Assistant Programme Officer

WCMC is a UK charity, based in Cambridge, which supports the United Nations Environment Programme. We work in collaboration with UNEP, under the banner of UNEP-WCMC. Our mission is to evaluate and highlight the many values of biodiversity and put authoritative biodiversity knowledge at the centre of decision-making. Since our establishment in the 1970s, the Centre has been at the forefront of the compilation, management, analysis and dissemination of global biodiversity information, and has an outstanding record of achievement.

ASSISTANT PROGRAMME OFFICER

ASSOCIATE OFFICER GRADE

SPECIES PROGRAMME

12 MONTHS FIXED CONTRACT

£18,000 - £22,000 per annum depending on skills and competencies

REF: AD875

We are looking for a highly motivated and technically competent Assistant Programme Officer to work in the Species Programme to support the delivery of WCMC's suite of projects relating to sustainable management of species in trade and effective implementation of multilateral environmental agreements. We provide biodiversity information to decision-makers and make data and analyses about the international wildlife trade available to stakeholders in new and innovative ways. The focus of this post will be to 1) work with a dedicated team of colleagues to undertake species reviews and assessments and trade analyses to support the effective implementation of CITES and 2) to ensure that species and trade data are entered accurately and efficiently into the relevant information management systems maintained by WCMC.

Reporting to a Programme Officer, you will use your critical thinking and analytical skills to evaluate information and write incisive species assessments based on thorough background research and analyses of large trade datasets to guide policy-makers. You will also have a high level of accuracy and a meticulous approach to quality control in order to process and input data, ensuring effective maintenance and management of our data holdings. You will assist with the synthesis and analysis of our data to compile reports, as well as maintaining information files of relevant literature and professional contacts. Supporting the Programme Officer, you will help to ensure that projects are delivered to the highest level of quality and on time.

You will hold a degree or equivalent in biological, ecological, natural or statistical science and will have strong skills in scientific writing and in using MS Word, Excel, citation and database software. An enthusiasm for global biodiversity and an understanding of key biodiversity issues and concepts are essential to this role, as well as the ability to work effectively within a team and a real desire to support the work of the Species Programme. Furthermore, you will have an understanding of the essential characteristics of successful partnership-building and will be able to demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively.

We will provide you with the challenge of working on high profile conservation projects, where your work really makes a difference to the field of conservation in an area aligned to our strategic aims and broader global initiatives. In addition to training and development opportunities, we offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including generous pension contributions.

If you are looking for a rewarding and challenging post where you can impress us with your technical expertise, excellent writing skills and teamwork, while contributing to efforts to safeguard global biodiversity, we want to hear from you.

CLOSING DATE: FRIDAY 9TH JANUARY 2015.

Please note that this is not a UN post and we can only accept applications from those eligible to work in the UK.

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