Seconded National Expert: Support to the Forest Information System of Europe (FISE)

 Category: Seconded National Expert

Location: Ispra (Italy)

Duration: Initial contact duration of 24 months (possible starting date 2^nd quarter 2014)

Deadline: 25/10/2013
(Deadline is established internally by the Commission/DG HR. Please check with your Permanent Representation/Diplomatic Mission of Non-Member Country/the EFTA Secretariat/IGO Administration to see if an alternate date preceding this date has been set)

Reference: JRC (HO3)

This vacancy notice is open to:

• Member States
• EFTA Member States
• the following intergovernmental organisations: FAO

Job title

Support to the Forest Information System of Europe (FISE)

We are

As the Commission's in-house science service, the Joint Research Centre's mission is to provide EU policies with independent, evidence-based scientific and technical support throughout the whole policy cycle. Working in close cooperation with policy Directorates-General, the JRC addresses key societal challenges while stimulating innovation through developing new methods, tools and standards, and sharing its know-how with the Member States, the scientific community and international partners. With 7 Scientific Institutes, 3 Corporate Directorates and the DG/DDG Office, the JRC is located in 5 Member States (Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain). Further information is available at: http://www.jrc.ec.europa.eu

The current vacancy is in the Institute for Environment and Sustainability (located in Ispra, Italy). Its mission is to provide scientific and technical support to the EU policies for the protection of the environment and the more efficient and sustainable management of natural resources at global and continental scales. The vacancy is within the Forest Resources and Climate Unit, which has the task of developing and applying a framework for the assessment of policy options for the sustainable management of forest resources at global level. The Unit’s activities contribute to the assessment of the status of EU and global forest resources and investigate the roles that forests play in supporting economic and ecological services. Furthermore, work in the Unit aims simulating the outcomes of potential forest management practices and the analysis of policy options for sustainable forest management. More detail on the activities of the Unit can be found at: http://ies.jrc.ec.europa.eu

We propose

A coherent and ambitious European forest-based research area is a primary pillar for the implementation of the EU Forest strategy. Taking into account the increasing multifunctional demands on and expectations of forest resources it is obvious that the implementation of sustainable forest management will be significant challenge for the future. The contribution from research and innovation is key to overcome these challenges.

The lack of a comprehensive Forest Information System of Europe prevents an accurate assessment of the state of forest resources at the European level. Global studies such as the FAO Global Forest Resources Assessment, or European assessments such as the "State of Europe's Forests" provide a compendium of the main characteristics of European forests at national level; however, the lack of detail of this information is often not enough for the integrated assessment of forest environmental services. Although the work on harmonization of information from national forest inventories has been on-going for a number of years, the level of harmonization on this information is still limited.

Recently, the Commission proposed to the Member States the development of a Forest Information System of Europe in a modular manner, following its first developments the recommendations provided by the SFC ad-hoc working group on Forest Information. The Council recognized the need for adequate information to identify threats to forests and challenges and shortcomings of existing policies and instruments at national and EU level. It also underlined the need for the continuous assessment and monitoring of the state, dynamics and evolution of European forests, highlighting the role of National Forest Inventory Systems and pan-European initiatives.

By implementing a common information system future forest information work will help to improve the level of forest protection and the contribution of forests to environmental and economic objectives, including biodiversity conservation as well as efficient use of the EU's resources. The development and pre-operational testing on a modular approach requires the setting up of a multi-competence JRC team of a certain size for a certain duration with the EC Inter-service Group on Forestry as advisory body. Links to the national services (mainly NFIs) will be assured by creating a Forest Bureau Network with a secretariat hosted by the JRC.

In this context the main responsibilities of the Seconded National Expert will be to assist the JRC in defining, implementing and managing the Forest Bureau Network in support to EU and its Member States.

Eligibility Criteria

We are looking for a dynamic and motivated Seconded National Expert (SNE).

a) Eligibility criteria

The following eligibility criteria are to be fulfilled by the candidate in order to be seconded to the Commission. Consequently, the candidate who does not fulfil one of them will be automatically eliminated from the selection process.

• Professional experience: at least three years' experience in administrative, legal, scientific, technical, advisory or supervisory functions which can be regarded as equivalent to those of function groups AD;
• Seniority: at least one year by your employer, that is having worked for an eligible employer (as described in Art. 1 of the SNE decision) on a permanent or contract basis for at least 12 months before the secondment;
• Linguistic skills: thorough knowledge of one of the EU official languages and a satisfactory knowledge of another EU official language to the extent necessary for the performance of the duties. An SNE from a non-member country must produce evidence of a thorough knowledge of one Community language necessary for the performance of his duties.

b) Selection criteria

• diploma:
  The ideal candidate should have a degree in Forestry, Agriculture, Environmental science or related fields.
• professional experience:
  Knowledge of forest related policies at national level, EU level and international level is desirable. Relevant publications should be highlighted.
• language(s) necessary for the performance of duties:
  Good knowledge of spoken and written English is required. The knowledge of another community language would be an advantage.

Recruitment policy

The JRC

• Cultivates a workplace based on respect for other people and the environment.
• Embraces non-discriminatory practices and equality of opportunity. In case of equal merit, preference will be given to the gender in minority.
• Encourages learning and development possibilities.

How to apply

Please contact your Permanent Representation of the European Union / Diplomatic Mission of Non-Member Country/the EFTA Secretariat / IGO Administration.