Science Communication Officer
The Belgian Biodiversity Platform is seeking a science communication officer (m/f/x) for biodiversity science-policy communication, 1 year contract, full time, at our office at the Royal Belgian Institute for Natural Sciences (Rue Vautier 29, Brussels).
Tasks
You will be engaged for implementing the Platform communication strategy, developing related scientific communication tools/activities, and providing support to the Platform science-policy and networking activities. The particular focus will be on biodiversity-related subjects such as Invasive Alien Species, One Health, Nature & Society, Climate Change, and Biodiversity Informatics. The position will be under the supervision of the BBPf Coordinator. Furthermore, the role involves collaborative efforts with other Belgian, European, and Global Nature conservation initiatives within the Biodiversity science-policy Landscape.
Specifically:
- Participating in the strategic communication and visibility of BBPf:
- Creating and publishing content on Platform social media and Platform website
- Producing, disseminating, and updating the Platform monthly ‘Biodiversity Newsflash’.
- Maintaining and updating the website content using the CMS developed by the Platform webmaster, and monitoring the use
- Creating and publishing content on Platform social media and Platform website
- Supporting the organisation of science-policy meetings and events
- Supporting data collection and management, database operation and data analyses
General tasks
- Support different requests and queries from various Platform experts.
- Supporting the BBPf Coordinator with reporting and analysis
Profile
Degree: MSc in science, biology, geography, public relations, communication, marketing or other related fields.
Technical competences:
- Ability to create and design engaging communication tools, with some experience in science communication
- Demonstrated experience in event planning, event organisation, and facilitation is a strong advantage.
- Excellent mastery of English (spoken and written); knowledge base of French and/or Dutch is a plus for communication with external colleagues.
- Attention to detail and excellent copy writing and editing skills.
- Experience with website management and ability to work with different CMS systems.
- Good knowledge of Microsoft office packages (Word / Pages, Excel, Powerpoint) and Some experience with data management and data analysis
- Some knowledge of graphical software (such as Adobe CC: Indesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) are a plus, or otherwise interest to learn.
Generic competences:
- Excellent networking and communication skills
- Enthusiasm and having the ability to collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment
- Genuine interest in and enthusiasm for biodiversity research and policy
- Flexibility, ability to adapt quickly to new issues, proactive attitude
- Ability to multi-task, work independently and take initiative
We offer:
- A short-term contractual position of 1 year based at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels. This contract will be starting 1St February, with the possibility of extension.
- Salary and conditions according to the conditions applicable at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences for a contractual agent of class SW1 of the scientific career.
- A welcoming team, with coaching and an environment where you can learn and develop yourself on different aspects in the landscape of biodiversity science, policy and practice.
Applications
Interested persons are invited to send their CV as well as a cover letter and if possible a portfolio with examples of graphic or previous communication achievements, no later than 15th December 2023 to Leendert Plaetinck, Communications Officer for the Belgian Biodiversity Platform, by email : lplaetinck@naturalsciences.be.
Interviews will take place on 20th December. Start of work : preferably on 1st February 2024.
