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.
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
Vacancy: Database Manager – IUCN /SSC African Elephant Specialist Group (AfESG)
Work Percentage: 100%
Expected start date: As soon as possible (pending donor funding)
Expected start date: As soon as possible (pending donor funding)
Type of contract: Fixed term contract
Closing date for Applications: 18 October 2014
Closing date for Applications: 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).
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.
Qualifications and Expertise
At least 5+ years of proven experience in a similar position with:
- 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
- Fluency in written and spoken English and at least a basic level of French, written and spoken
Applications For full job description, applicants are requested to apply online through the IUCN HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button: https://hrms.iucn.org/iresy/index.cfm?event=vac.show&vacId=884
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). This position is open to all interested candidates.
If you have not been contacted within one month of the closing date, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.
Regret letters will only be sent to interviewed candidates.
IUCN is an equal opportunity employer.
Qualified men, women and members of ethnic minorities or disadvantaged groups are encouraged to apply.
Other job opportunities are published on the IUCN website: http://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/