The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) is looking for a dynamic Science Writer

[Tim Hirsch]

The Secretariat of the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), located in Copenhagen, Denmark, is seeking a dynamic Science Writer, to help communicate the value of GBIF’s work to key audiences.

Among the tasks of the Science Writer will be to:

• Ensure consistency of language and messaging across GBIF publications and platforms, based on needs and audiences identified in the forthcoming GBIF Communications Strategy;
• Develop and maintain dynamic news content in the portal, especially relating to the use of GBIF-mediated data in research and policy;
• Develop and maintain static content on the portal, especially relating to uses and applications of GBIF in research and policy;
• In collaboration with colleagues involved in scientific literature tracking, author content for the annual GBIF Science Review;
• Generate content for other communication platforms including the bimonthly newsletter GBits and Annual Report, as well as promotional materials;
• Generate engaging news and feature material reflecting the range and importance of GBIF’s activities, for placing in key specialist and general-interest media;
• Collaborate with colleagues in production of guides, manuals and training materials to support capture, sharing and use of biodiversity data;
• Develop and lead production of multimedia resources including video, podcast and presentation materials;
• Develop innovative use of social media for engagement;
• Coordinate authoring and placing of articles in academic journals and other publications to reinforce strategic messaging needs for GBIF.

Desirable skills and experience
The successful candidate must be an excellent writer and communicator in English (the primary language used in GBIF), with at least five years’ experience in journalism and/or public relations. Experience in science communication will be an advantage. You must demonstrate the ability to understand complex issues relating to biological sciences, informatics, biodiversity policy and global environmental governance, and communicate them accurately and engagingly to different audiences with variable specialist knowledge. You must show drive and innovation in using up to date communication techniques to help make GBIF better known and understood to its critical stakeholders.

A working knowledge of at least one other language, in particular French or Spanish, will be an advantage.

You will work alongside the Communications Officer and will be part of the GBIF Secretariat’s Participation Group which includes among its functions:

• capturing the requirements of GBIF’s global participant and user communities through dialogue and feedback;
• facilitating participation of GBIF’s member countries and institutions through guidance, training, support and collaboration mechanisms;
• engaging with external networks in the policy, science and informatics areas to align GBIF’s work with global needs and processes; and
• communicating GBIF’s activities and value to key audiences including policy makers, researchers and the wider public.

You will report to the Head of Participation.

This post is an exciting opportunity to work in a multicultural environment for an international organisation at the cutting edge of scientific developments in biodiversity informatics for sustainable development. If you match these requirements and are able to start as soon as possible, we look forward to hearing from you.

Applications for the position should include:

• a letter of application addressing your experience relating to the listed assignments and why you feel you are the right person for the job;
• a curriculum vitae;
• the names of two referees; and
• two examples of your published work.

Please submit your application in English by e-mail to [e-mail] by 15 January 2014, indicating where you saw this notice. Enquiries concerning the position can be addressed to Head of Participation, Tim Hirsch at [e-mail], and concerning HR issues to HR Manager, Susanne Sheldon at [e-mail].

Interviews for the position are expected to take place between 27 and 31 January 2014, and we ask applicants to indicate their availability on those dates in their applications.

Download the full notification here