Marine Expert: Ecosystem Services, GRID-Arendal

The ideal candidate is a proficient networker with top quality interpersonal, organizational and team-oriented skills, who can apply innovative and forward thinking approaches to the development of GA’s marine strategy focusing on developing states and small island developing states. Activity areas for this position are primarily (but not exclusively) focused on the following thematic areas: valuation and management of marine ecosystems and their services, environmental and resource management, habitat conservation and economics of ecosystems and biodiversity. An overall aim involves promoting to the general public and decision makers the value of the oceans and their ecosystems.

Competencies are sought according to specific fields of expertise and reflect the various needs of the Marine Division. They do not necessarily represent the requirements for an individual applicant. Competencies to be considered are linked to:

• Marine ecosystem services management
• Marine environmental economics (ecosystem valuation, bio-economics)

GRID-Arendal is an environmental outreach organization that seeks to bridge the gap between science and society. Our activities support UNEP’s Programme of Work as well as efforts over other UN agencies. We are a team-based organization operating in a dynamic and evolving structure. Teams provide core groups of expertise dedicated to meeting the goals of each programmatic area.

The position will be based in Arendal, Norway. The candidate will report directly to the Marine Division Manager.

Responsibilities and tasks:

Initial tasks and responsibilities will be based on relevant activities of the Marine Division that are currently in progress and/or under development. The candidate will be expected to support and/or lead the following projects:

• Blue Carbon Regional Feasibility and Demonstration Projects
• Blue Forests Global Environment Facility Project
• TEEB for Oceans

The candidate will in time be expected to develop, plan, lead and implement new activities in line with GRID-Arendal’s marine strategy and support other project leads when relevant. The candidate will also be encouraged to pursue fundraising activities when deemed relevant to core goals.

Preferred professional qualifications:

• Master degree or equivalent/higher in marine ecosystem management, marine biology/ecology and/or marine environmental economics or related fields;
• Minimum of 5 years international working experience in marine ecosystem services or related fields at least in one of the following:  UN system, corporate organization or NGO;
• Intra and inter-institutional network management (required experience in the global marine research and/or policy or governance community);
• Fluency in written and spoken English, with editing experience. Additional language skills would be an advantage;
• Established network of contacts in support of the aforementioned goals would be a great asset;
• Good organizational and project management skills;
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills;
• Knowledge about the UN system/international organizations;
• Experience with media outreach in the NGO sector and development fields is an advantage;

Preferred personal qualifications:

• Excellent team player and ability to work independently;
• High motivation and energy;
• Ability to pursue multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment and consistently meet deadlines;
• Excellent networking capabilities and diplomatic skills;
• Interpersonal skills and ability to work in an international and culturally diverse environment.

Compensation:

GRID-Arendal’s salary system is linked to the Norwegian Government salary system. It is based on education and experience. Salaries are subject to Norwegian tax regulations. Insurance and personal benefits are provided in addition to salary. International staff receives additional benefits.

Deadline for applications: May 21, 2012

Application should include a cover letter and curriculum vitae. Please send your application by email to: Luana Karvel, HR Manager, Luana.Karvel@grida.no (no specific application form to be filled in).

For further information about the position, please contact Yannick Beaudoin, Head of Marine Division,Yannick.Beaudoin@grida.no