Issued by the Belgian Biodiversity Platform
The Royal Belgian Institute for Natural Sciences is seeking a science officer for biodiversity science-policy communication, 1 year (replacement) contract, full time
Context
The Belgian Biodiversity Platform is a science-policy interface providing services to scientists engaged in biodiversity research and policy makers. We are presently seeking to hire a full time science officer to work on communication activities for a 1-year period (replacement employment contract),
Tasks
She/He 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 such as its communities of practice.
More specifically
- Assisting in developing and editing Platform outreach and scientific publications including the elaboration of layout and design (policy briefs, meetings reports, press releases, articles, websites...)
- Producing, disseminating and updating the Platform main communication tools and media: 'Biodiversity Newsflashes', news section, Twitter account, etc.
- Supporting the organisation and facilitation of scientific meetings and events
- Elaborating a presentation of the Platform in collaboration with the Platform team to be presented to Belgian scientists in universities and research organisations
- Creating templates and internal procedures to enhance the efficiency of the Platform secretariat and contribute to an effective internal communication
- Advising the Platform team on outreach opportunities, how to improve Platform activities’ visibility and efficiency of its communities of practice
- Creating press relations by updating the existing press file contacts and by elaborating press releases on Platform activities and organising press conferences when relevant
- Maintaining and updating the website contents using the CMS developed by the Platform webmaster
Profile
MSc in science, biology, communication, public relations, or journalism.
Technical competences
- Provable experience in scientific communication
- Knowledge of environmental and biodiversity policy
- Excellent level of written and spoken English; and having one of the three official languages (Dutch, French or German) as mother tongue
- Demonstrated writing and editing skills
- Ability to create and design engaging communication tools
- Computer skills and knowledge of web-based content management systems, mailing systems, databases and social media
- Skills in design softwares (Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign-Photoshop-Illustrator)
Generic competences
- 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, take initiative and to exhibit self-motivation
We offer
A short-term contractual position of 1 year (replacement employment contract, starting 1st September or 1st October) based at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels.
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.
Free public transport between home and work
Applications
Job interview will take place on 23-24th July. Applications should be sent no later than 14th July 2014 to Aline van der Werf: Aline.Vanderwerf@belspo.be (subject: Science communication 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 Angélique Berhault: +32 (0)2 238 34 98 or a.berhault@biodiversity.be