Overview

Title of post: Tree Red List Coordinator
Job Purpose: To manage the processing and publication of tree IUCN Red List assessments
Contract Type: Full-time
Duration: 20 months Fixed Term Appointment
Location: IUCN Red List Unit, Cambridge
Remuneration: Approximately £30,000 dependent on level of qualifications within a broad range (experience, education, training)

Position 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.

About BGCI

There are an estimated 2,500 botanic gardens and arboreta in the world attracting 750 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 they 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.

Central to BGCI’s role in advocating for the botanic garden community is our efforts to communicate about the important conservation work being carried out by BGCI, our members, and our partners. We recently launched a landmark report, ‘State of the World’s Trees’, documenting the conservation status of the world’s 60,000 tree species. This report indicated that 30% of the world’s tree species are at risk of extinction.

Detailed Position 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. This also aligns with the IUCN Red List Strategic Plan to expand the taxonomic and geographic coverage of the IUCN Red List.

BGCI is therefore recruiting a 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:

• adding and checking tree taxonomy
• 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 IUCN Red List assessments. This will include:

• supporting 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

BGCI is seeking to appoint a person with focus on the management and processing of tree Red List assessments. Candidates for this post will have a proven track record working for a conservation or scientific organisation, preferably in plant conservation. The post holder will demonstrate sensitivity to complex, multicultural, and multinational institutions and structures.

Education and Experience

Essential

• A graduate level qualification in conservation, environment, science or another relevant discipline
• Excellent understanding of the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.
• Experience in interacting with international organisations and individuals
• Proven track record in delivering projects on time.

Desirable

• Certification in IUCN Red List training
• Work experience in botanic gardens, plants or related disciplines
• Experience of database functionality and development
• Overseas work/travel experience

Skills and competencies

Essential

• Strong editing and writing skills in English.
• High attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience using and managing data in databases e.g. MS Access.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Desirable

• Taxonomic and nomenclature knowledge
• Proven skills using GIS software.
• Command of Spanish, Portuguese or French (able to read, write and speak)

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit a CV and a cover letter of two pages maximum, explaining the candidate’s motivation and providing concrete evidence of why they are suitable for the position.

Please send your CV and cover letter to info@bgci.org

Closing date for applications:  8th May 2022

BGCI is committed to putting equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of our organisation. We are committed to ensuring a working environment in which all individuals are free from discrimination and in which opportunities are equal to all. We encourage applications from all sections of the community, particularly those underrepresented within our sector.