2025/31: Nomination of candidates for the COP-appointed councillor subject area of invasive species, disease, feral animals, insects, and marine pests and weeds
Through this Notification the Secretariat is seeking nominations for suitable candidates for the COP-appointed Councillor subject area of invasive species, disease, feral animals, insects, and marine pests and weeds.
The COP-appointed Councillor for this subject area, Dr. Ruth Cromie, has informed the Secretariat that she is not going to seek reappointment for the intersessional period between COP15 and COP16.
In the last two triennia, this position focused on Wildlife Health, with the COP-appointed Councillor chairing the Scientific Council Working Group on Wildlife Health and leading the work on Avian Influenza. As the focus on Wildlife Health is expected to continue after COP15, candidates should demonstrate expertise in this area.
Annexed to this Notification are generic terms of reference for COP-appointed Councillors. Parties are invited to submit nominations in writing to the Secretariat, [email protected], by 11 December 2025. Candidates do not have to be nationals of the Party submitting the nomination, or even 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 the COP-appointed Councillors 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 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]