GBIF: ECAT Programme Officer Position Vacant in April 2006 - Advertised

[Larry Speers]

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.