About UNEP and CMS
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global authority on environmental issues, coordinating international efforts to protect the environment and promote sustainable development.
This consultancy is hosted by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) Secretariat in Bonn, Germany. CMS is an international treaty dedicated to conserving migratory species and their habitats through cooperation among governments, conservation organizations, and stakeholders worldwide.
The consultancy supports the implementation of major conservation initiatives across the East Asian–Australasian Flyway and the Pacific region, focusing on migratory birds, marine turtles, whales, and dolphins.
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Role Overview
UNEP is seeking a Flyways and Action Plan Consultant to support the implementation of CMS conservation priorities over a 24-month part-time consultancy.
Job Title: Flyways and Action Plan Consultant – CMS Avian and Aquatic Teams
Organization: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)
Job Location: Home-based or Bonn, Germany
Job Type: Consultancy (Part-Time)
Contract Duration: 24 Months
Application Deadline: 14 July 2026
The successful consultant will coordinate the implementation of international species action plans, support the CMS Flyways Working Group, engage with governments and conservation partners, and develop monitoring, reporting, and decision-support tools that strengthen global biodiversity conservation.
This consultancy may be carried out remotely or from the CMS Secretariat in Bonn, Germany.
Key Responsibilities
Flyways Programme Support
- Support the implementation of CMS Resolution 12.11 (Rev. COP15) on Flyways.
- Coordinate activities of the CMS Flyways Working Group.
- Prepare meeting agendas, background papers, recommendations, and minutes.
- Maintain implementation action trackers.
- Produce briefing notes and decision-support materials for CMS governing bodies.
Species Action Plan Implementation
Support implementation of the following international conservation action plans:
- Christmas Island Frigatebird
- Far Eastern Curlew
- Loggerhead Turtle (South Pacific)
- Pacific Whale and Dolphin Action Plan
Responsibilities include:
- Developing implementation roadmaps.
- Coordinating stakeholders and Range States.
- Monitoring implementation progress.
- Identifying conservation priorities and implementation gaps.
- Producing factsheets, progress reports, and technical documentation.
Monitoring and Reporting
- Develop integrated monitoring frameworks.
- Maintain evidence repositories and implementation trackers.
- Produce quarterly progress updates.
- Prepare mid-term and final consolidated reports.
- Develop PowerPoint presentations and communication materials.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Collaborate with governments, NGOs, international organizations, and conservation partners.
- Facilitate multi-stakeholder coordination.
- Support implementation workshops and meetings.
- Strengthen cooperation across regional conservation initiatives.
Expected Deliverables
The consultant will produce:
- Inception Report.
- Integrated Implementation Roadmap.
- Flyways Working Group Support Packages.
- Four Species Action Plan Implementation Packages.
- Mid-term Consolidated Progress Report.
- Final Consolidated Progress Report.
- PowerPoint presentations.
- Editable source files and implementation tracking tools.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants should possess:
- Master’s degree in Conservation Biology, Ecology, Marine Biology, Environmental Policy, International Environmental Law, Environmental Governance, Ornithology, or a related discipline.
A first-level university degree with additional relevant experience may be accepted.
Required Experience
Candidates should demonstrate:
- At least 2 years of professional experience in:
- Migratory species conservation.
- Biodiversity policy.
- Multilateral environmental agreements.
- International environmental governance.
- Experience supporting multi-stakeholder working groups.
- Experience preparing technical reports, agendas, minutes, and implementation trackers.
- Ability to translate technical action plans into practical implementation workplans.
- Strong project coordination and reporting skills.
Required Skills
Successful candidates should have:
- Excellent planning and organizational abilities.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent report writing and editing skills.
- Ability to work independently in a remote environment.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Desirable Skills
The following will be considered an advantage:
- Experience with Flyways conservation programmes.
- Experience implementing species action plans.
- Knowledge of GIS and spatial data analysis.
- Data interpretation and environmental analysis experience.
Language Requirements
- Fluency in written and spoken English is essential.
- Knowledge of Spanish, Chinese, or Russian is desirable.
Reporting Line
The consultant will report directly to the heads of the CMS:
- Avian Species Team
- Aquatic Species Team
Travel may be required during the consultancy.
Why Join UNEP?
This consultancy offers an opportunity to contribute directly to international biodiversity conservation while working alongside governments, scientists, and conservation organizations across the globe.
Benefits include:
- Flexible home-based or Bonn-based working arrangement.
- Two-year international consultancy.
- Opportunity to influence global conservation policy.
- Collaboration with leading experts in migratory species conservation.
- Meaningful work supporting biodiversity and ecosystem protection.
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How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application through the official United Nations careers portal before the closing date.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further stages of the recruitment process.
Important Notice
UNEP and the United Nations do not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including applications, interviews, processing, or training.
Application Deadline
Closing Date: 14 July 2026
