|
 |
|
|
| Consultant on fashion and biodiversity – BioTrade Initiative |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
The BioTrade Initiative of UNCTAD aims to promote trade and investment in biological resources to further sustainable development in line with the three objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Under the general supervision of the Head of the Trade, Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development Branch, and the direct supervision of the Economic Affairs Officer, Biodiversity and Climate Change Section, the consultant is expected to prepare specific inputs to an analytical paper on the linkages between the fashion industry and biodiversity as it relates to three materials: 1) exotic skins from crocodilians, 2) Natural fibres from vicuna, and 3) leather from cattle. The aim of the paper will be to provide recommendations to the COP10 of the CBD on how to advance towards a more effective involvement of business and collaboration between governments and private sector on biodiversity issues.
The consultant will be directly responsible for preparing the input of the following sections of the paper:
1. Facts and Trends
Analysis of the high-end fashion industry’s value chains for crocodilian skins, vicuna fibres and cattle leather and how these materials are collected, transformed and commercialized along the value chain.
Analysis of consumer and company trends regarding biodiversity.
2. Policy and legal frameworks
Analysis best-practice examples of collaborative arrangements involving governments / universities / local communities / private sector regarding policy formulation and awareness building on issues such as:
- access and benefit sharing
- scientific and economic information sharing
- economic incentive measures
- promotion of sustainable use initiatives
- common understanding and recognition of economic benefits
4. Access and benefit sharing
Analysis of best-practices of benefit sharing through a value chain approach related to biological resources including the following elements:
- types of benefits to be agreed among partners
- valuation and traceability of traditional knowledge
- establishment of value as main element of ABS
- period of time for the sharing of benefits
- transparency and disclosure
- measurement of impacts of benefit sharing
- definition of stakeholders and the owners of traditional knowledge
5. Sustainable use practices
Mapping of standards/certification schemes and analysing opportunities for simplification and convergence
Analysis of best-practices on the use and sharing of tools to measure biodiversity including impact and dependency, indirect loss and opportunity cost for the industry
Analysis of best-practices in the incorporation of risks and process management strategies as key factors in sustainable value chain analysis
The main target audience of this paper is the national governmental focal points to the CBD, including member of the national delegation to COP10 of the CBD. The paper should also provide valuable information to individuals working on issues like the development of tools and methodologies for the measurement and valuation of biodiversity. This includes economists, professionals from other industries, representatives from civil society and international organisations.
From the foregoing, the following approach is expected to be integral to the final product:
‐ The BioTrade mandate and agenda, in particular the programme’s aligning with the three objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
‐ Emphasis on the relevance of economics of ecosystems and biodiversity (TEEB), including the valuation of biodiversity goods aimed at the creation of markets and hence incentives for sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity.
4 months – part time (approximately 30%). The consultant will work from home. |
|
  |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Masters degree (Corporate Sustainability, Environmental Sciences, Business Administration, Development Economics or related)
|
|
7 years + |
|
|
|
French : Speak Fluently
English : Speak / Write Fluently
Spanish : Speak Fluently
|
|
|
|
consultant |
|
|
|
unspecified |
|
|
|
unspecified |
|
|
|
Geneva |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
Competencies: In-depth knowledge of the fashion industry; sound knowledge of environmental and biodiversity sustainability issues including the work and scope of multilateral environmental agreements such as the CBD and CITES; analytical problem solving skills; sound judgment and the ability to work independently.
Education: Advanced University Degree in Corporate Sustainability, Environmental Sciences, Business Administration, Development Economics or related field. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
Work Experience: At least five years of relevant working experience related to sustainability and environmental issues in the fashion industry, economic policy formulation, and application of economic and business principles in sustainable development programmes.
Languages: Fluency in English. Working knowledge Spanish and French is desirable. Knowledge of another official UN language would be considered as an advantage. |
|
|
|
UNCTAD promotes the development-friendly integration of developing countries into the world economy. |
|
 |
|
|
UNCTAD
|
|
|
|
|
