| Vacancy #: | 312 |
| Unit: | Freshwater Biodiversity Unit |
| Location: | Species Programme Office, Cambridge, United Kingdom |
| Reporting to: | Manager Freshwater Biodiversity Unit / Deputy Office Manager |
| Work percentage: | 100% |
| Function group: | P1 |
| Expected start date: | 01 February 2012 |
| Type of contract: | Fixed-term (until 31 January 2013) |
| Closing date: | 09 January 2012 |
BACKGROUND
IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, is looking to recruit a full-time Programme Officer to join the existing staff of the IUCN Species Programme. The position will be based in the Freshwater Biodiversity Unit (FBU) of the IUCN Global Species Programme, in Cambridge, UK. The remit of the FBU is to comprehensively assess the status of the world’s freshwater biodiversity in order to rapidly expand the taxonomic and geographic coverage of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (www.iucnredlist.org) in order to inform conservation strategies and management decisions. The assessment is being conducted in partnership with organizations with demonstrated experience and expertise in biodiversity assessment, in particular – the IUCN Species Survival Commission, Conservation International, Birdlife International, NatureServe… The priority taxa being assessed are freshwater fishes, molluscs, dragonflies and damselflies, shrimps, and selected aquatic plants worldwide, adding these to existing assessments of freshwater mammals, birds, crocodiles, freshwater crabs and crayfish, turtles and amphibians to provide a relatively comprehensive picture of the state of life in the planet’s freshwaters. The global assessment is being completed through a combination of regional assessments with a current major focus on Asia, Europe and South America.
The main tool employed in species assessments is the IUCN Red List. Since its conception by Sir Peter Scott in 1963, the Red List has become the most authoritative source of assessments on the conservation status of species in the world; it is now widely used to underpin decision-making and conservation action around the world. The Red List is the result of a massive data gathering and data management exercise produced by a vast partnership. The work is carried out by members of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC), by IUCN members and partners, with support from and in close association with the IUCN Global Species Programme.
In addition to the core work of the species assessments the FBU is implementing a number of other projects including studies on: the importance of freshwater species to people’s livelihoods; ecosystem services provided by freshwater species; climate change impacts on freshwater species; and important sites of freshwater biodiversity (Key Biodiversity Areas). The Programme Officer will be expected to input to aspects of all these projects.
The gross annual salary available for this position in Cambridge, UK is GBP 30,012.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Programme Officer will be responsible for input to data analyses and reporting on results of the FBU's portfolio of ongoing and future projects. The Officer will also have responsibility for other activities of the FBU as they arise. He/she will also be required, on occasion, to help in the facilitation of biodiversity training and review workshops overseas
1. As a contribution to the regular project work of the FBU:
• Take a lead in work relating to the identification and analyses of Freshwater Key Biodiversity Areas at the European and Global scales.
• Input to data collation, statistical and spatial analyses, and reporting on the global status of freshwater biodiversity.
• Maintain regular communications with project partners, especially those involved in species distribution modeling.
• Take the lead, or provide close technical and scientific input to the lead author, on scientific publications.
2. As a contribution to the other work of the FBU:
• Assist in the ongoing species Red List assessment work as required.
• Facilitate at regional species assessment and review workshops as required.
• Provide assistance with spatial (GIS) and statistical analyses.
• Provide input to the ongoing broader consultation on the methodology for identification and designation of Key Biodiversity Areas. Assist other members of the FBU and partner organizations in applying these techniques and take part in relevant workshops.
3. As a contribution to the general operations of the FBU:
• Provide general assistance with the everyday running of the Unit.
• Help to develop new project funding proposals.
• Take a key role in the implementation of any new projects.
In addition to duties specific to the Cambridge Office, the Programme Officer may also collaborate with Global Species Programme staff in Gland, Switzerland and Washington, USA and members of the Species Survival Commission.
REQUIREMENTS
• Applicants should have, as minimum:
• A higher degree (MSc or PhD) in Conservation Biology or related field.
• A solid knowledge and understanding of freshwater ecology and species conservation.
• High proficiency in the use of computer software, particularly databases such as MS Access.
• Demonstrated proficiency in statistical analyses and programming languages such as “R”.
• Proven skills using GIS.
• Excellent editing and writing skills in English.
• Peer reviewed publications (of which you can provide examples).
• Project management experience.
• Good communication skills, experience of presenting scientific information to different audiences.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
In addition to the above requirements, the following skills and attributes would be advantageous:
• An understanding of approaches in Systematic Conservation Planning.
• Oversees work/travel experience.
• Prior knowledge of the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.
• Skills in web design, use of HTML, etc.
• Fluency in French and/or Spanish.
Applicants must be eligible to work in the United Kingdom.
APPLICATIONS
Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button.
Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST).
Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: http://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/
IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, was founded in 1948 and brings together over 1,100 members (States, government agencies, NGOs and affiliates) and some 11,000 scientists and experts from 181 countries in a unique worldwide partnership. Its mission is to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable. Within the framework of global conventions IUCN has helped over 75 countries to prepare and implement national conservation and biodiversity strategies. IUCN has approximately 1,100 staff, most of whom are located in its regional and country offices while some 150 work at its Headquarters in Gland, Switzerland. IUCN is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from qualified women and men.
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