Associate Programme Officer (Ecosystem Services)

We are looking for someone with ecosystem services understanding and experience to fulfil a technical and analytical Associate Programme Officer role. The main purpose of this role is to undertake and support analyses of ecosystem services, using empirical and/or modelled data, to inform both research and decision-making on biodiversity conservation and on nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation.

We are looking for someone with ecosystem services understanding and experience to fulfil a technical and analytical Associate Programme Officer role. The main purpose of this role is to undertake and support analyses of ecosystem services, using empirical and/or modelled data, to inform both research and decision-making on biodiversity conservation and on nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation.

This work is likely to include historical assessments as well as projections of under a range of pathways and scenarios, using geospatial and other analyses.  Developing new analytical approaches and replicating existing successful ones for new contexts will be crucial to the success of such work. Much of this work will be done in collaboration with partners on international projects.  Specific activities will include: : 1) Providing technical assistance to a variety of ecosystem service related projects (developing workflows, literature reviews, or adapting existing methods); 2) Supporting development of funding proposals and analyses; 3) Collaborative work in partner countries on capacity building or consultations; 4) Contributing to other biodiversity and conservation analysis, reporting, papers and meetings.

This post will be shared between the Science and Climate Change and Biodiversity (CCB) Programmes at UNEP-WCMC, in order to strengthen the already-close collaboration between them. Both programmes work at scales from global to local, developing data and analysis to inform decision-making within governments, the private sector and elsewhere. The Science Programme aims to enhance the scientific quality of UNEP-WCMC’s work through research, training, advisory and partnership development. The CCB Programme aims to support decision-making at the intersection of climate change and biodiversity conservation policies by providing authoritative information on the impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services of climate change and climate-related policy and on the role of nature in supporting climate change adaptation and mitigation.

The ideal candidate would have relevant experience in map-based analyses and/ or modelling of ecosystem services and/or assessment to inform decisions on climate change adaptation and mitigation, especially in relation to nature-based solutions, or other spatial assessment. Specific qualifications and skills required for the role include: 1) A degree in a physical, mathematical, computational or biological discipline and experience that includes the application of quantitative models and geospatial analysis; 2) Experience in applying quantitative analysis and modelling approaches particularly to spatial analysis of ecosystem services assessment, climate or climate impact models and hydrological models; 3) Ability to use coding languages such as Python and /or R. You should be a team player, able to write clearly and succinctly, and communicate and present details. Fluency in written and spoken English is essential and in further languages highly desirable.

We will provide you with the challenge of working on high profile conservation projects, where your work really makes a difference to the field of conservation in an area aligned to our strategic aims and broader global initiatives. In addition to training and development opportunities, we offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including generous pension contributions.

If you are looking for a rewarding and challenging post where you can impress us with your ecosystem services experience, we want to hear from you. Please complete our application form and send it together with your CV and a short covering letter through the link below by 12th January 2020. Applicants must be able to evidence the right to work in the UK.

WCMC attaches great importance to addressing safeguarding and ethical considerations in all activities carried out by its staff, including where partner organisations or individuals are part of the delivery of our work. This includes children and vulnerable adults in the community who may be vulnerable to abuse. WCMC act with integrity, are transparent and expect applicants to share the same values.

WCMC is a UK charity that promotes for public benefit the conservation, protection, enhancement and support of nature and natural resources worldwide. We do this by collecting, storing, processing, analysing, interpreting and sharing data that increase our knowledge and understanding of biodiversity and the conservation of nature. Good data are the foundation of informed decision-making and we work with many partners to help them develop their knowledge and capacity to make good decisions.

We collaborate with the United Nations Environment within the UN Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC).

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