INTRODUCTION

Invasive alien species are the second biggest driver of biodiversity loss worldwide with severe consequences for both nature and people. In 2010 the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) adopted Aichi Target 9 which states:

By 2020, invasive alien species and pathways are identified and prioritized, priority species are controlled or eradicated, and measures are in place to manage pathways to prevent their introduction and establishment.

IUCN was instrumental in providing advice on the wording of this target which requires Parties to:

• Identify invasive alien species and prioritize for management action;
• Identify key pathways of introduction and prioritize for management action including preventative measures

IUCN can offer more than any other global organisation in terms of support for achievement of this target. We have been a recognized leader in this field and built up a reputation of excellence and experience at recognizing, preventing and managing biological invasions. IUCN’s work covers the generation of knowledge, policy work, as well as action on the ground.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES

The primary aim of this position is to support the Programme Officer in providing technical and scientific support to the EC on the EU Invasive Alien Species Regulation. This includes supporting the co-ordination and production of analyses and guidance documents, as requested by the EC. The position will also have responsibility for other invasive alien species activities as they arise.


SPECIFIC DUTIES

Provide support to all aspects of the Global Species & Key Biodiversity Areas Programme’s work on invasive species, in particular:

European Union Regulation on Invasive Alien Species Service Contract
Under the guidance of the Programme Officer, provide technical and scientific support, including:
• Supporting the coordination, and production of, guidance documents and analyses, as requested by the EC in relation to the implementation of the EU Invasive Species Regulation.
• Communicating with external experts to undertake, and peer review, the analyses and guidance documents.
• Collating and managing relevant invasive species data, including those submitted by EC Member States as part of the invasive species Regulation.
• Assist, as required, with the additional technical and administrative support work undertaken by IUCN, including:
o Review of templates used by Member States to submit applications and notifications under the Invasive Species Regulation
o The production of technical notes for the EC on the applications and notifications submitted by Member States under the EU Invasive
o Reporting to the EC and attending project meetings with the EC

Other activities
Provide technical support to the Programme Officer on other invasive species activities undertaken by IUCN. This will include:
• Providing input to funding proposals, potentially including Global Environment Facility, and Cambridge Conservation Initiative Collaborative Fund for Conservation.
• Supporting policy work, such as on the Convention on Biological Diversity & the UN 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development
• Supporting the development and dissemination of technical reports and publications (e.g. biocontrol)
• Representing IUCN at meetings.
• Supporting activities of the IUCN Species Survival Commission, and in particular the Invasive Species Specialist Group
• Supporting engagement with the IUCN Regional Offices to identify, develop and implement invasive species projects
• Supporting the development and implementation of an IUCN method to rank invasive species based on their environmental impact (Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa - EICAT).
• Providing technical and administrative support to the Programme Officer in the implementation of other IUCN projects, such as the Inva’Ziles project.
• Drafting datasheets for the IUCN Global Invasive Species Database