Position vacancy at Regional Centre in Ramsar, Iran

Here is an announcement from the Regional Training and Research Centre for Central and Western Asia (RRC-CWA) in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Please note that the RRC-CWA has been endorsed by the Conference of the Parties as a "Regional Initiative endorsed as operating within the framework of the Ramsar Convention and considered appropriate for funding in 2006-2011", in the "training and capacity building" category, and has been allocated continued funding support until 2011, among other Regional Initiatives. It is not, however, a legal or administrative part of the Ramsar Convention or Secretariat.

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POSITION VACANCY: Executive Director

Location: Regional Training and Research Centre for Central and Western Asia Ramsar Town, Islamic Republic of Iran

Post title: Executive Director

Work percentage: 100%

Duty station: Ramsar town, Islamic Republic of Iran

Reporting to: Collaborative Management Board

Background

The 8th Conference of Parties to the Ramsar Convention held in Valencia, Spain, from 18 to 26 November 2002, expressed its approval of the establishment of a Ramsar Regional Centre for Training and Research on Wetlands in Western and Central Asia in Ramsar city, I. R. Iran, by adopting Resolution VIII.41. The RRC-CWA will enhance the implementation of the Ramsar Convention in the region through training, research, advocacy and public awareness programmes. The centre will work to support the implementation activities of Contracting Parties for the effective management and conservation of wetlands, through delivery of the following objectives:

• Build human capacity and engage in outreach 
• Promote scientific and technical cooperation and exchange of knowledge, including traditional knowledge, 
• Promote wise use of wetlands through research and sustainable management 
• Encourage accession of non-Contracting Parties in the region.

For more information, please visit: www-rrc-cwa.com

Duties of the Executive Director

• The Executive Director will be legal representative of the Centre and will carry out the following functions:
• Preparation and submission for consideration of the Collaborative Management Board of the annual work plan of the Centre with the corresponding budget;
• Representation of the Centre in activities as required and in any required legal capacity;
• Planning, management, organization, monitoring and evaluation of all the activities of the Centre;
• Adoption of the mechanism required to inform the general public and the national, regional and international scientific communities about the activities carried out;
• Administration of the budget of the Centre;
• Cooperation with Ramsar Secretariat on technical activities;
• Preparation and submission of annual report to the Ramsar Secretariat no later than 1 December;
• Informing the Administrative Authorities of relevant Parties of the Ramsar Convention in the Region about programmes and activities carried out by the Centre every year or at the request of the Administrative Authorities;
• Other functions as determined by the Management Board.

Selection Criteria and Qualifications

• The principal qualities required are enthusiasm and a commitment to wetland conservation and wise use in Central and Western Asia.
• A university degree (preferably a post-graduate degree) in a subject relevant to wetland conservation and/or sustainable use, environment education.
• A minimum of 5 years professional experience in wetland-related research and/or conservation implementation, training and capacity building.
• A minimum of 3 years institutional management experience and has demonstrated track record success in leading the organization.
• Familiarity with the Ramsar Convention, and maintain close network connections with the countries in Central and Western Asia.
• Fluent in both written and spoken English. A good knowledge of Farsi, Russian and Arabic will be an advantage.
• Citizens of any Central and Western Asia countries will be privileged.

Post duration

This post is offered in the first instance until 31 December 2012. Subsequent renewal of the post will be subject to the decisions made by the Collaborative Management Board of the RRC-CWA.

Applications

Applications should include:

• An application letter in English of no more than two pages, briefly describing the suitability of the candidate for the post in relation to each of the selection criteria and qualifications listed above.
• A maximum one-page statement on the applicant's interpretation of the main scientific and technical challenges faced in Central and Western Asia.
• A curriculum vitae.
• The names/contact details of three referees, including one recent employer.

E-mail applications are preferred and should be sent to young@ramsar.org  and copied to nasermoghaddasi@yahoo.com before 28 January 2012.

Selection schedule

The schedule for the selection process is as follows:

• Applications are due by 28 January 2012. All applications will be acknowledged. 
• Those applicants who are short listed for interview will be informed by 2 February 2012.
• For short-listed applicants who are in Tehran, I.R. Iran during the Collaborative Management Board meeting in early February 2012, interviews will be taking place during the Board meeting itself. For overseas applicants, interviews will be conducted by teleconference during the same board meeting. The final decision will be made at the end of the Board meeting. 
• The starting date will be as soon as possible after 1 March 2012.