The GEO-TREES project, a new initiative of the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), is hiring a Project Coordinator.

GEO-TREES supports the establishment and development of a global activity of in situ biomass reference measurement sites, to validate satellite-based forest biomass observation instruments. These sites will provide, at global scale, high-quality, georeferenced data (forest census, terrestrial, and airborne lidar) to support global space-based forest biomass mapping. The project coordinator will be responsible for ensuring communication between the participating scientists (remote sensing and ecology), creating links with other potential partners (funders), and helping with the technical implementation of the research programme.

• Develop an effective organisational structure for the GEO-TREES activity (ESA, NASA, CNES, ForestPlots, ForestGEO), taking into account the distributed network of its supporting partners. This includes contributing to the establishment of the framework, such as the governance principles, as well as practical aspects such as organising communication and reporting.
• Liaise with potential GEO-TREES partners (e.g., policy-makers, governmental and non-governmental agencies, and funding bodies, including corporations, philanthropists) This includes networking with these organisations, organising and leading meetings, preparing presentation materials and writing reports.
• Support the technical implementation of the GEO-TREES objectives. This includes understanding the harmonisation of measurement, data processing and data transfer protocols, and their appropriate documentation and implementation. This task requires to broker between the teams that take measurements on the ground, the teams that process the data and the platforms that share the data.
• Communicate GEO-TREES science to diverse audiences. This includes promoting GEO-TREES in meetings, workshops and conferences.

The candidate is expected to have:

• International networking experience.
• Strong communications skills.
• Aptitude to think strategically and prepare relevant documents and presentation material.
• Knowledge of the agencies involved in earth observation and forest monitoring programs would be beneficial.
• Familiarity with some aspects of the science is preferred, but the applicant is not expected to be a specialist in remote sensing or ecology.

The successful candidate will hold a Masters or PhD in a field related to the position, e.g. international policy, environmental management, or remote sensing/ecology. S/he is expected to be independent, highly motivated and industrious with seeking sources of support, exploring avenues of interest. Fluency in English, and at least one other language (Spanish, French, Portuguese, Malay) is preferred. Web and social media skills are required. Desirable qualifications include a previous experience in a multidisciplinary environment; and experience at working in a relevant academic, government agency, philanthropic or commercial organization.

The position of CNRS Research Engineer (non-tenured) is open at the EDB research unit (Evolution and Biological Diversity; CNRS, IRD, Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse 3), in Toulouse, France, under the responsibility of the GEO-TREES project lead, for a period of 24 months. Funding is provided by the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), in support of the GEO-TREES initiative.

Application Deadline: 30 September 2021

Apply Now.

Image by Robert Balog from Pixabay.

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