Vacancy: Assistant Science Officer

Salary: Euros (35,000 – 45,000 net per year before income tax)
Location: Paris, France
Closing date: 7 December 2011

ICSU is a non-governmental organization whose mission is to strengthen international science for the benefit of society. ICSU is well established in developing and coordinating international research programmes, notably in the area of global environmental change. Recently, in an effort to further our understanding of the Earth System, ICSU and its partners have built an Alliance to establish a new 10-year Earth System Sustainability Initiative.

This position offers a unique opportunity to join the small team which is supporting the establishment and implementation of this new initiative.  Examples of work tasks include drafting reports, updating websites, providing support to organize meetings and interacting with ICSU partners and members.  The ICSU Secretariat, located in Paris, France, is a small international team of ~15 people and the ability to work in close cooperation with others is important.

ICSU is seeking candidates with the following:

Qualifications and knowledge

• Good science background (Master’s degree or higher, in a relevant natural or social science discipline) and a broad interest in science and science policy.

• Demonstrated experience in science project/programme administration.
• Excellent knowledge of English and preferably some knowledge of French and/or other languages.
• Good working knowledge of MS Office systems, and of electronic databases and Web sites.

Skills

• Ability to draft reports and summarize scientific information in English.
• Excellent organisational skills and the capacity to deliver on allocated tasks and respond in a timely manner to deadlines.
• Positive and constructive attitude.
• Action-orientated and responsible.
• Good interpersonal skills and readiness to work within a team environment.

The salary will be dependent on the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Applicants are requested to address the above description and qualifications in a cover letter and attach a curriculum vitae with the name and contact details of three referees.  Applications (preferably in one combined PDF file), should be sent via email with ‘Assistant Science Officer’ in the subject line to recruitment@icsu.org and addressed to Professor Deliang Chen, Executive Director, International Council for Science (ICSU).

The closing date for applications is 7 December 2011.  Interviews are expected to be held on 15 December.