The Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) aims to be the most comprehensive gateway to the world’s ocean biodiversity and biogeographic data and information required to address pressing coastal and world ocean concerns. Its mission is to build and maintain a global alliance that collaborates with scientific communities to facilitate free and open access to, and application of, biodiversity and biogeographic data and information on marine life. OBIS is a programme component of the International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE) programme of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO.

More than 30 OBIS nodes around the world connect over 1,000 institutions from 100 countries. Collectively, they have provided over 120 million observations of 180,000 marine species, from Bacteria to Whales, from the surface to the deepest trenches, and from the Tropics to the Poles.

The datasets are integrated so users can search and map them all seamlessly by species name, higher taxonomic level, geographic area, depth, time and environmental parameters. OBIS is underpinned by an advanced and sophisticated web-enabled database system that not only ensures the long-term secure archival of the OBIS data, but also provides constantly evolving products and services developed based on user requirements.

The OBIS Secretariat is based at the IOC Project Office for IODE in Oostende, Belgium. As Programme Specialist, you will join a small but dynamic team that is responsible for the coordination and implementation of the OBIS programme. The team consists of colleagues in Oostende as well as in other parts of the world.

Under the overall authority of the Executive Secretary of IOC, direct supervision from the Head, IOC Project Office for IODE, and in close collaboration with the OBIS programme component manager, the incumbent is responsible for the technical and scientific coordination, implementation and maintenance of the OBIS data system and planning of related programme activities.

This is a unique opportunity for a motivated and experienced individual who wishes to further develop their career in marine biodiversity information.

Requirements

• Advanced University degree (Master's or equivalent) in environmental, marine or biological sciences.
• A minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience in the area of marine biodiversity informatics, of which preferably two (2) years acquired at international level.
• Demonstrated experience in IT web-enabled scientific database development and management.
• Familiarity with ocean sampling techniques and scientific data analysis workflows.
• Familiarity with biodiversity concepts and statistical analysis of biodiversity data.
• Professional experience of project management, or other relevant management and coordination experience.

Apply before the deadline on the 15th of March!