The IABIN Network is envisioned as a highly decentralized partnership between governments and organizations but it is considered that it still needs a small Secretariat to provide a physical home for the Network and for a small number of key staff to champion the Network and promote its development.

Day-to-day activities of IABIN are managing by the IABIN Secretariat. The IABIN Secretariat is conformed for four people: Secretary Director , a Content Manager, a Technical Specialist and an Administrative Assistant.

The IABIN Secretariat has functions and responsibilities as the coordinating organization of the IABIN Network and also has a role in coordinating many aspects of the implementation of a future GEF World Bank-implemented project.

In summary, the principal functions of the Secretariat are the following:

Interoperability and Access to Data:

• Supervise the operation of the basic network infrastructure: IABIN Catalog Service and Thematic Networks;

• Facilitate the development of the network (e.g., assess capacity, identify areas for restructuring or investment, seek support);

• Manage data on the status and availability of the network's capacity;

• Provide network and user support, possibly including a help desk;

• Seek agreements on the use of standards and protocols to ensure compatibility of diverse data sources within the region;

• Implement policies for the use of information (Intellectual property rights and code of ethics on access and data sharing);

• Monitoring the needs of the user community;

• Develop a biodiversity informatics directory in conjunction with CHM, academic institutions and other partners that documents each institution's functionality, interoperability, and content; and

• Create the Expert Committees for the Catalog Services and Thematic Networks.

Data Content Creation:

• Quality control and validation of information;

• Digitization of biodiversity data;

• Determine data content creation priorities; and

• Data Hosting.

Information Products for Decision Makers:

• Identify the specific needs for value-added information products; and

• Provide visualization and data integration tools to improve the usability of data in the decision making process.

Sustainability of IABIN:

• Seek sources of funding for the operation of the Secretariat and other activities (e.g., IABIN Council meetings);

• Help coordinate the IABIN Foundation;

• Support the IABIN Council, Executive Committee, ad hoc working groups, and particularly National Focal Points;

• Promote cooperation amongst the network's partners through meetings, workshops, newsletters, etc;

• Facilitate understanding of and commitment to the network's goals (e.g., issues being addressed, users to be served);

• Preparation of strategic plans for product development and services;

• Serve as liaison to Development Gateway;

• Target better information access to indigenous peoples;

• Implementation of strategic plans (e.g., through formation of multi-partner teams);

• Facilitate access to data (e.g., through custodianship, data access agreements, Memoranda of Understanding, implementation of standards);

• Brief the network's partners on new opportunities, plans and progress (e.g. newsletters, email);

• Handle inquiries about the network's activities, referring to individual partners as appropriate;

• Maintain copies of the network's products and services for distribution to users;

• Consolidate IABIN partners throughout the Hemisphere and coordinate with other regional biodiversity networks, GBIF and CHM; and

• Maintain the IABIN Portal.

Administration:

• Development of TORs for consultants and requests for proposals;

• Coordinate evaluation of proposals and consultants;

• Reporting to donors;

• Prepare quarterly inputs for IEC review; and

• Monitor and evaluate project effectiveness.