The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), as the leading global environmental authority within the United Nations system, promotes the environmental dimension of sustainable development and serves as the authoritative advocate for the global environment

Vacancy Announcement

Executive Secretary of the Secretariat for the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD)

UNEP administers the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD), in line with its relevant articles, Decisions of its Conference of the Parties as well as Decisions of the Governing Council of UNEP.

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, including by appropriate access to genetic resources and by appropriate transfer of relevant technologies, taking into account all rights over those resources and to technologies, and by appropriate funding. There are three Protocols under the Convention: (a) The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, (b) The Nagoya – Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol on Liability and Redress to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and (c) The Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization.

UNEP is seeking candidates for the position of Executive Secretary of the Secretariat for the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) at the level of Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations. This position is based in Montreal (Canada).
The Executive Secretary has dual reporting lines, and is accountable to the Conference of the Parties through its Bureau for programme delivery and policy related issues and to the Executive Director of UNEP for administrative and financial issues.

Following the 10th meeting of the Conference of the Parties in Nagoya, the Executive Secretary is expected to fully implement the Convention’s programme of work, its newly approved plans and strategies, with a specific focus on the implementation of the newly adopted protocols, as listed above.

The Executive Secretary must have extensive experience and knowledge of the environmental and sustainable development agenda. She/he must be a strong leader and manager with highly developed diplomatic and public policy skills, including experience at the international level. Candidates must demonstrate a strong track record in organizational strategy and development, including results-based management.

Closing date for applications is 20 November 2011
Applications for this position should be sent by e-mail to: executiveoffice@unep.org or by post to:
The Executive Office, United Nations Environment Programme
P.O. Box 30552-00100, Nairobi, Kenya


UNEP is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from female candidates.
To view the full vacancy announcement visit: www.unep.org/vacancies