Job offer: Science Officer for the EKLIPSE Horizon2020 project

Published by the Belgian Biodiversity Platform

The Belgian Biodiversity Platform (BBPF) is presently seeking to hire a Science Officer to assist in the implementation of activities for the EKLIPSE project.

EKLIPSE is a 4-year Coordination and Support Action (CSA) funded under Horizon 2020. Its goal is to bring scientists, policy-makers and others together to ensure that decisions that affect the environment are made with the best available knowledge. This is a long-term goal, not one limited to the life of the four year EKLIPSE project. This self-sustaining mechanism will be created and developed during the project. The EKLIPSE vision is to create a flexible, durable but innovative, challenging but ethical mechanism for evidence-informed decision-making affecting biodiversity and ecosystem services.

EKLIPSE activities are organised around four specific objectives:

1 - Synthesising available knowledge

EKLIPSE facilitates the process of answering questions from decision makers on biodiversity and ecosystem services that require in-depth collection, analysis and synthesis of existing knowledge from science and other sources of knowledge.

2 - Jointly identifying research needs

EKLIPSE implements consultations to identify knowledge gaps and research priorities and improves the integration of emerging issues into policy development and research funding related to or impacting on biodiversity and ecosystem services.

3 - Building the network of networks

EKLIPSE is building a virtual community of people and institutions that are willing and committed to work with colleagues to make sure their collective knowledge and values on biodiversity and ecosystem services are used to support decisions that impact our environment and our well-being.

4- Science for everyone

EKLIPSE encourages citizen engagement and societal debate with policy and research on biodiversity and ecosystem services.

TASKS

The Science Officer will be in charge of implementing the tasks coordinated by the Belgian Biodiversity Platform/RBINS for the EKLIPSE project:

Managing and coordinating activities related to the identification of emerging issues and consultations on research needs /knowledge gaps on various topics depending on the results of the ‘calls for requests’. This requires moderation of the request process, including planning and chairing meetings with the requesters, identification and coordination of steering groups, and strong networking throughout. The process also involves communication on and planning the organization of events such as foresight workshops, e-conferences, large summits;
Supporting the secretariat of EKLIPSE: follow up on all EKLIPSE activities and coordination with the other secretariat representatives. Planning and organization of project meetings, planning and dissemination of calls for requests, calls for experts, scoping of literature, support of expert working groups etc;
Supporting the organisation of workshops and other events related to the identification of research priorities and emerging issues in the field of Biodiversity and Ecosystem services.
Developing the EKLIPSE visibility in various communities and linking with the EU level relevant policy processes and initiativesManaging budget and financial reporting on EKLIPSE

She/he will work under the supervision of the Belgian Biodiversity Platform’s scientific coordinator.

She/he will liaise with EKLIPSE consortium partners as appropriate to complete above tasks.

DIPLOMA

Hold a university degree (MSc, or PhD) in any field related to biodiversity (ecology, environmental or social sciences, economy, biology, agronomy);

GENERIC COMPETENCE

Demonstrated experience with European policy in sectors related to environmental issues is a requirement;
Having excellent networking and communication skills is absolutely necessary;
Flexibility, ability to adapt quickly to new issues, proactive attitude, self-motivation and stress-resilience as well as having an outstanding ability to collaborate in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural professional environment are required ;
An excellent knowledge of English is mandatory;
Demonstrated experience in event planning, organisation and facilitation is a strong advantage;
Genuine interest in and enthusiasm for research and policy on environmental issues and in particular Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services;
Have some experience in advocacy; knowledge brokerage, or science communication will be a strong advantage;
Experience with horizon scanning/foresight activities is an asset.

We offer

A 2-year contractual position (CDD) for 80% FTE starting 1 January 2018, based at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels.
Salary and conditions according to the conditions applicable in the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences for a contractual agent of class SW1 of the scientific career.
Free public transport between home and work

How to apply

Applications should be sent no later than 8 October 2017 to Hilde Eggermont: h.eggermont@biodiversity.be. (subject: EKLIPSE Science officer) with a CV, cover letter, 3 references with contact details and any evidence demonstrating the skills and competences we are looking for. For further information on the actual job content, contact Hilde Eggermont +32 (0)2 238 34 95 or h.eggermont@biodiversity.be. Job interviews will take place on 8 November 2017