TRAFFIC International is looking for a Research Officer – Europe

The Research Officer will assist in implementing TRAFFICs global work plan in Europe, working in collaboration with TRAFFIC’s partners WWF and IUCN.

TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, works to ensure that trade in wild animals and plants is not a threat to the conservation of nature. It actively monitors and investigates wildlife trade and provides information to diverse audiences worldwide as a basis for effective conservation policies and programmes. TRAFFIC is a strategic alliance of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). TRAFFIC is an international network which is organised into seven regional hubs.

Characteristic Duties

• Assists in the implementation of TRAFFIC activities in Europe to support the TRAFFIC network global work programme in collaboration with the TRAFFIC network and other partners.
• Researches a wide range of wildlife trade topics, collects and analyses data and information on wildlife trade and conservation, and assists in the development and implementation of research projects and in the writing of reports on wildlife trade in Europe.
• Carries out a variety of duties to support TRAFFIC Europe’s work and assists in formulating and implementing appropriate policies and recommendations.
• Communicates on programme activities, maintains internal and external information flows, and represents TRAFFIC as appropriate at international meetings.
• Assists TRAFFIC staff in Europe as appropriate in programme development and implementation.

Specific Duties

• Assists in the implementation of a number of activities under the Service Contract with the European Commission regarding the Monitoring the Implementation of CITES in the European Union.
• Assists in the compilation and analysis of enforcement- and implementation-related information that is required under the provisions of European Union (EU) wildlife trade regulations.
• Assists with specific TRAFFIC projects in Europe, in particular those dealing with threatened species, European wildlife markets and implementation of the EU wildlife trade regulations.
• Provides technical assistance, data analysis, scientific information and research support to TRAFFIC staff in Europe and to the TRAFFIC network and, as appropriate, to related national and international agencies and organisations
• Analyses trade data and information, produces scientific and technical documents and reports for internal and external use, and formulates recommendations for TRAFFIC in Europe, other TRAFFIC offices, WWF and IUCN, the CITES Secretariat, the European Commission, government agencies, and other appropriate audiences.
• Responds to general enquiries that are directed to TRAFFIC in Europe as appropriate.
• Participates in international meetings and conferences as appropriate, and reports back on these meetings.
• Liaises with relevant WWF and IUCN programmes and regional/national offices in Europe programme and keeps up-to-date and informed about activities related to wildlife conservation, trade and utilisation within Europe and maintains good working relationships with the European Commission, the CITES Secretariat, WWF, IUCN, governmental and intergovernmental agencies in Europe, and relevant NGOs.
• Maintains links and good working relationships with the European Commission, the CITES Secretariat, WWF, IUCN, governmental and intergovernmental agencies, and relevant NGOs
• Assists with reporting on TRAFFIC’s programme implementation in Europe.
• Assists in fund-raising efforts and in development of funding proposals for TRAFFIC in Europe.

Requirements

• University qualifications in ecology, resource management, environmental policy or law, preferably related to wildlife trade, or at the minimum an environmental policy-related focus.
• Practical experience in international wildlife conservation preferably with government or an international Non-governmental Organisation (NGO) / Inter-governmental Organisation (IGO);
• A good understanding of international nature conservation laws and agreements, and of relevant regulations and legislation in the European Union and in other European regions;
• Understanding of legislative and policy issues pertaining to wildlife trade and conservation, including the implementation of CITES;
• Good knowledge of the European Union and its environmental / development policies;
• Strong research, analytical and organisational skills, with attention to detail, experience in investigating and researching wildlife trade issues;
• Ability to work under pressure and to set own work priorities as appropriate and a capacity to meet deadlines;
• Familiar with the goals and operation of TRAFFIC is desirable;
• Fluency in spoken and written English; fluency in other languages used in the European Union (preferably French and/or German) or in EU neighbouring countries, an advantage.
• Strong communication, analytical and presentation skills, including strong writing abilities in the English language;
• An ability to work co-operatively as part of a small team with strong inter-personal skills and an ability to work in different cultural contexts;
• Willing and able to travel.

Applications

Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK.  Applicants are requested to apply online through the IUCN HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the “Apply” button at:

https://hrms.iucn.org/iresy/index.cfm?event=vac.show&vacId=1097

REPORTS TO:                     Wildlife Trade Analyst – Europe

DURATION:                         12 Month fixed term contract (possibility of extension)

SALARY RANGE:       £25,000 – £28,000 p.a.  (dependent on skills and experience)

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:   21 June 2015