Employer: GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY INFORMATION FACILITY

Position: Senior Programme Officer for the Electronic Catalogue of Names of Known Organisms (ECAT)

GBIF is an independent international organisation whose overall mission is to work with its partners to provide free and universal access to the world’s primary biodiversity data.

We seek a dynamic individual to join our multinational staff and assume leadership in completing the Electronic Catalogue of Names of Known Organisms (ECAT). Upon completion, ECAT will provide web access to the currently used names and synonyms for all 1.8 million described species of organisms. ECAT is a collaborative venture with other international initiatives and organisations worldwide; the Programme Officer is expected to be conversant with these partners and be able to interact effectively with them at a high level. At the present time, ECAT contains the valid scientific names and synonyms for about 500,000 species, most of them derived from the Catalogue of Life Partnership (Species 2000 and ITIS). The goal is to complete ECAT no later than 2011.

The successful applicant must have a deep understanding and broad experience in biological systematics and taxonomic procedures, including either a Ph.D. with a taxonomic or systematic component, or a B.S. in biology or computer science with considerable postgraduate experience in taxonomy. He or she must also be conversant with biodiversity databases, web tools and XML. The position is challenging, requiring excellent management skills, such as the capability to work within the scientific community and with other user groups to develop and carry out long-range plans, including the setting of priorities. The individual must also have good communication skills, excellent written and spoken English, flexibility in approaching problems and people, and enthusiasm for helping GBIF to succeed. In return, she or he will find a stimulating and significant programme of work, excellent opportunities to represent GBIF at major international fora, and a congenial work environment with outstanding colleagues from around the world.

The post-holder will be required to work at the GBIF Secretariat in Copenhagen, Denmark. The post is available for a period of 2-5 years starting on approximately 1 April 2006. Salary and benefits are competitive. All applicants will be considered, irrespective of age, sex, race, religion, nationality or ethnic background.

Full details about the position, and instructions on applying for it, can be found at http://www.gbif.org/prog/ecat/ecat_position.