Call for U.S. Nominations: Pool of Experts for 2nd World Ocean Assessment
– APRIL 16, 2018
 Ocean and seas boundaries map. Wikimedia Commons. From IHO 23-3rd: Limits of Oceans and Seas, Special Publication 23, 3rd Edition 1953, published by the International Hydrographic Organization. |
The United Nations is developing the 2nd World Ocean Assessment and is looking for scientists from a broad range of marine-related disciplines to join their Pool of Experts. Scientists with expertise in the world’s ocean and marine areas, and especially those with experience in social sciences, are encouraged to apply. The Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative encourages qualified members of its science community to participate, if interested.
The United Nations requires scientists who are internationally recognized as experts relevant to the topics that the 2nd World Ocean Assessment will address and who have the ability to serve in a voluntary and independent capacity. Time commitment to the effort is variable, depending on the role a member of the Pool of Experts chooses to fill (e.g. reviewer, commentator, or writing team member). The anticipated completion for the assessment is by 2020.
While the nomination period for the Pool of Experts will remain open, the deadline for the first round of nominations is Aril 30, 2018. This will allow the Group of Experts to constitute Writing Teams as soon as feasible with an expected completion date by May 31, 2018.
Building on the 1st World Ocean Assessment, the 2nd World Ocean Assessment is expected to produce a streamlined report describing the scientific aspects of threats to and conditions in our marine environment. The assessment is intended to be a useful resource for policy-makers and will serve as a key reference on the state of the marine environment.
Get Involved
For individuals working in the United States, please send a completed Personal History Form (see below) and your curriculum vitae to The U.S. National Focal Point for the second World Ocean Assessment Allison Reed, U.S. Department of State Office of Ocean and Polar Affairs at ReedAD@state.gov with a copy to Dr. David Halpern at david.halpern@jpl.nasa.gov.
The United Nations established a Group of Experts to have scientific oversight for the 2nd World Ocean Assessment, and this group will select members of writing teams, commentators, and reviewers from an international Pool of Experts. To participate as a member of a writing team or as a reviewer, you must be a member of the Pool of Experts.
The writing and reviewing efforts of the 2nd World Ocean Assessment will be conducted through electronic correspondence, including video and telephone communications; however, there may be an occasion for a face-to-face meeting. The U.S. Department of State and the United Nations, including their offices and divisions, have no funds to support the expenses of members of the Pool of Experts. Thus, applicants are encouraged to consult with their supervisors or program managers on the potential support for related time and travel.
Individuals working in other countries who wish to join the Pool of Experts should consult the National Focal Point in their country; a list of National Focal Points is available at http://www.un.org/depts/los/global_reporting/global_reporting.htm.
Personal History Form Details
Download the personal history form by going to http://www.un.org/depts/los/global_reporting/global_reporting.htm and then under “Appointment of the Pool of Experts,” click on the Bullet “Personal History Form for the nomination by the United Nations Member States of national experts to serve in the Pool of Experts of the Regular Process.”
Please read the Guidance for Contributors Part I and Part II, which appears immediately below the Personal History Form.
Scientists knowledgeable in subjects described in the Personal History Form are encouraged to join the Pool of Experts.
Background
For additional information about the World Ocean Assessment (aka Regular Process), please visit http://www.un.org/Depts/los/global_reporting/regular_process_background.pdf.
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