May 24, 2016
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
The Global Crop Diversity Trust is an international organization with Headquarters in Bonn, Germany whose mission is to ensure the conservation and availability of crop diversity for food security worldwide. For further information about the Global Crop Diversity Trust, consult the web page at https://www.croptrust.org
Genesys is a global portal to accession-level information on plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. It currently holds the passport data of 2.6 million accessions from 447 collections. More information about Genesys can be found at https://www.genesyspgr.org.
The Crop Trust is starting a two-year project to implement a catalog of phenotypic datasets associated with genebank accessions on Geneys. In partnership with international, regional and national genebanks, the project will establish the initial catalog of datasets and look closely at data publication in genebanks.
The Global Crop Diversity Trust is seeking candidates for the position of:
Genesys Catalog Coordinator
Under the overall supervision of the Director of Science and Programs and the direct supervision of the Information Systems Manager at the Crop Trust, the Coordinator will work as part of the Science Team to contribute to the implementation of the Genesys Catalog of Phenotypic Datasets. The Coordinator will be based at the Trust’s offices in Bonn, Germany. Specifically the Coordinator will:
● Collate baseline information on existing approaches to data publishing in related technical fields; the platforms used, documentation of metadata, data-access rules including terms and conditions of use, attribution and other relevant norms;
● Develop draft procedures and checklists for preparing and sharing high-quality phenotypic datasets;
● Assist partner organizations in developing mechanisms for preparing phenotypic datasets and procedures for publication;
● Assist in documenting procedures and checklists for curating and quality-controlling primary phenotypic data; assist in processing quality-controlled data into summary data; and help develop best practices for tracking versions of released data;
● Maintain close communications with project partners, including visits to countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America as required;
● Assist in review of progress reports by partners and preparation of overall project work plans;
● Assist in design, documentation and troubleshooting of tools developed for publication of phenotypic datasets in the Genesys catalog;
● Collect feedback on implementation of the catalog by partners;
● Contribute to building strong partnerships and assist with coordinating the Crop Trust’s work with national and international plant genetic resources programs and networks, and relevant research institutions;
● Assist partners in publication of phenotypic datasets in the Genesys catalog; troubleshoot problems and provide advice and technical backstopping as needed;
● Prepare donor reports and other technical reports;
● Assist the Crop Trust communications team, whenever required, by providing any necessary technical background information about Genesys and the catalog;
● Perform any other duties as required.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience
● MSc in Informatics or biological/agricultural sciences with demonstrated experience in data curation and management;
● At least 3 years’ relevant work experience (or equivalent, such as e.g. time spent on relevant activities during training), preferably in an international environment;
● Understanding of meta-data standards (e.g. DublinCore), controlled vocabularies and ontologies (e.g. www.cropontology.org);
● Understanding of legal issues around data sharing (open access, open data);
● Strong computer skills including good knowledge of database and MS Office applications;
● Excellent English written and spoken required; knowledge of Spanish will be an advantage;
● Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to interact effectively with a wide range of collaborators from different cultural backgrounds.
Terms and Conditions: The Crop Trust offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary, non-contributory retirement savings plan, medical insurance and leave provisions. This is a Professional position classified as Level 4, with Level 6 being the highest. The salary range for Level 4 starts at Euro 55,000. All benefits are denominated and paid in Euros. Staff of the Crop Trust (including German nationals) are exempt from host country income tax. Relocation costs are covered for candidates residing outside of the Bonn/Cologne or surrounding areas. The contract will be for a period of 2 years, subject to a probationary period
of 6 months.
Applications: Interested candidates should submit the following (incomplete applications will not be considered):
1. A one-page summary of your qualifications and experience, indicating how you meet the expected set of skills and competencies for the position and your motivations for applying.
2. A list of projects that you have coordinated or assisted in coordinating with a description of your role in each. Please comment on your experience in project management and monitoring with multiple partners globally;
3. Your Curriculum Vitae in English;
4. Names and full contact details of at least three referees – please include at least one referee who can comment on your experience with managing datasets and data;
The above items should be sent to: Human Resources Office, Global Crop Diversity Trust, preferably by email at trustvacancy@croptrust.org no later than 10 June 2016. Alternatively, applications can be sent by mail to the following address: Platz der Vereinten Nationen 7, 53113 Bonn, Germany. All mailed applications must be postmarked by the above deadline. Please quote source of advertisement.
The Trust is an equal opportunity employer and strives for staff diversity in gender and nationality.
All applications will be acknowledged, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted