[Coral-List] VACANCY Global Marine Species Assessment

[Kristin Sherwood]

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Position:       Coordinator, Global Marine Species Assessment
Location:       IUCN/SSC - CI/CABS Biodiversity Assessment Unit, IUCN
Species Programme, Washington DC
The IUCN/SSC - CI/CABS Biodiversity Assessment Unit is seeking to recruit a
new team member to coordinate the Global Marine Species Assessment (GMSA).
The Biodiversity Assessment Unit has already completed the first phase of
the Global Amphibian Assessment, and is currently implementing the Global
Mammal Assessment and the Global Reptile Assessment. Following the
successful testing of the biodiversity assessment methodology with these
species groups, IUCN and its partner organisations have now decided to
expand this initiative to include marine species. The initial focus of the
GMSA will include fish and corals, and starting with groups on which
IUCN/SSC Specialist Groups are already active: Sharks, Rays and Chimaeras;
Groupers, Seabasses, Wrasses and Parrotfishes; and Indo-Pacific Coral Reef
Fishes. The feasibility and desirability of adding additional taxonomic
groups, such as molluscs, will be assessed during the implementation of the
project. The GMSA Coordinator will report to the Senior Advisor on
Biodiversity Assessment in Washington DC, and will liaise closely with the
Species Survival Commission and the IUCN Global Marine Programme.
RESPONSIBILITIES  
The GMSA Coordinator will work to the following terms of reference:
1.      Provide leadership to the GMSA process worldwide. 
2.      Work closely with a GMSA advisory committee of scientists and
conservation professionals to help ensure timely completion of the project. 
3.      Develop the GMSA workplan in collaboration with the GMSA advisory
committee and other key stakeholders in the process. 
4.      Build and maintain relationships with other relevant organisations
with expertise on marine species, and encourage them work in partnership
with IUCN on the implementation of the GMSA. 
5.      Work closely with the members of the relevant IUCN/SSC Specialist
Groups, assisting them to participate in, and contribute to the GMSA. 
6.      Help integrate the work of the IUCN Global Marine Programme into the
GMSA, specifically as it relates to tropical ecosystems, deep-sea species,
and sea-mount species. 
7.      Recruit other scientists currently outside the IUCN Species Survival
Commission to participate in the GMSA. 
8.      Facilitate scientific workshops worldwide to assemble datasets on
the status and trends of marine species. 
9.      Raise the funds necessary to implement the GMSA, and recruit staff
to work on the GMSA team. 
10.  Act as the manager of a staff team working on the GMSA. 
11.  Take responsibility for the management of the GMSA budget. 
SELECTION CRITERIA
This position requires a strong scientific background, with at least 5-10
years experience in marine biodiversity issues. He/she needs a good
understanding of the complexities of marine fish and invertebrate biology
and biogeography, and the implications of these for Red Listing. The minimum
academic qualification is a PhD degree, or equivalent experience, and
extensive international experience is also a requirement. The Coordinator
should have proven leadership and communication skills to bring the work
together, focus direction, ensure consultation, handle sensitive issues, and
maintain IUCN's scientific integrity. Candidates should have a proven high
level of experience in project design and implementation, excellent
communications and analytical skills, and should have demonstrated the
ability to think strategically. An ability to work well with people of
diverse cultures, and to handle complex, sensitive issues is essential. A
proven capacity in fundraising is also necessary. English as a working
language is essential, a good understanding of French and/or Spanish and
other languages would be an asset. 
SALARY 
Salary will be commensurate with experience. IUCN is a multi-national
employer and offers a number of benefits in addition to a competitive base
salary. Applicants are asked to submit their CV and a letter of motivation
in English before 31st January 2005 by email to iucn at conservation.org, with
the subject heading "GMSA Coordinator". Only those applicants selected for
interviews will be contacted by IUCN within one month of the closing date.
 
 
Kristin L. Sherwood
Marine Program Officer, Global Marine Program
IUCN - The World Conservation Union
1630 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC  20009-1053
Tel: (202) 518-2062
Fax: (202) 387-4823
Email: KSherwood at iucnus.org
Web Address:  <http://www.iucn.org/themes/marine/>
http://www.iucn.org/themes/marine/