Overview
The United Nations Environment Programme is seeking a Consultant - Edible Orchid Specialist to compile information for awareness-raising materials and develop identification materials for key edible tuberous orchid species used in international trade for chikanda production.
Key Responsibilities
- Produce information on tuberous orchids used for chikanda that are found in international trade, including images of orchid tubers in various traded forms.
- Prepare identification materials for key species in international trade within the genera Disa, Habenaria and Satyrium used for chikanda production, based on guidance in Resolution Conf. 19.4.
- Identify key species based on "A Review of the Edible Orchid Trade" report, CITES trade data analysis, expert knowledge, and consultation.
- Develop draft identification material for the identified key species.
Required Experience
- Five years of relevant experience in natural sciences (botany), natural resources management, environmental sciences, forestry, agroforestry or related fields is required.
- Demonstrated experience in botanical matters, including the research and identification of tuberous orchids is required.
- Demonstrated experience contributing to or supporting work related to tuberous orchids in Southern Africa is required.
Qualifications
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in natural sciences (botany), natural resources management, environmental sciences, forestry, agroforestry or related fields is required. A first-level university degree, combined with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
