Postdoc Technical Support Unit IPBES Spatial planning assessment

Established in April 2012, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has a membership of about 150 Governments (see www.ipbes.net) and seeks to respond to the needs of governments and other stakeholders to strengthen the science-policy interface on biodiversity and ecosystem services.
This postdoc position is located at the technical support unit for the IPBES spatial planning and connectivity assessment (https://www.ipbes.net/spatial-planning-assessment) at the Institute for Environmental Studies at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Together with a junior researcher the postdoc will be responsible for providing technical support for the production of the assessment by a large group of international experts. This entails both ensuring a smooth operation of the collaboration amongst a very diverse group of experts as well as supporting the assessment with literature search and small research components aimed at synthesizing existing knowledge.

Your duties

• works under the scientific guidance of the Assessment's Co-Chairs with the entire group of experts, and with those members of the IPBES Bureau and Multidisciplinary Expert Panel (MEP)
• coordinates the overall production of the Assessment, including front matters, summary for policymakers, chapters and back matters, in line with the Plenary approved process, timeline and budget, as well as with relevant IPBES and UNEP rules and procedures
• assists experts in delivering their work, including by compiling and editing material for the assessment drafts, or by responding to their requests (e.g., for literature, data, etc.)
• organizes, prepares and facilitates all assessment-related meetings, including all author meetings, including by preparing documents and overseeing logistical aspects
• organizes and supports all internal and external review processes
• prepares, in coordination with the IPBES communications team, outreach and other communication material related to the Assessment.

Requirements:

• PhD degree in Spatial Planning, Ecology or Geography with strong knowledge on Spatial Planning
• good communication skills and willingness to support a broad and diverse authorship team
• excellent writing skills as shown by a strong publication record
• good planning and management skills required to ensure the assessment is conducted following the set time schedule

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

Salary Benefits:

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of minimum € 3.378,00 (Scale 10) and maximum € 5.331,00 (Scale 10) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Researcher 4. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
• a position for at least 0.8 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 1 year. Upon good performance and continuity in the financing of this position the contract will be prolonged with 2 more years.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• solid pension scheme (ABP)
• child daycare facilities available on campus
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge

De Boelelaan 1100