2025/034: Call for Candidates for the COP-Appointed Councillor Subject Area of Terrestrial Mammals

The subject area of Terrestrial Mammals has been handled by a single COP-appointed Councillor between COP14 and COP15, following the resignation of the expert who previously shared this position. Given the high volume of work related to terrestrial mammals, the 8^th meeting of the Sessional Committee of the Scientific Council ScC-SC8 recommended that the position of the COP-appointed Councillor for Terrestrial Mammals should be shared by two councillors in the intersessional period between COP15 and COP16, following the practice before COP14, with the understanding that this would count as a single position. Pending the Decision of COP15 on this matter, and to facilitate consideration of this matter at COP15, the Secretariat is seeking, through this Notification, suitable candidates for the shared position of the COP-appointed Councillor for Terrestrial Mammals.

Annexed to this Notification are generic terms of reference for COP-appointed Councillors. Potential candidates should be proposed in writing to the Secretariat, [email protected], by 19 January 2026. Candidates do not have to be nationals of a CMS Party. Candidates should be internationally recognized experts in the field which they are proposed to cover as a COP-appointed Councillor. Nominations should include a statement justifying the candidature, a candidate profile (see the format in Annex 2 to this Notification), as well as a declaration by the candidate expressing their readiness to accept the appointment if selected. Appointments will be for the intersessional period between COP15 (March 2025) and COP16. Appointments are normally renewed by each subsequent meeting of the COP for the following intersessional period, subject to the confirmation of the corresponding subject area among those to be covered by COP-appointed Councillors. 

Considering that COP-appointed Councillors are usually called to coordinate and/or chair working groups at CMS Scientific Council meetings, normally operating in English without simultaneous interpretation, a good command of English is considered necessary to efficiently undertake the task. Knowledge of the other working languages of the Scientific Council (French, Spanish) would be an asset.

The position of COP-appointed Councillor is not remunerated. Based on currently applicable rules and policies, and subject to availability of resources, the Secretariat will cover the travel and subsistence allowance related to the participation of one of the two COP-appointed Councillors sharing this position to meetings of the Sessional Committee of the Scientific Council (normally two in the intersessional period between COPs) and of the COP (normally one meeting in a triennium).

The Secretariat will compile all nominations received and will make them available to COP15 for consideration. Prior to COP15, the Sessional Committee will consult on the nominations received by an email exchange, with a view to formulating its recommendations on the selection of candidates to the COP. 

For further information or clarification on the COP-Appointed Councillor subject areas and the nomination process, please contact the CMS Secretariat, [email protected]