences. E. Supports the Executive Secretary in overseeing the monitoring, review and reporting activities of the Convention and its Protocols, the development and implementation of agreements with host countries and liaison with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Offices at Nairobi (UNON) and other relevant UN agencies. F. Lead team members efforts to collect and analyze data and provides insight to identify trends or patterns for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Ensures that everyone can discover, access, integrate and share the data they need G. Performs other related duties as required.