Project Officer (biodiversity policy)
IIASA BIODIVERSITY AND NATURAL RESOURCES (BNR) PROGRAM
The Biodiversity, Ecology, and Conservation (BEC) Research Group, within the BNR Program is offering an opportunity for a project officer familiar with scientific methods and EU policy developments related to spatial planning for area-based conservation measures.
background
The BEC Group develops and applies state-of-the art ecological knowledge, methods, and tools to understand ecosystem functioning, ecological responses, and provide feedback in coupled social-economic-ecological systems. The group aims to apply this knowledge and tools to investigate appropriate management options to achieve sustainability goals that have ecological implications.
The Group coordinates several European Union-funded Horizon Europe projects focusing on applied ecology and conservation research, including NaturaConnect, a Horizon Europe project which runs until June 2026. The aim of NaturaConnect is to co-create with key decision-makers and other key stakeholders, knowledge, tools and capacity building to support Member States in realizing an ecologically representative, resilient and well-connected network of conserved areas that contribute to achieving the objectives of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. This will be achieved through a combination of stakeholder engagement across scales and interdisciplinary research to develop knowledge and policy supporting tools for spatial planning and financing the implementation of a Trans-European Nature Network (TEN-N) of conserved areas.
NaturaConnect has a comprehensive set of interdisciplinary research tasks aimed at producing, sharing and mobilizing knowledge for implementation. This includes applying state-of-the-art models on the distribution of biodiversity and ecosystem services across Europe and how it may change under future climate and land-use scenarios, and spatial optimization methods to identify and close gaps in the current protected area coverage and to conserve ecological corridors and restore connectivity.
The BEC group also coordinates other projects that have relevance for this post, such as BIOCLIMA.
tasks and responsibilities
Steer overall policy engagement activities across the BEC groupโs project portfolio, working together with project consortium members to proactively plan and deliver policy engagement activities and outcomes. Contribute expertise and strategic insight on the EU biodiversity policy landscape, monitoring key EU policy developments of relevance to BEC Group projects, and integrating the outcomes of these into project level activities and processes. Represent the project externally at meetings (e.g., EU Biodiversity Platform and Nature Directors meetings), conferences and events, building partnerships to facilitate project delivery. Develop and implement dedicated policy engagement strategies for projects, defining how projects will manage relationships with key European Commission institutions, EU expert groups (e.g., NADEG), EU Member States and related Horizon Europe projects, and mapping how the projectโs activities, results and outputs will be fed into European policy processes and milestones (e.g., EU Member Statesโ protected area pledges), and vice versa. Foster and manage relationships with key stakeholders responsible for developing biodiversity policies at regional, national and European levels, demonstrating how the interdisciplinary research and conservation planning support tools being developed in the BEC group projects will support them in their work. Deliver effective and timely communication on emerging strategic EU policy issues and developments to BEC Group project management and scientific committees. Organize and facilitate project activities on policy engagement and outreach (e.g., internal and external project meetings and events such as webinars, training sessions, workshops etc.,). Prepare written reports, policy briefs and other communication content on BEC Group projects and EU biodiversity and nature conservation policies. Optionally, the incumbent could be involved in research design and implementation, compatible with their interests and skills. In line with the team spirit that prevails at IIASA, the incumbent may occasionally work on other tasks assigned by their superiors, that might not be directly related to this appointment but where the post holder has relevant experience and skills, and/or a shortage of immediate personnel capabilities requires such.qualifications and experience
Essential:
Advanced degree or equivalent experience and qualification in European policy, environmental policy, international relations, ecology, and/or biodiversity conservation. Experience working for institutions and in projects addressing European biodiversity policy and nature conservation issues. Expertise in recent EU and international biodiversity policy developments (e.g., EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, Habitats and Birds Directive, Natura 2000 Network, EU Nature Restoration Law, Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework). Sound understanding of key ecology, area-based conservation concepts, protected and conserved areas. Excellent organizational and priority setting skills, pro-active and results-oriented with high attention to detail, and the ability to respond to deadlines in a timely manner. Full fluency in English (written and spoken) and excellent interpersonal and communication skills on all levels. Strong IT skills, including advanced knowledge of MS Office products. Flexible working attitude and willingness to take on other tasks to benefit the program/institute. Demonstrated ability to work independently and in close cooperation with others, and maintain professional and productive relationships with staff from diverse nationalities and backgrounds.Desirable:
An existing professional network comprising key decision-makers in the EU biodiversity policy landscape. A track record of scientific research on topics related to EU biodiversity policy, and/or spatial planning for conservation. Knowledge of other European languages especially German, French, Spanish or Portuguese advantageous.appointment terms
The selected candidate should be available to take up the position as soon as possible in 2024 (start date negotiable). We offer an initial fixed-term, three-year, full-time (40 hours per week) employment contract, with the possibility for extension thereafter. Eligible applicants wishing to work part-time hours will also be considered.
Duties will be carried out at the IIASA premises in Laxenburg, near Vienna in Austria (up to 100 days per year home office working within Austria possible).
WE OFFER
A gross annual, full-time salary of at least:
EUR 48,000.00 which is exempt from income tax in Austria.
In addition, IIASA salaries are:
Negotiable, based on the qualifications, skills and experience of the selected individual. Subject to deductions for health insurance and/or social security. Not directly comparable with other employers in Austria, due to the unique legal status and privileges granted to IIASA. Subject to the principle of income aggregation (Progressionsvorbehalt in German).further benefits:
Educational subsidies for children of school age enrolled in private schools in Austria. A generous annual leave entitlement. Relocation allowances, and paid home leave for employees in scientific and professional categories hired from international locations. Assistance for newcomers to Austria with visa, work and residency permit applications. Support finding accommodation in Austria.More details here.
About IIASA
IIASA is committed to a working environment that promotes equality, diversity, tolerance and inclusion within its workforce. This is reflected in our IIASA core values. We encourage qualified candidates from all religious, ethnic, and social backgrounds to apply. In the case that candidates are equally qualified, preference will be given to applicants from countries where IIASA has a Member Organization.
Further Information
For further information about this opportunity please contact:
Dr. Piero Visconti, BEC Research Group Leader
or
Matea Osti, BEC Project Officer
For general questions about working at IIASA, please contact:
recruitment@iiasa.ac.at
Applications
To apply for this opportunity, you will need to provide the following documents in English:
A cover letter outlining your motivation for and fit to the position A detailed Curriculum Vitae The names, addresses (including e-mail), and telephone numbers of two work-related reference givers.Deadline for receipt of applications: 1 March 2024