Programme Officer, Business & Nature

BACKGROUND

IUCN’s Business & Nature Global Team is responsible for developing and delivering a coherent
and impactful programme of work that leverages IUCN’s knowledge, tools, metrics, and approaches to
accelerate the adoption by companies of practices that deliver nature positive outcomes and
societal benefits. This programme is delivered primarily through the development of private sector
and public partnerships and action at the corporate, sectoral, supply chain, and regulatory levels.
It is centred around three key work areas: (1) data, metrics and knowledge products for effective
private sector deployment; (2) innovative investment pipeline development; and, (3) technical
support & analytics. All of which is implemented through a diverse project portfolio delivered
in collaboration with IUCN’s Regional and Country Offices, thematic teams, and members.

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY

The Programme Officer, Business & Nature supports the coordination and implementation of IUCN’s Business & Nature activities related to key areas (1) and (3) to support the delivery of measurable Nature Positive outcomes aligned with IUCN Programme targets, whilst generating high quality knowledge and learning. S/he supports the management of collaborative partnerships with global companies and public actors in sectors with important impacts on biodiversity (including but not limited to the metals and mining, aggregates, paper & pulp, or chemicals industries) and contributes to the renewal of the portfolio. In doing so, s/he will be expected to collaborate closely with the Biodiversity Assessment and Knowledge Team, other thematic Teams, IUCN’s Regional and Country Offices, as well as with Commissions, and members as necessary and to ensure that lessons learnt are integrated into the programmes policy and knowledge work.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Senior Programme Coordinator, Business & Nature, the main duties and responsibilities include:

1. Project Management and Delivery

• Provide support as required through the provision of targeted inputs on IUCN’s approach to
  measuring Nature Positive, the application of the mitigation hierarchy, and IUCN’s data,
  metrics and knowledge products (such as the Species Threat Abatement and Restoration (STAR)
  metric, and the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT), NbS Standard), with respect to
  project development, implementation, and reporting.
• Provide technical advice to internal, external partners and consultants on technical issues
  related to the application of these data, metrics and tools in the private sector.
• Develop tailored guidelines for the design and implementation of holistic
  programs/projects.
• Conduct desk research and analysis to support implementation of Business & Nature
  projects.
• As appropriate, take lead of assigned responsibilities for specific components of project
  implementation / operations and contribute to promoting the application the implementation of
  IUCN’s relevant policies.
• Lead on tasks such as drafting and coordinating Terms of Reference, risk assessments and
  due diligence, and coordinate specific consultant, Commission and/or partner inputs to ensure
  alignment with project outcomes.
• Compile progress reports from projects, synthesize information, track deliverables,
• Organise and facilitate meetings, workshops with stakeholders and Steering Committees with
  partners.
• Work with colleagues to ensure effective implementation of monitoring, evaluation and
  learning frameworks for project as required.

2. Knowledge development, communication and training

• Contribute to developing terms of reference for knowledge outputs and support the
  management of leading units or consultants.
• Coordinate the development and dissemination of knowledge outputs and communication
  materials to promote IUCN’s work, and as appropriate, take lead and the assigned responsibility
  for specific components of knowledge or tool outputs.
• Contribute to review of draft publications, tools and reports as necessary across the
  programme of work to ensure accuracy and consistency of IUCN’s approach and liaise with team
  members in charge of communication and policy engagement.
• Provide specific technical advice and inputs to IUCN thematic units and regions with
  respect to ensuring that the development of publications, tools and knowledge are consistent
  with the Business & Nature Team’s business lines.
• Develop content for training and capacity building, and support the delivery of (virtual or
  in-person) capacity building processes through organising workshops and technical webinars in
  coordination with internal and external partners and with IUCN Academy as needed.

3. Support for networking and coordination

• Help to establish effective internal information sharing and coordination between IUCN
  programmes and offices working on Nature Positive and with high impact sectors.
• Contribute to facilitating internal IUCN working groups on the measuring Nature Positive
  approach, tools and learning from its application by businesses.
• Represent IUCN in assigned stakeholders groups and initiatives.

The above job description contains the main duties and responsibilities for this position. However, in a small organization such as IUCN, staff members are expected to show flexibility in their approach to work and be willing to undertake other tasks that are reasonably allocated to them, but which are not part of their regular job description. Where any task becomes a regular part of an employee’s responsibilities, the job description will be changed in consultation with the employee and the Human Resources Management Group. 

REQUIREMENTS 

• Master’s degree in Biodiversity, Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources Management,
  Environmental Policy, Sustainability Management, or another relevant field. Strong grounding in
  biodiversity, conservation, sustainable development and social science concepts and theory,
  beyond immediate field of expertise.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in project delivery, and minimum 2 required in engaging and
  working with the private sector on biodiversity themes, with a preference for experience on the
  ground (environmental and/or biodiversity assessments, biodiversity net gain reviews or
  monitoring, certifications).
• Technical understanding of IUCN key standards and tools (in particular, IUCN Red List of
  Threatened Species, IUCN Red List of Ecosystems, Nature-based Solutions global standard,
  Species Threat Abatement and Restoration (STAR) metric, IBAT – Integrated Biodiversity
  Assessment Tool)
• Strong analytical skills and ability to work with complex data.
• Proven ability to work in multi-disciplinary groups.
• Excellent organizational and networking skills, team-oriented attitude and ability to work
  independently.
• Ability to take initiative, exercise good judgment, think laterally and resolve complex
  issues in a dynamic and changing environment.
• Experience in all phases of programme/project development, including planning, execution,
  monitoring & evaluation, technical and financial management and reporting.
• Experience in supporting training and other capacity building activities with an emphasis
  on providing access to scientific knowledge and standards to non-scientific audiences.
• Works well under pressure, with the ability to prioritise and successfully optimise the
  allocation of time, people, and other resources.
• Professionalism and diplomacy in communicating cross-culturally and with diverse audiences.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Proficiency in written and spoken.
  French and/or Spanish is desirable.
• Applicants must have the right to live and work in the United Kingdom