Programme Officer, Conservation Planning (maternity cover)

Status:	Open (currently receiving applications)
Vacancy #:	307
Unit:	Conservation Planning
Location:	Species Programme Office, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Reporting to:	Director - Global Species & KBA Programme
Work percentage:	100%
Function group:	P1
Expected start date:	01 March 2012
Type of contract:	Fixed-term (until 31 July 2012)
Closing date:	03 January 2012

BACKGROUND

The Global Species Programme seeks a temporary Programme Officer to support the process of consolidating the criteria for identifying sites of global biodiversity conservation significance, in preparation for the World Conservation Congress in September 2012.

The Programme Officer will report to the Global Director of the Biodiversity Conservation Group who serves also as Director, Global Species and Key Biodiversity Areas Programme. The position will be based in Cambridge, UK. This position will work with the joint IUCN SSC (Species Survival Commission) - WCPA (World Commission on Protected Areas) Biodiversity and Protected Areas task force to support the technical deliverables of the position on sites of global biodiversity conservation significance.

Please note that this is a temporary role (for a minimum of six months) to provide maternity cover and will terminate on the return of the Programme Officer from maternity leave.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Support finalisation of technical workshops as needed to discuss a range of issues relating to the criteria for identification of sites of global biodiversity conservation significance, including but not limited to: thresholds for threatened species occurrence; thresholds for concentrations of populations of restricted-range, widespread low density, congregatory, and source-sink species; identification of sites for biomes, biome-restricted species, and threatened habitats; and site delineation.

2. Coordinate regional consultation workshops to discuss the issues mentioned above, but with a focus on end-users; including developing participants’ lists and agendas, ensuring facilitation, documentation, and follow-up, and logistics. It will be important to ensure that the full range of biodiversity interests, end-users and stakeholders are represented and accommodated in these discussions.

3. Support the production of a first complete draft of the IUCN publication on standard criteria for the identification of sites of global biodiversity conservation significance, including editing, reviewing and synthesising inputs.

4. Serve as the IUCN Secretariat focal point for the task force, including organization of a planning meeting, regular updates on progress to the task force through e-mail and teleconference, and general liaison.

5. Ensure that cohesive links are made and maintained between the work of this position and the IUCN Biodiversity Conservation Group, particularly with the Biodiversity Network Coordinator.

6. In discussion with current and potential data custodians, develop a plan for sharing, management, and dissemination of data concerning sites of global biodiversity conservation significance.

7. Plan and implement outreach for the results of the process at the 2012 World Conservation Congress, in Jeju, Republic of Korea.

8. Act as the IUCN day-to-day focal point on technical issues related to area-based conservation planning.

REQUIREMENTS

• Only applicants eligible to work in the United Kingdom will be considered for the position.

• At least 5 years’ work experience at a professional level.

• Masters Degree or equivalent in Ecology, Biology, Geography or a relevant field.

• Fluency in English (French or Spanish language proficiency an asset).

• Deep understanding of, and passion for, site biodiversity conservation, and the missions of SSC and WCPA.

• Familiarity with key biodiversity areas processes and with systematic conservation planning techniques, and with the literature on both.

• Ability to balance divergent viewpoints, and seek consensus; negotiation, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.

• Willingness to speak in public, chair meetings and conference calls, communicate regularly with task force members.

• Demonstrated writing skills, in particular as regards production of the final IUCN publication; also in light of the potential to lead or support scientific publications.

• Analytical skills, including GIS and database handling.

• Creative approach to communications in developing outreach from the process and preparing for an actual launch.

• Willing and able to travel internationally on a regular basis.

SALARY

The gross annual salary for this position is in the range from GBP 30'012 to GBP 37'515.

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/

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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.