JOB DESCRIPTION
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES
The Programme Officer performs a key role within the Red List Unit helping to coordinate regional Red List assessments for one of IUCN’s key Knowledge Products, The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. This includes work on reviewing and processing of European and Mediterranean regional assessments submitted for publication on The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™; overseeing assessment work; facilitating assessment or review workshops with relevant experts; facilitating Red List training courses; leading on analyses of regional Red List data for use in reports; extracting and compiling data for internal or external use; and carrying out specific regional assessment project work as required. The incumbent also provides general support to the Red List Unit helping with checking and finalising Red List Index assessments; processing fungi assessments for publication on the Red List, managing content on the Red List website; jointly responding to general enquiries to the IUCN Red List; and helping at Red List meetings as required. Much of the work requires close liaison and collaboration with other Red List Unit staff, staff from other IUCN offices, particularly in Brussels and Malaga, IUCN SSC Specialist Groups, and with project partners.
SPECIFIC DUTIES
Processing assessments for Red List updates
•Process submitted assessments compiled through regional projects (specifically European and Mediterranean species assessments) for publication on the Red List, ensuring that the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria and the Guidelines for Application of IUCN Red List Criteria at Regional and National Levels are applied correctly, and the assessments meet the required supporting information standards.
•Check spatial data submitted with assessments to ensure the distribution maps meet the required standards outlined in the Mapping Standards and Data Quality for IUCN Red List Spatial Data.
•Assist with processing of assessments of national endemic species (produced via national Red List projects supported by IUCN) ensuring that the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria and the Guidelines for Application of IUCN Red List Criteria at Regional and National Levels are applied correctly, and the assessments meet the required supporting information standards.
•Assist with processing assessments for fungi species submitted for publication on the Red List.
•Liaise with assessors, including members of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) and other assessors (e.g., working on regional assessment projects) to improve assessment quality where necessary and to ensure that all Red List assessments have been reviewed by the relevant Red List Authority.
•Work with relevant experts to check and finalise Red List Index assessments.
Contribution to activities associated with IUCN Red List and regional Red List updates
•Assist in checking functionality and data on the test Red List web site to ensure information for regional assessments has uploaded correctly and that website functionality is working correctly.
•Lead on analysing the regional Red List assessment information (tabular data and spatial) for use in regional Red List reports.
•Assist with the compilation of the Regional Red List reports and preparing the final data set to be available via the Red List Repository.
•Where required, assist with the preparation of media materials for the Red List launches and any other associated products/events (e.g. events held by the European Commission).
Red List workshops
•Travel internationally to attend Red List training and assessment/review workshops, as required (no more than four to six weeks per year).
•Provide facilitation and guidance for groups of experts participating in assessment/review workshops (particularly for regional assessment projects), to help them reach a consensus on appropriate Red List assessments.
•Coordinate assessment work (including any training and subcontracting of relevant experts) as required by regional assessment projects.
•Lead or assist with organising and facilitating Red List Assessor Training workshops.
•Assist with organising and facilitating Red List webinars to provide advanced training/guidance.
Improving public-facing Red List content and communications
•Assist with the creation of new content for the Red List website and ensure assigned pages/sections are kept up to date.
•Jointly respond to enquiries to the general Red List email address.
•Provide technical expertise to assist communications colleagues in responding to media enquiries.
Supporting other Red List Unit activities as required
•Assist in the preparation of funding proposals for new assessment projects.
•Assist with the preparation of project technical reports, as required.
•Contribute to meetings and workshops, as required. REQUIREMENTS • Education
•Post-graduate degree (MSc) in a relevant subject (e.g., conservation, ecology, biodiversity or natural resources)
Work Experience
•At least two to three years post-graduate relevant work experience, with proven experience of using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria at regional levels.
Skills
•Good understanding of the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, the regional guidelines, and the Red List assessment process.
•Required to pass the advanced level (?90%) online IUCN Red List Training course exam.
•Proficiency in the use of computer software programs and experience in data analysis.
•Excellent GIS mapping skills.
•Excellent data analytical skills.
•Excellent proof-reading, editing and writing skills.
•Strong written and oral communication skills.
Competencies/Behaviours
•Proven ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
•Excellent attention to detail and ability to work on own initiative.
•Good organisational and decision-making skills.
Languages
•Fluency in English.
•Fluency in French and/or Spanish is advantageous.
Other requirements
Skills in web design, including use of HTML are advantageous.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Supervise junior staff and volunteers as required.