Junior Programme Officer (Invasive Species)
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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.
One of the major developments in addressing biological invasions, and helping to achieve Aichi Target 9, is the European Union Regulation on Invasive Species (1143/2014), which entered into force on 1 January 2015 . This Regulation imposes restrictions on a list of species that are of ‘Union Concern’, whose potential adverse impacts across the European Union are such that concerted action across Europe is required. IUCN, through a contract with the European Commission (EC), are providing technical support to the EC on the implementation of the EU Invasive Species Regulation. The primary aim of this post is support the IUCN Invasive Species Programme Officer, in providing this technical support to the EC.
The salary for this position is £23,000 p.a. dependent on skills and experience
SPECIFIC DUTIES
European Regulation Technical Support under the guidance of the IUCN Invasive Species Programme Officer
• Coordination of data collation and analysis on invasive species as requested by the EC (this is likely to include cost-benefit analysis and likely impacts).
• Collating and managing relevant invasive species data, including those submitted by EC Member States as part of the invasive species Regulation.
• Supporting the coordination of the production of guidance documents, as requested by the EC in relation to the implementation of the EU Invasive Species Regulation.
• Communication with external experts to undertake and peer review the analyses and guidance documents.
• 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 Species Regulation.
o Reporting to the EC
Other activities
Provide support to the Invasive Species Programme Officer on other invasive species activities undertaken by IUCN. This may 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
• Representing IUCN at meetings.
• Supporting the IUCN Species Survival Commission, and in particular the Invasive Species Specialist Group
• Engaging with the IUCN Regional Offices to identify, develop and implement invasive species projects
• Supporting the development 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
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• Applicants should have, as minimum: • A higher degree (MSc) in relevant field. • A proven understanding of issues related to invasive species. • High proficiency in the use of computer software, particularly databases such as MS Access, and Excel. • Strong data management and analysis skills • An understanding of European Union legislation. • Strong editing and writing skills in English, with published technical reports. • Excellent communication skills • Proven ability to multitask and work to strict deadlines. • In addition to the above requirements, the following skills and experience would be advantageous: • Knowledge of the EU Regulation on Invasive Species (1143/2014), and its implementation. • Demonstrated application of cost benefit analysis in relation to conservation, ideally to invasive species management. • Proven ability to co-ordinate the production of analysis or technical documents through collaboration with multiple people. • Knowledge of invasive species management within a European context, or within one or more of its Member States. • Database design and development. • Fluency in French and/or Spanish. • Peer reviewed publications. • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) proficiency. • Applicants must be eligible to work in the United Kingdom without the need for a work visa. |
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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