Biodiversity Expert for science-policy interface issues

Biodiversity Expert for science-policy interface issues

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 part time biodiversity expert preferably with a social scientific background to work on biodiversity science – policy issues for a 2-year period, starting from October 2014. Depending on educational level and working experience and the related salary scale the position will be part time 50% or more.

She/He will be engaged for two main tasks:

1/ Supporting and facilitating the Belgium Ecosystem Services Community of Practice (BEES) in close collaboration with the current BEES coordinators. 
More specifically:

• Maintaining and updating the BEES website and mailings
• Organising networking activities
• Co-coordinating the BEES working groups
• Initiating, and contributing to BEES publications
• Horizon scanning for emerging issues relevant to BEES and Ecosystem Service science and policy

2/ Horizon scanning to detect emerging issues that are of the interest to the environmental/biodiversity science and policy community; and support capacity building to further develop those issues. 
This will be done in close collaboration with the Belgian Biodiversity Platform team of experts. Part of this work will be related to the Platform’s contribution to international Science-Policy-Interfaces.

We seek a colleague with the following profile and qualifications:

• University degree (Master or PhD) in social science, biology, ecology, and/or environmental sciences and 3 years relevant working experience.
• Excellent level of written and spoken English and having one of the three official languages (Dutch, French or German) as mother tongue
• Knowledge of current environmental and biodiversity science and policy issues, the concepts of ecosystem services and nature-based solutions
• Interest in, and the ability to detect emerging issues that are of the interest to the environmental/biodiversity science and policy community; and to develop initiatives promoting capacity building for those issues
• Knowledge of and experience with Community of Practices or likewise networking, engagement and capacity building initiatives
• Knowledge of, and experience with inter- and transdisciplinary approaches
• Genuine interest in, and enthusiasm for biodiversity and sustainability
• Flexibility, ability to adapt quickly to new issues, proactive attitude, self-motivation.
• Ability to multi-task, work independently, and take initiative
• The position is a short-term contractual position of 24 months (starting 1 October 2014) based at the Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO) in Brussels.

We offer a salary and conditions according to the conditions applicable at the Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO) for the requested educational and experience level.

Applications should be sent no later than August 15th 2014 to Aline van der Werf: Aline.Vanderwerf@belspo.be (subject: Biodiversity/social science expert BBPf) 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 Hans Keune: +32-(0)491 62 14 05 or h.keune@biodiversity.be

The job interview for pre-selected candidates will is scheduled at August 26th, so please make sure you are available on the date.