Edible Orchid Specialist
Category | Grade:Professional | CONDeadline:4 Aug 2026Job ID:281585Posted on:22 Jul 2026
Overview
Develops scientific identification and awareness materials for edible tuberous orchids traded for chikanda production, analysing trade data, selecting priority species and documenting diagnostic features to help CITES Parties distinguish specimens and enforce Appendix II controls.
Department: CITES Secretariat, Science Unit
Languages
Required: English
Desired: Spanish or French
Job Areas
- Research, Science & Academia
- Climate, Environment & Sustainability
Minimum Experience
5 years
Estimated Salary
Not available
Responsibilities
- Compile information and images on tuberous orchids traded for chikanda production
- Analyse CITES trade data and specialist evidence to prioritise edible orchid species
- Consult CITES experts and Plants Committee members on species selection
- Prepare identification sheets for at least fifteen Disa, Habenaria and Satyrium species
- Develop awareness material that distinguishes orchid tubers from other traded commodities
- Align identification materials with CITES specimen-identification guidance
Requirements
- Advanced university degree in botany, natural-resource management, environmental science, forestry, agroforestry or a related field, or a first degree with two additional years of qualifying experience
- At least five years of relevant professional experience
- Demonstrated experience researching and identifying tuberous orchids
- Experience supporting work on tuberous orchids in Southern Africa
- Fluency in English
Skills
Botanical researchOrchid identificationCITES trade analysisPlant taxonomyScientific illustration coordinationSpecies identification materialsEnvironmental treaty implementation
Additional info
- Home-based consultancy supporting implementation of CITES Decision 20.237