Open call for the Chairperson of NETSOB
NETSOB works to promote the sustainable use and conservation of soil biodiversity. It brings together leading experts and existing initiatives to strengthen the scientific and technical capacity required to support the Global Soil Biodiversity Observatory (GLOSOB). NETSOB is one of the technical networks of the GSP.
The 5th Annual Meeting of the International Network on Soil Biodiversity (NETSOB) under the Global Soil Partnership (GSP) will take place on 15 April 2026, within the framework of the Global Soil Biodiversity Conference. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format, with some delegates participating onsite in Victoria, Canada, and others joining remotely via Zoom).
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The network supports the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in implementing the Plan of Action (2020–2030) for the International Initiative for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Soil Biodiversity.
To advance the implementation of the NETSOB workplan, the network seeks a committed and highly qualified individual to serve as Chairperson for a two-year mandate, to be appointed during the 5th NETSOB Annual Meeting (15 April 2026).
Responsibilities of the NETSOB Chairperson (two-year mandate)
- Ensure implementation of the outcomes of the Global Symposium on Soil Biodiversity (GSOBI21) and activities defined in the biannual workplan.
- Chair NETSOB meetings, ensuring timely delivery of objectives and outputs, and update the workplan as needed.
- Oversee progress and strengthen linkages between NETSOB and other GSP technical networks.
- Guide the downscaling of NETSOB activities to regional and national levels.
- Report jointly with the GSP Secretariat and the ITPS Chair to the GSP Plenary Assembly.
- Represent NETSOB at relevant network meetings and events to enhance visibility and impact.
- Facilitate implementation of GLOSOB and the CBD Plan of Action on soil biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.
More details here.
Candidate profile
Applicants for the NETSOB Chairperson position must:
- Be internationally recognized experts in soil biodiversity.
- Belong to, or have a proven record of collaboration with, international soil biodiversity networks.
- Be familiar with the CBD Plan of Action on soil biodiversity.
- Have sufficient availability to support implementation of the NETSOB and GLOSOB workplans.
- Have no conflicts of interest related to the objectives, data, or outputs of NETSOB or GLOSOB.
More details here.
Interested candidates are invited to submit a short motivation letter (maximum 400 words) and a summarized CV to the [email protected] by 20 March 2026. Please note that this position is not remunerated.
We look forward to receiving applications from qualified candidates and to welcoming many of you in Victoria for an engaging and productive Global Soil Biodiversity Conference.