As a Researcher/Policy Advisor on Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS), you are responsible for providing information and guidance on ABS regulations to users in the Netherlands. You also offer information about access to Dutch genetic resources to users abroad. Additionally, you contribute to supporting and advising the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Nature (LVVN). You will mainly work in Wageningen, but will also regularly travel abroad.

Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS)
Nowadays, plants, animals, microorganisms, and viruses ("genetic resources") can no longer be freely collected and taken: permission is often required from the country from which a user wants to obtain the genetic resource, and benefits from using the genetic resources may need to be shared. ABS pertains to the international and national regulations for acquiring and using genetic resources, as well as the associated traditional knowledge, and the sharing of benefits from this use between suppliers and users.

As a Researcher/Policy Advisor on Access and Benefit-Sharing, you will work on raising awareness about ABS among various groups of genetic resource users in the Netherlands and ensure that sufficient knowledge is available regarding the background and content of the ABS legislation. You will also support and advise the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Nature (LVVN) in formulating policies on ABS, including preparing for and participating in international meetings.

Within the ABS National Focal Point (NFP) team, you will primarily be responsible for keeping the bilingual NFP website, the ABS newsletter, and social media communication up to date. Over time, the role is expected to expand into policy support and advice.

Your tasks and responsibilities as a Researcher/Policy Advisor on Access and Benefit-Sharing include:

• Keeping the bilingual NFP website (www.absfocalpoint.nl) up to date;
• Providing support to users regarding ABS, including answering written and oral inquiries, and giving presentations to and for different users of genetic resources;
• Communicating with users via newsletters and social media;
• Supporting and advising the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Nature (LVVN) in preparing for and participating in international meetings;
• Conducting research to support educational and policy activities on Access and Benefit-Sharing.

Your team
You will collaborate with the project leader of the ABS National Focal Point and other colleagues from the Centre for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands (CGN) in Wageningen. Your workplace will be in the plant cluster of CGN, within the Plant Sciences Group of Wageningen University & Research (WUR).

You are an enthusiastic, accurate, and customer-oriented team player with an interest in international treaties and legislation related to genetic resources, particularly Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS). You are well-organized, able to oversee multiple projects, have strong presentation skills, and can make complex information accessible.

You also possess:

• At least a university-level education in a field where plant, animal, and/or microbial genetic resources are used (e.g., plant sciences, animal sciences, microbiology, or biotechnology) or in policy or legal fields;
• Interest in and preferably already some knowledge and experience with international treaties and legislation on genetic resources, particularly Access and Benefit-Sharing;
• Strong oral and written communication skills in Dutch and English, enabling effective communication with both researchers and other users of genetic resources, as well as clients and international contacts.

In our international working environment, communication is increasingly conducted in English. For this role, a minimum language level of B2 is required. If you don't have this level yet, we will naturally assist you, and you can access language training at our Wageningen in’to Language center.

You see that there are sufficient challenges for you. These challenges can also be viewed as development opportunities. So, if you do not yet have the track record required for the vacancy but do have solid work experience, we would still like to invite you to apply.

Where you will work (who we are)
The CGN, part of Wageningen Plant Research, focuses on the conservation and provision of plant, tree, and animal genetic diversity, but is also heavily involved in national and international legislation in this area. The plant cluster of CGN (CGN-Plant) is a small, independent group with about 15 enthusiastic employees. CGN has been designated by the Dutch government as the National Focal Point (NFP) for Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS), regulating access to and the use of genetic resources, and the sharing of benefits arising from this use between suppliers and users. The NFP’s task is to provide information and education about ABS, ensuring that various groups of genetic resource users in the Netherlands are adequately aware of ABS and that sufficient knowledge exists about the background and content of the legislation, particularly the Nagoya Protocol and the EU ABS Regulation.

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed December bonus of 8,3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. We offer, depending on your experience, a competitive gross salary of between €3.202- and €5.949,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 10-11). Additionally, a contract for 0,8 FTE can be discussed. As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended - if possible within (company) organizational circumstances - on good performance. Of course, we are happy to have a conversation with you if you have any questions about this.

Wageningen University & Research encourages internal advancement opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a multi-faceted position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland and with your work you have a clear and positive impact on society. At WUR we work on the most pressing challenges of our time, like climate change and feeding the world in a sustainable way.

Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.

Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family. If you come with a partner, we offer a Dual Career group program organized by our Welcome Center. This program helps your partner to get familiar with the Dutch culture, labour market and assists your partner to find a job.

Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.

Wageningen University & Research

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.

For more information about this position, please contact Martin Brink, projectlead ABS National Focal Point, martin.brink@wur.nl

For more information about the procedure, please contact Dax Teunissen, Coörporate recruiter, vacaturemeldingen.psg@wur.nl

Do you want to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval.

This vacancy will be listed up to and including November 18th 2024.

Procedure
As part of our selection process, an assessment may be incorporated within the procedure

Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.