Job Offer : Biodiversity Research Liaison Officer at DEMNA

Full time, Contractual

Biodiversity Research Liaison Officer (Full time, Contractual) at the Département de l’Etude du milieu naturel et agricole (DEMNA/DGO3/SPW)


CONTEXT

The Belgian Biodiversity Platform is a science-policy interface providing services to scientists engaged in biodiversity research and policy makers, in Belgium. We are presently seeking to hire a full time Biodiversity research liaison officer in charge of networking activities for this structure, with focus on biodiversity data acquisition and involvement of young scientists in science-policy activities at national and international level.

TASKS

She/he will:

  • liaise with potential biodiversity data and metadata publishers, especially in the Walloon region, to facilitate publication of data through the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and support the Belgian node of GBIF;
  • liaise between scientists and IT specialists during the development of client-oriented databases;
  • assist in the development of long term strategies for data collection;
  • support the Platform’s communication officer in involving young scientists in a range of national and international science-policy activities. This includes national thematic forums (e.g. on invasive species, ecosystem services, biodiversity & health, conservation) and international biodiversity initiatives, like the recently established Intergovernmental Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).
  • support the organisation and facilitation of scientific meetings and events;
  • advice the Platform team on networking opportunities;
  • support the work of the Platform in selected national and international biodiversity initiatives, as appropriate.

PROFILE

We seek one French-speaking colleague (mother tongue) with the following profile and qualifications:

  • Hold a university degree (MSc or equivalent) in any field related to biodiversity (agronomy, biology, environmental or social sciences); experience with biodiversity or environmental research or policy is an asset;
  • Prove mastering of (biodiversity) informatics tools and new Information Technology
  • Have excellent networking and communication skills. Good knowledge of English is mandatory, a working knowledge of Dutch is advantageous;
  • Genuine interest in and enthusiasm for biodiversity research and policy, and biodiversity data in particular
  • Flexibility, ability to adapt quickly to new issues, proactive attitude, self-motivation.
  • Ability to multi-task, work in team and independently, and take initiative

WE OFFER

  • A full time contractual position until end of March 2016, possibly extended on a yearly basis, based at Département de l’Etude du milieu naturel et agricole (DEMNA/DGO3/SPW) in Gembloux
  • Salary and conditions according to the conditions applicable at DEMNA for a contractual agent of class A5 or A6.
  • Free public transport between home and work

APPLICATIONS

Job interview will take place in the first half of September. Applications should be sent no later than 4 september to Aline van der Werf: Aline.Vanderwerf@belspo.be (subject: Biodiversity Research Liaison officer) with a CV, cover letter and any evidence demonstrating the skills and competences we are looking for.

For further information on the actual job content, contact Hilde Eggermont from 10 August onwards: +32 (0)2 238 34 95 or h.eggermont@biodiversity.be.

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