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Programme Officer, Science & Knowledge

Vacancy #:	1270
Unit:	Science and Knowledge Unit
Organisation:	International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Location:	North America Regional Office, Washington D.C., United States of America
Reporting to:	Chief Scientist
Work percentage:	100%
Grade:	P1
Expected start date:	25 April 2016
Type of contract:	Fixed-term (68 months)
Closing date:	25 March 2016

BACKGROUND

IUCN’s Science & Knowledge Unit supports the Union in maintaining: a) data and knowledge products mobilized against IUCN standards; b) relationships with peer conservation science-related networks; and c) a culture of science and knowledge. In March 2016, the unit was awarded a project entitled “The Global Environmental Commons – Solutions for a Crowded Planet” by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The project will focus attention towards consolidation of solutions to environmental challenges by: a) contracting two white papers to review responses to the indirect and direct drivers that jeopardise the global environmental commons; b) organizing a science-policy dialogue (Oct 2016) and a high-level conference (early 2017); c) targeting communications on the results; and d) ensuring appropriate follow up.

JOB DESCRIPTION

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY

The Project Officer will lead the implementation of projects for the IUCN Science & Knowledge Unit. This will include: a) supporting contractors in developing two white papers; b) leading the technical and scientific development of the science-policy dialogue and high-level conference; c) liaising with the IUCN and GEF Communications teams to ensure accuracy of the associated communications effort; d) technical and scientific project reporting; and e) other projects as required.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Support two teams of contractors in developing two white papers on the global environmental commons, one on responses to indirect drivers, the other on responses to direct drivers. This will involve commenting on drafts, ensuring consistency between the papers, and facilitating timely delivery of final manuscripts to IUCN and for publication. Anticipated time: 20%.

• Lead the technical and scientific development of the agendas and participants lists for two major meetings – a science-policy dialogue (planned for October 2016) and a high-level conference (planned for early 2017) – in close consultation with senior IUCN and GEF staff. Anticipated time: 35%.

• Liaise with IUCN and GEF Communications staff to ensure scientific and technical accuracy of communications materials resulting from the white papers, science-policy dialogue, and high-level conference. Anticipated time: 10%.

• Lead technical and scientific reporting on the GEF Global Environmental Commons project, in consultation with senior IUCN and GEF staff. Anticipated time: 10%.

• Other projects as required to support the IUCN Science & Knowledge Unit, emerging from discussion with the Head, Science & Knowledge. Anticipated time: 25%.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE
- Gross salary between USD 60'000-70'000 per year
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life and long term disability insurance plan
- Retirement benefit of 5% of gross salary from the 4th month of employment
- 7.65% of gross salary FICA contribution (this benefit only applies to US nationals and green card holders)

REQUIREMENTS

• Masters degree in conservation-related scientific field required

• Five years of experience in conservation-related activities required

• Excellent knowledge of the conservation-related scientific literature required

• Experience writing scientific publications very useful

• Experience in convening scientific and technical workshops, meetings, or conferences very useful

• Experience of field conservation in developing countries useful

• Analytical skills including database development, GIS, programming useful

• Fluency in English required; French, Spanish or other languages also useful

• Willingness to undertake some travel associated with the position is required

• Passion for conservation essential

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). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.

Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: https://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/

About IUCN

IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together.

Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and around 16,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards.

IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples organisations and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.

Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve people’s well-being.

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