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Database Manager - IUCN /SSC African Elephant Specialist Group (AfESG), Eastern and Southern Africa

Vacancy #:884
Unit: Eastern and Southern Africa Region
Organization: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Location: Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office, Nairobi, Kenya
Reporting to:Volunteer- Senior Advisor
Work percentage:100%
Function group:P2
Expected start date:01 December 2014
Type of contract:Fixed-term (12 months)
Closing date:18 October 2014
BACKGROUND
The IUCN/SSC African Elephant Specialist Group (AfESG) maintains the African Elephant Database (AED). The Data Review Working Group (DRWG) of the AfESG oversees the AED, and all issues relating to the management of data on elephant distribution and numbers collected by, stored by, managed by, or disseminated by the AfESG. The AED consists of a PostGIS relational database, with a web-based data acquisition and visualization front end (http://elephantdatabase.org). Ruby on Rails and Google Fusion Tables are used in the web components. A Database Officer is in place in the AfESG, responsible for data input and primary outputs (tables and maps).
Main reporting line is to the Chair, IUCN/SSC African Elephant Specialist Group (Volunteer - IUCN ESARO) and with a technical reporting line to the Chair, Data Review Working Group of the IUCN/SSC African Elephant Specialist Group, the Database Manager is responsible for running the AED. This includes managing the database systems, overseeing updates to the system and web interface, supporting the DRWG and the AED user community, and overseeing the production of outputs derived from the AED.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Technical
  • Administer the AED and oversee all its technical aspects.
  • Oversee major updates to the AED structure and web interface.
  • Promote use of the AED with wildlife authorities and experts.
  • Network with wildlife and other sectors to obtain elephant population and distribution data.
  • Ensure integration between the African Elephant Database and the African Elephant Library
  • With the DRWG Chair, coordinate the activities of the DRWG.
  • Coordinate and oversee the survey review process, as outlined in the AED governance structure.
  • Maintain formal and informal contacts with governments, NGOs, and other data providers and data users.
  • Oversee relationship with the CITES MIKE programme and coordinate reporting to the CITES community.
  • Control quality and categorization of data input into the AED.
  • In coordination with the DRWG, develop and enhance the analytical capabilities of the AED.
  • In coordination with the DRWG, conduct spatial and statistical analysis of elephant populations and other relevant datasets.
  • In coordination with the DRWG, explore possibilities for undertaking trend analysis of data in the AED.
  • In coordination with the relevant task force, provide support to the Red List Assessment process.
  • Coordinate the production of products deriving from the AED, including the African Elephant Status Report and periodic reports to the Standing Committee of CITES, amongst others.
  • Prepare the first draft of African Elephant Status Reports and coordinate review process with relevant DRWG members.
B. Administrative
  • Supervise the Database Officer.
  • Plan and execute the production of outputs deriving from the AED.
  • Prepare and ensure adherence to standard operating procedures.
  • In coordination with the Administrative Officer, the DRWG Chair and AfESG Chair plan and organize meetings of the DRWG.
  • Produce technical reports to donors.
  • Manage AED funds and budgets in liaison with the Administrative Officer.
  • Raise funds to ensure the continuity of the AED.
C. Other
Other duties as directed by supervisors.
REQUIREMENTS
  • Formal training in biology, ecology and statistics (postgraduate degree preferred)
  • Familiarity with wildlife survey datasets
  • Demonstrated ability in and extensive experience with the use of GIS software, and ArcGIS and QGIS in particular
  • Demonstrated ability in PostGreSQL database management and administration
  • General familiarity with programming languages and web development frameworks. Current knowledge of (or capability to self-learn) how to maintain an application written in Ruby on Rails
  • Ability to conduct statistical and spatial analyses, and competence in the use of statistical packages such as Statistica and SPSS
  • Aptitude in the use of software applications at advanced user level, including office software, graphic manipulation and layout software, bibliographical database software, and website design software
  • Dedicated team worker, positive attitude
  • Ability to support and network with people from different backgrounds
  • Ability to present information – both written and graphical – in a clear and concise manner
  • Fluency in written and spoken English and at least a basic level of French, written and spoken
  • Experience in budgeting and fund administration
APPLICATIONS
Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the 'Apply' button.
Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST).
Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: http://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/
About IUCN
IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature, helps the world find pragmatic solutions to our most pressing environment and development challenges.
IUCN works on biodiversity, climate change, energy, human livelihoods and greening the world economy by supporting scientific research, managing field projects all over the world, and bringing governments, NGOs, the UN and companies together to develop policy, laws and best practice.
IUCN is the world's oldest and largest global environmental organization, with more than 1,200 government and NGO members and almost 11,000 volunteer experts in some 160 countries. IUCN's work is supported by over 1,000 staff in 45 offices and hundreds of partners in public, NGO and private sectors around the world.
www.iucn.org

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