Vacancy: Manager, Species Information Service (SIS)

["Shahzad Ahmad" <shahzad@isb.sdnpk.org>]

IUCN – The World Conservation Union was founded in 1948 and brings together over 1,000 members (States, government agencies, NGOs and affiliates) and some 10,000 scientists and experts from 181 countries in a unique worldwide partnership.  Its mission is to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable.  Within the framework of global conventions IUCN has helped over 75 countries to prepare and implement national conservation and biodiversity strategies.  IUCN has approximately 1,000 staff, most of whom are located in its regional, country and outposted offices while some 130 work at its Headquarters in Gland, Switzerland.  IUCN is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from qualified women and men.

 

 

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

 

Position:                        Manager, Species Information Service (SIS)

Location:                       IUCN Headquarters, Gland, Switzerland

Availability:                   Immediate

Function group:              M

Reports to:                    Head, Species Programme

 

Background

 

IUCN is commencing the implementation of the Species Information Service (SIS), a new and innovative global information system allowing the management and expansion of its extensive species database. The SIS will utilize leading edge geographic information and database management technologies. It is based on the knowledge network of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) voluntary expert network and scientific framework of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.  It is designed to be a day-to-day scientific tool and information system for SSC specialists in the field, and a decision support tool for decision makers in the conservation, development and business sectors. IUCN has signed a framework implementation agreement with the partners of the Red List Consortium composed of IUCN, Conservation International, BirdLife International and NatureServe, secured a donation of software and technical services from Oracle Corporation, and has signed an information-sharing agreement with NASA.  IUCN has developed and tested a prototype version of the SIS.

 

Job Description

 

IUCN is seeking a senior manager with a solid track record in the development of large information systems and project management, working with multi-disciplinary stakeholders and partnerships, and fund raising.  The task is to develop and implement the web-based version of SIS.  The individual will be required to provide the leadership and vision required to develop and implement the project within the IUCN corporate knowledge management framework, and within the worldwide volunteer network of the IUCN Species Survival Commission.

 

Tasks

 

Specifically, the SIS Manager will perform the following tasks:

 

·         Using the framework of the implementation agreement, assemble and manage a SIS team to define, develop, implement, test, distribute, operate and provide support to the implementation phase of the web-based SIS.

·         Provide technical and management leadership to the SIS team.

·         Design and implement a business plan to access and deliver ongoing funding for the SIS. Ensure the continuity of present fundraising efforts.

·         Design and implement a detailed project management plan for the further development and implementation of the SIS.

·         Design and implement a SIS support function to provide technical support both to SSC Specialist Groups worldwide, and also to potential users and clients of SIS.

·         Provide regular progress reports to IUCN management, SSC and SIS partners.

 

Selection criteria

 

·         Graduate qualifications in some aspect of information technology or science, systems engineering preferably at master’s level or above.

·         More than 10 years' experience in managing complex projects or programmes ideally involving large scale information systems.

·         Demonstrated capacity for innovative and strategic thinking and ability to provide leadership in dealing with complex issues.

·         Demonstrated experience in working within partnerships, ideally within the voluntary, private and public sectors and an ability to achieve results through networking in cross-cultural situations.

·         Demonstrated fundraising, budgeting, programme planning and management ability.

·         Excellent communication and leadership skills, capable of bringing together ideas and concepts from diverse backgrounds.

·         Commitment to the values and conservation approaches of IUCN and to working in an equal opportunity working environment.

·         Demonstrated spoken and written fluency in English, and preferably one or more of IUCN’s other official languages (French and Spanish).

 

Applications

 

Applicants are asked to submit their CV and a supporting letter of motivation in English.  The letter must specifically address the selection criteria in the order presented above.  Applicants should further provide the names/contact details of three referees, including one recent employer.

 

Applications should be submitted, preferably by email, before 23 March 2005 to:

 

Director - Human Resources

Human Resources Management Group

IUCN – The World Conservation Union

28 rue Mauverney, 1196 Gland, Switzerland

Fax. ++41 22 999 0339

Email: jobapplications@iucn.org

www.icun.org