The Earth System Governance Project, hosted at the Faculty of Geosciences at Utrecht University, is looking to hire a Science & Communications Officer. The role offers a unique opportunity to work with leading research groups and projects in earth system governance research all over the world.

The Earth System Governance Project is a global network for collaborative research on the governance dimensions of global environmental change and earth system transformations. While the Earth System Governance Project is first and foremost a research based network, it also engages in global collaboration in teaching, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement.

Over the last decade, the Earth System Governance Project has grown into the largest global network of institutions and researchers in the field. It builds on a vibrant global community of hundreds of affiliated researchers, a series of annual open science conferences, a Global Alliance of Earth System Governance Research Centres, a global cluster of taskforces, associated projects and numerous smaller activities, and a network of affiliated publication series.

The International Project Office is the focal point for management and administration, as well as for the communication and network development efforts of the Earth System Governance Project. Utrecht University has been hosting the office since 1 January 2019 with financial and in-kind support by the Faculty of Geosciences, the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, and the Utrecht University Strategic Programmes 'Pathways to Sustainability' and 'Institutions for Open Societies'.

The Science & Communications Officer will be a core staff member of the Earth System Governance International Project Office, reporting directly to the Managing Director. The Science & Communications Officer will be responsible for organizing and implementing activities related to science communication and/or information dissemination on behalf of the International Project Office, as well as coordinating, facilitating, and supporting collaborative research efforts, events and activities of the Earth System Governance Project.

The Science & Communications Officer position tasks include:

• analysis and synthesis of activities, outputs, and impact of earth system governance research;
• monitoring of developments in relevant areas of research, identifying emerging research questions and trends;
• facilitation, liaison, support and development of new and ongoing research collaborations of the Earth System Governance Project;
• identifying, establishing, and maintaining connections with academic and policy institutions, relevant networks, projects, and relevant communities;
• monitoring of developments in relevant areas of policy making and identifying emerging relevant opportunities;
• developing and coordinating efforts to translate research findings into policy processes at all levels of governance;
• co-development and implementation of communication strategy and policy to strengthen and encourage engagement in the network;
• collecting, drafting and curating text information and content from and for the network for internal and external communication;
• curating, managing and monitoring the networks media channels, including social media, websites, newsletter, and other mailing lists;
• coordinating, communicating and implementing activities for the annual event on Earth System Governance and other minor events organized by the Project;
• promoting the Earth System Governance Project at various events and fora, and communicating activities and findings;
• liaison with and primary point of contact for all relevant entities at Utrecht University on communication matters.

We are looking for a Science & Communication Officer with the following qualifications:

Essential:

• at least a MA or MSc degree in a relevant academic social science discipline;
• advanced knowledge about global environmental change and sustainability issues;
• demonstrated skills in communication and network coordination. Experience with science communication and scientific research network coordination is an advantage;
• ability to work independently and multi-task with shifting priorities and tight deadlines, and an eye for consistency and detail;
• excellent (academic) communication and presentation skills. Fluency in English (C1/C2 level) and a strong command of the written language;
• willingness to work in an international team and travel sporadically.

Beneficial:

• experience with the Earth System Governance Project and its community;
• additional language skills are beneficial;
• proficient skills in the MS Office software and knowledge of digital communication tools (for example Wordpress, Mailchimp, etc.).

We offer a temporary employment of 1.0 FTE for the duration of 3 years. The minimum gross salary is €2,790 and the maximum gross salary is €4,402 (scale 10 of the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities) per month, at a full-time employment.

Besides that, you will receive a holiday allowance of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. Utrecht University also has an appealing package of terms of employment, including the choice for a good balance between work and private (a good arrangement for leave, among other things), possibilities for development and an excellent pension scheme. More information on working at Utrecht University can be found here.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.
Utrecht University's Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth's core to its surface, including man's spatial and material utilisation of the Earth - always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the Faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.

Utrecht University has been ranked first nationally in the 2017 Academic Ranking of World Universities, and 47th globally. The city of Utrecht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, with a charming old centre and an internationally oriented culture that is strongly influenced by its century-old university. Utrecht has been consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the Netherlands.

The International Project Office of the Earth System Governance Project is hosted by Utrecht University, Faculty of Geosciences; the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development; the Utrecht University Strategic Programme “Pathways to Sustainability”; and the Utrecht University Strategic Programme “Institutions for Open Societies”.