Overview

Summary
Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) is seeking to appoint a Tree Red List Coordinator to support the delivery of the Global Tree Assessment, which aims at assessing the conservation status of the world’s tree species. Candidates for this post will have excellent knowledge of the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria and a proven record of accomplishment to deliver projects on time.

The post holder will be able to work with a wide range of people and demonstrate sensitivity to complex, multicultural and multinational institutions and structures. The candidate will also need to have a strong attention to detail, and be willing to work to tight deadlines, both in a team and independently. The post-holder must also be willing to facilitate and support training workshops, and be an effective communicator.

Job Description
BGCI works with partners and experts to produce IUCN Red List assessments of the world’s trees. BGCI’s Red List programme is complementary to the Global Trees Campaign (GTC), a joint initiative between BGCI and Fauna & Flora International, which aims to prioritise and safeguard the world’s threatened tree species from extinction.

BGCI and the IUCN/SSC Global Tree Specialist Group are committed to delivering the Global Tree Assessment – conservation assessments for all trees by 2020. This also aligns with the IUCN Red List Strategic Plan of a more complete “Barometer of Life” to expand the taxonomic and geographic coverage of the IUCN Red List, also by 2020.

BGCI is therefore recruiting a new Tree Red List Coordinator to focus on the management and processing of tree Red List assessments to ensure that these targets are achieved. The post will be hosted by the IUCN Red List Unit in Cambridge.

We are looking for a Tree Red List Coordinator who will:

1. Manage the processing and validation of Red List assessments of trees submitted to the IUCN Red List. This will include:

quality and consistency checking of completed assessments
timely liaison with species experts contracted to assist with the assessments
liaison with all Specialist Groups who are working on assessments to ensure that work is ongoing
ensure that all assessments are being processed quickly
publish assessments when finalized

2. Work with BGCI and GTA partners to aid them in submission and processing of tree assessments. This will include:

support GTA partners in the use of SIS and SIS Connect
create working sets in SIS for GTA partners
support partners in producing digital species range maps (GIS)
support partners in completing high standard assessments
undertake Red List assessments when appropriate

3. Facilitate tree Red List assessment and review workshops. This will include:

guiding species experts in application of the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria
presentations on workshop methodologies and objectives
assistance with organization of workshops
active participation in tree assessments

4. Communicating BGCI’s GTA work to external audiences. This will include:

contributing to documents that will present the results of the GTA including taking the lead on certain technical parts
contribute to technical reports to donors

5. Other tasks. This will include:

show flexibility and undertake any task related to the GTA that needs immediate attention

Person Specification
Essential

A graduate level qualification in conservation, environment, science or another relevant discipline.
Excellent understanding of the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.
Strong editing and writing skills in English.
Excellent communication skills.
High proficiency in the use of MS Access and Excel.
Proven skills using GIS software.
Experience in interacting with international organisations and individuals.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Proven track record in delivering projects on time.

Desirable

Certification in Red List training.
Knowledge of botanic gardens, plants or related disciplines.
Knowledge of database functionality and development.
Overseas work/travel experience.
Taxonomic and nomenclature knowledge.
Command of Spanish or French (able to read, write and speak).

BGCI background information
There are an estimated 2500 botanic gardens and arboreta in the world attracting 500 million visitors each year. Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) is at the centre of this network. Our members include the largest, most renowned gardens on the planet – Kew, New York, Missouri, Singapore, Sydney and Shanghai –and they also include many smaller gardens situated in the world’s plant diversity hotspots. All of these member gardens share a commitment to making sure that no plant species becomes extinct and have a combined workforce of many thousands of horticulturalists and scientists working towards that end. BGCI provides support to its members in many different ways: we are an advocate for the botanic garden community, promoting the role of botanic gardens in plant conservation policy, practice and education; we connect people, co-ordinating efforts and bringing people together to exchange ideas; we are a knowledge hub, providing training, learning resources and professional support; and we provide funding and technical support to efforts aimed at saving plants.