POSITION VACANT
WORLD CONSERVATION MONITORING CENTRE
HEAD, BIODIVERSITY INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
 
WCMC, an international centre for the management and
dissemination of information on biodiversity and conservation,
invites applications for a NEW SENIOR POST to lead strategic
initiatives aimed at enhancing the capacity of countries
worldwide to manage complex biodiversity information.
 
The position reports to the Director and is based in Cambridge,
England. Applicants would benefit from the following skills and
experience:
 
*    Computer systems, databases and network technology applied to
     environmental information
 
*    User needs analysis, especially in developing countries
 
*    Management of complex interdisciplinary projects
 
*    Information systems policy development and strategic planning
 
*    Development projects and capacity building
 
*    Experience with international environmental agencies and
     conventions
 
*    Ability to develop teamwork and to negotiate internationally
 
*    Knowledge of biodiversity and other environmental issues
 
*    Excellent communication skills
 
*    Fluent English. Ability in French or Spanish desirable
 
Under the general guidance of the Director, the Biodiversity
Information Management Unit will provide advice and services
(including technical support and training) in the optimum
application of information technology to the effective management
of biodiversity information, including capacity building
projects, development of guidelines and standards, assembling
useful meta-databases and other resource material. In addition
the group will establish the strategic directions of the Centre
in order to be prepared for future requirements in information
management and related capacity building, particularly in the
context of the Convention on Biological Diversity. At any one
time, the group may be conducting several interleaved projects
in the development of resource materials, design of databases and
information systems for interdisciplinary data management for
specific bilateral or multilateral clients, as well as conducting
corporate studies and maintaining high internal standards of data
management. As a first task, the Head will be responsible for
building up the unit which will be made up from professionals
from within the Centre, augmented by external recruitment, and
for designing and implementing a cooperative network of
biodiversity information centres around the world.
 
The ideal candidate would have a degree in the natural sciences
with additional qualifications in computing, and experience in
implementing information systems. We need someone who can bridge
between computer science and biological science. This is a
position for someone who has many years of experience in the
international development and NGO community, is available to
travel frequently and can work in a team environment with other
Heads, the Director, and partner agencies.
 
Founded by its three sponsoring partners, IUCN, WWF and UNEP, the
Centre is a non-profit charity with an international mandate.
WCMC aims to be an equal opportunity employer and welcomes
applications from all sections of the international community.
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience,
plus excellent benefits package.  A copy of the post description
will be sent on request.
 
Applications with full CV and the names of two referees should
be sent to:
 
The Personnel Officer
World Conservation Monitoring Centre
219 Huntingdon Rd, Cambridge, UK
Tel: 44 (0)223 277314   Fax: 44 (0)223 277136
Email: [log in to unmask]
 
Closing date for applications:  9 September, 1994