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Biodiversity Conservation Assistant

Vacancy #:   5431
Unit:   Global Species & Key Biodiversity Areas Programme
Organisation:   International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Location:   European Regional Office Belgium, Brussels, Belgium
Reporting to:   European Biodiversity Conservation Coordinator
Work percentage:   100%
Grade:   A3
Expected start date:   01 October 2020
Type of contract:   Fixed-term (13 months)
Closing date:   17 September 2020
BACKGROUND
IUCN is the world’s oldest and largest global environmental network - a democratic membership union with more than 1,000 government and NGO member organizations, and almost 11,000 volunteer scientists in more than 160 countries. IUCN’s work is supported by more than 1,000 professional staff in 45 offices and hundreds of partners in public, NGO and private sectors around the world. Its headquarters are based in Gland, Switzerland.

IUCN’s work focuses on valuing and conserving nature, ensuring effective and equitable governance of its use, and deploying nature-based solutions to global challenges in climate, food and development. IUCN supports scientific research, manages field projects all over the world, and brings governments, NGOs, the UN and companies together to develop policy, laws and best practice.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Under direct supervision of the European Biodiversity Conservation Coordinator and in collaboration with other staff of the IUCN European Regional Office, the Biodiversity Conservation Assistant will support the work and projects of the IUCN Global Species Programme in Europe. This will include providing support to certain tasks within the project portfolio, as needed. The workload is expected to be 60% administrative support and 40% technical support, although this proportion could change depending on the real project needs during the time period of this contract. Administrative support includes assistance with project development, contract administration, and event planning and organisation. Specifically, the position will entail:

• Assist in the implementation of the European Red Lists Initiative, currently encompassing Hoverflies but could be expanded, including: liaising with experts and monitoring their progress in delivering high quality assessments, coordinating all administrative tasks inherent to the organization of assessment workshops, compiling species photos and uploading them to the Red List Species Information System, and contributing to drafting project reports. Providing support to this task will require some training in Red List assessments that will be provided by the team.
• Support the implementation of new projects in the portfolio related to pollinator conservation and invasive alien species management that entail the organization of stakeholder meetings and workshops;
• Support the organization of project meetings and events;
• Support the development of new project proposals;
• Provide a range of administrative support functions on a day-to-day basis transversal to several projects (e.g. processing of invoices, issuing consultancy contracts, etc);
• Will be required to provide support on a range of tasks as delegated by his/her Line Manager.
REQUIREMENTS
  • Affinity with the vision and mission of IUCN and a strong interest in and good understanding of European conservation initiatives;
• A relevant University degree (environmental science, biology, administration);
• At least 2 years of work experience in the field of nature conservation, sustainable development or a related area of work;
• Experience spearheading administrative supporting tasks is an asset;
• Complete fluency in the English language, including excellent demonstrated English writing skills; good level of written and spoken French is an asset but not required;
• Sound understanding of information technology, with experience in applying Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and using virtual communication tools as a minimum skill set.
• Keen interest on the IUCN Red List and invasive alien species management is an asset;
• Proven analytical, conceptual, organization, multitasking, and problem-solving skills;
• Detail- and outcome-oriented;
• Ability to work independently and on multiple tasks simultaneously;
• Ability to meet tight deadlines without compromising the quality of outputs;
• Highly motivated to learn and develop new skills, keen to bring in own ideas;
• A team player with a strong interest to work in an international environment;
• EU National or holder of an EU work permit.
• Knowledge of European nature legislation and familiarity with EU funding and policy processes is not essential, but is an asset.
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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