The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) is an intergovernmental body established in 2012 with the objective to strengthen the interface between science and policy related to biodiversity and ecosystem services. The four functions, scientific assessment, capacity building, knowledge generation and policy support, are the pillars of IPBES’ effort to ascertain the status of global biodiversity and ecosystem services, the drivers of change, and the impacts on human well-being.
The Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) has been entrusted by the Government of Japan to host the technical support unit (TSU) for an IPBES thematic assessment of invasive alien species. As an extension to IPBES secretariat based in Bonn, Germany, the TSU will be providing technical support for the organisation of author meetings as well as the preparation of the assessment report by selected experts over a period of three years from 2019 to 2022.
Duties and responsibilities
We are looking for a highly motivated individual to:

• • Support the authors and review editors of the assessment report in compiling and editing the report and its Summary for Policymakers (SPM);
• • Plan and coordinate the meetings of the expert group for the assessment;
• • Oversee the correct use and storage of reference material used by the authors of the assessment and ensure that all permissions and copyrights are respected in the case of using or adapting material such as figures;
• • Liaise with other TSUs and the IPBES secretariat to ensure that the assessment is implemented according to the IPBES work programme, in a coordinated fashion;
• • Oversee the work of the designer on the assessment report and its SPM;
• • Manage the list of experts, including information to inform the filling of gaps in expertise, in line with IPBES rules of procedure;
• • Produce reports on progress of the assessment work;
• • Liaise with IPBES secretariat on contractual matters;
• • Any other tasks identified by the head of TSU

Required qualifications and skills

• • A Master’s Degree or equivalent in the area of biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, sustainable development, international relations, communication or other related discipline.
• • Knowledge on biodiversity conservation and/or natural resource management, and/or sustainable development.
• • Knowledgeable on international policy and/or science-policy interfaces in relevant areas.
• • A minimum of four years of professional work experience.
• • Working experience of coordination work at international organizations is an advantage.
• • Excellent communication skills with proficiency in spoken and written English. Ability to communicate in Japanese is an advantage.
• • Proven ability to prioritize and complete tasks within a limited time frame and to handle multiple concurrent activities.
• • Proven ability to work in a team and in a multi-cultural with sensitivity and respect for diversity.