Science Officer - East Asian – Australasian Flyway Partnership

The East Asian – Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) exists to enhance collaboration on the conservation of migratory waterbirds and their habitats. The Flyway extends from Russia and Alaska through East Asia to Australia and New Zealand and supports over 50 million migratory waterbirds. It includes more than 700 important sites for waterbirds.

The EAAFP is served by a Secretariat located in Incheon, Republic of Korea, established in 2009. The Secretariat is an international organization working closely with governments and with NGOs and at present comprises six staff. Its business is conducted in the English language.

The Secretariat is seeking a Science Officer to take responsibility for supporting the development of the EAAFP Site Network, multi-country projects led by the Secretariat, and Flyway-wide monitoring initiatives. This is an international position that includes promoting cooperation among countries in conserving and monitoring waterbirds and providing technical advice to the Secretariat and Partners on migratory waterbirds, support to technical EAAFP Working Groups and general scientific advice. Duties and responsibilities of the Science Officer include.

Flyway Site Network

1.Develop and supervise study to develop a prioritized list of internationally important sites across the Flyway

2.In conjunction with 1, assist the Secretariat and Partners with expansion of the Flyway Site Network of the East Asian – Australasian Flyway, especially by informing Partners about the contribution of network sites to migratory waterbird conservation and encouraging, supporting and reviewing new nominations.

3.In conjunction with 1, consolidate and improve the documentation of existing priority Network sites including collation of Site Information Sheets and boundary maps to optimal standard.

4.Assure regularly updated scientific information about status, trends and threats at priority sites is available and disseminated, including identifying and helping to address knowledge gaps

5.Respond to requests for technical assistance from managers of Network sites, to complement local expertise; this may be through direct advice or linking managers to expertise among the EAAFP Partners or worldwide.

Waterbird and Habitat Information and Monitoring

6.Liaise with and support Partners and other organizations on generating and bringing together information on the status of waterbird populations and habitats in the Flyway and advise on monitoring plans and protocols, as appropriate.

7.Support management planning processes for priority sites, including identifying and disseminating information on best practice

Working Groups and Task Forces

8.As required, provide scientific support and advice to the EAAFP Working Groups and Task Forces, including those dealing with coordination of colour marking, monitoring and avian influenza.

Other duties

9.Produce for the Partners a periodic review of new scientific literature relevant to the Partnership, for posting on the EAAFP website.

10.Provide general oversight of scientific aspects of the Secretariat’s work, as required, including general technical advice on waterbirds and their conservation and review of documents and text for scientific accuracy.

11.Represent the Partnership at Flyway-related meetings and events in Flyway countries and elsewhere, if so requested by the Chief Executive. 

12.Respond to other tasks matched to your technical skills and working experience, as requested by the Chief Executive.

Applicants should have experience with international cooperation, be familiar with issues of migratory waterbird conservation in the Flyway, possess an advanced (Masters level) degree in a scientific field relevant to the position duties and should have completed at least two years of relevant professional work. The successful candidate will be appointed on a two year contract with annual performance review.

Ability to converse and write freely and accurately in English, and proficiency in common computer applications (Microsoft Word and Excel, English versions) is essential. The applicant should have good team skills and be able to work with people from different backgrounds and cultures. The position is based in Incheon, Republic of Korea.

Persons interested in applying for this position should submit their curriculum vitae (resume), no more than five pages in length, and respond in writing to the following selection criteria (maximum of 300 words for each criterion) in an attachment:

1.Summarise your professional experience in conducting scientific work that is most closely relevant to the EAAFP

2.Describe your history of English communication in a professional context

3.Give examples of international activities in which you played a significant role

4.Explain your experience and roles when working in a professional team

5.Describe your firsthand knowledge of waterbirds.

Applications (resume plus attachment) should be sent by email to the Chief Executive, at  chief@eaaflyway.net by no later than 6:00 pm (Seoul time) on Friday November 16, 2012.

Related Links

• EAAFP Science Offcier Job description