11 February 2011: The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has announced that post of Principal Officer in charge of the Division of Scientific, Technical and Technological Matters is under advertisement. The position is at the D-1 level.

According to the advertisement, the person will be supervised directly by the Executive Secretary of the Convention. Responsibilities will include: report to and advise intergovernmental bodies, such as the COP and the Subsidiary Body of the Convention on Scientific, Technical and technological Advice (SBSTTA); assist with the Division’s prioritization and resource allocation; perform “programatic tasks” (budgets, performance evaluations, hiring, training, Division communication); and develop contacts with UN bodies, governments, NGOs, academic and research institutions, and private sector relating to furthering (direct and/or indirect) support for, interest to and action on behalf of the CBD relating to issues of science and technology.

The advertisement lists several qualifications, including: knowledge of the substantive field of work, including: international natural resource-related issues/projects and implications of legal, economic and policy decisions on the scientific and technical aspects of the Convention; writing ability as manifested by a consistent publication record in scientific and technical outlets; demonstrated negotiation skills and ability to be a strong advocate on behalf of governments; advanced university degree in environmental sciences or related area, sciences, natural resources management, environmental and international law or related fields; at least 15 years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields; profound management experience; experience in programme and project planning and analysis, strategy setting and implementation, and international negotiations; work experience in senior officer assignments in an international organization; and fluency in oral and written English and French.

The candidate will be selected based on a written and oral assessment interview, according to the advertisement. The two-year term of the position is renewable.

The notifications calls for the scientific community to note the position. [The Notification] [The Advertisement]