Ministry of Environment seeks consultant for genomic technologies role

Uruguay's Ministry of Environment is seeking a consultant to work with new genomic technologies for the National Directorate of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (Dinabise) in Montevideo. The position, offered under a contract for services, will last up to three months and offers a total remuneration of $430,000 plus VAT.

The selected consultant will report directly to the Protection and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity Area and the Planning Division. The role's primary objective is to assist authorities in a comprehensive institutional review. This review aims to systematize the current regulatory framework and identify gaps concerning the Cartagena Protocol commitments, according to the tender's terms.

Key responsibilities include technically and legally gathering information on biosafety parameters applied nationally. The consultant must systematize the national regulatory framework for biosafety in line with international treaty obligations. They will also survey regulations on "New Genomic Technologies," including gene editing, cisgenesis, intragenesis, and synthetic biology. Comparisons with reference regulatory frameworks in the Mercosur region, the European Union, the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are also required.

Additionally, the role involves organizing information on the use of genetically modified organisms in Uruguay, including plants, insects, vaccines, and biological products. The consultant will also design, coordinate, and execute a participatory technical workshop with authorities from the National Biosafety System to validate findings. Applicants must hold a university degree in environmental law, public policy evaluation, or a related field, with proven experience in regulatory analysis, international environmental law, or institutional diagnostic consultancies in the public sector. Specific knowledge of modern biotechnology and biosafety, as well as experience in facilitating workshops, are considered non-exclusive requirements. Applications are due by July 22, 2026.