RRC-CWA Vacancy Announcement

The Ramsar Regional Centre for Training and Research on Wetlands in Central and West Asia (RRC-CWA) has vacancies for an Administrative Officer and a Communication Officer.

The 8th Conference of the Parties (Valencia 2002) to the Ramsar Convention by approving Resolution VIII.41, welcomed the establishment of a Ramsar Regional Centre for Training and Research on Wetlands in Western and Central Asia, in the city of Ramsar, and its intention to develop this regional centre, and expressed its approval for this initiative.

The Centre works to meet the wetland training and research needs of the Ramsar Convention in the Central and West Asia Region as defined by the Ramsar Secretariat. The Centre will also seek to work with other Contracting and non Contracting Parties in all activities and in particular, to learn from the countries with special experience in wetland conservation and wise use.

A 12 month renewable contract is offered with a trial period of three months. 

Responsibilities of the Communication Officer:

• Provide environmental communication, education, participation and awareness opportunities through the organizing and participation in conferences, short courses, seminars and publications, at both the local and regional level
• Provides technical expertise on CEPA for organizations and governments seeking assistance for conservation of wetlands.
• Coordinate the design, planning, implementation and monitoring of the Program for Strengthening of Capacities and Research o­n Wetlands based o­n RRC-CWA objectives. 
• Coordinate, organize and promote training events related to wetlands
• Maintain constant communication with Ramsar Contracting Parties in Central and West Asia and with other partners in relation with the specific technical functions of the position.
• Contribute and support in RRC-CWA strategic and financial planning process within the framework of the position.
• Prepare technical reports on the programs under his/her responsibility to the Executive Director, the Ramsar Convention Secretariat, donors, and others, in a timely manner. 
• Perform administrative tasks related to his/her responsibilities. 
• Follow up and evaluate personnel under his/her charge.
• Maintain inventory control of goods and project supplies under his/her responsibility.
• Other tasks requested by the Executive Director based o­n the job description.
• Provide information to develop proposals and as input to the Centre’s newsletter and website.
• Support in the development of projects to strengthen the wetlands network of international importance in the West and Central Asia.
• Organize training events in wetlands issues when the Centre’s has direct responsibility to carry out the training and provide logistic support to Governments and/or other entities when they are in charge of providing the training o­n behalf of the Centre.
• Identify and collect relevant training material produce by other organizations and share the materials with partners in the region through email or by posting the documents in the website.
• Produce didactic and audiovisual materials for trainings about wetlands and the training program
• Support in eventual administrative tasks, in coordination with Executive Director. 

Communication Officer requirements:

• Academic profile: professional in the field of environmental studies.
• At least 5 years experience in wetlands ecosystems. Experience at regional level in Central and/or West Asia will add value.
• Proven knowledge of the Ramsar Convention, its aims and operation.
• Studies or experience in capacity building with emphasis in wetlands and related issues to the implementation of the Ramsar Convention.
• Experience in promoting and raising awareness about wetlands and in the development of training materials (i.e. didactic, audiovisual and for environmental education).
• Experience in website design and maintenance
• Experience with community work and in the governmental sector. 
• National and resident of a country in Central or West Asia
• Capacity for teamwork and organization skills, as well as respect for cultural diversity
• Availability to travel (locally or internationally) according to the needs and requirements of the position.
• Languages: High proficiency in English. Knowledge of Farsi, Russian and/or Arabic desirable.
• Strong oral and writing skills.
• Creativity and initiative.

Software knowledge: Word, Excel, PowerPoint

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Responsibilities of the Administrative Officer:

• Work with Communication Officer to coordinate the design, planning, implementation and monitoring of the Program for Strengthening of Capacities and Research o­n Wetlands based o­n RRC-CWA objectives. 
• Work with Communication Officer to coordinate, organize and promote training events related to wetlands.
• Support the development, maintenance of a database for regional wetlands specialists (including speakers, facilitators and trainers by thematic area).
• Contribute and support the RRC-CWA’s strategic and financial planning process within the framework of the position.
• Perform administrative tasks related to his/her responsibilities.
• Follow up and evaluate personnel under his/her charge.
• Prepare technical and financial reports of the programs under his/her responsibility to the Executive Director, donors, and others, in timely manner.
• Maintain inventory control of goods and project supplies under his/her responsibility.
• Other tasks requested by the Executive Director based o­n the job description. 
• Organize training events in wetlands issues when the Centre’s has direct responsibility to carry out the training and provide logistic support to Governments and/or other entities when they are in charge of providing the training o­n behalf of the Centre.
• Support in eventual administrative tasks, in coordination with Executive Director. 

Administrative Officer Requirements

• Academic profile: professional in the field of environmental studies
• At least 5 years experience in wetlands ecosystems. Experience at regional level in the Central and West Asia will add value. Proven knowledge of the Ramsar Convention, its aims and operation.
• Proven experience o­n project planning and management. To have participated in a successful project supported by the Ramsar Convention will be an asset.
• National and resident of a country in Central or West Asia
• Capacity for teamwork and organization skills, as well as respect for cultural diversity
• Availability to travel (locally or internationally) according to the needs and requirements of the position.
• Languages: High proficiency in English. Knowledge of Farsi, Russian and/or Arabic desirable.
• Strong oral and writing skills.
• Creativity and initiative.

Software knowledge: Word, Excel, Power Point.

Applications should be sent in English with the following documents before 30 August 2010:

a) Covering letter and expression of interest.
b) Curriculum vitae, including a recent photo
c) Name and contact details of 3 referees.

Applications can be sent by email to:

Ms. Yasaman Rajabkhah, Director
Ramsar Regional Centre – West and Central Asia
Fax: 0098 (0) 21 88241659 E-mail: yasamanr@gmail.com 

and copied to:

Dr. Lew Young
Senior Regional Advisor for Asia-Oceania
Ramsar Convention Secretariat
Fax: +41 (0)22 999 0169; E-mail: young@ramsar.org