Programme Leader

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Description

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• Provide strategic leadership on program development, linking sport to the achievement of nature conservation and sustainable development across IUCN’s portfolio.
• Develop innovative and effective interventions and collaborations resulting in measurable impact toward a Nature Positive world.

• Lead IUCN and coordinate all strategic partners’ contributions to the Sports for Nature initiative.
• Ensure effective implementation and monitoring of Key Performance Indicators and governance involving all initiative partners.
• Provide effective support and engagement of Framework signatories to take action for nature.

• Lead the implementation of an effective business plan for the Sports for Nature Initiative.
• Ensure long-term effectiveness and sustainability of the initiative, mobilizing resources from public, private, and philanthropic donors.
• Engage with IUCN’s Patrons of Nature and senior leadership, including possible direct work with President, Council, and Director General.

• Act as the Sports for Nature partnership leader to enable effective collaborations with all initiative partners.
• Ensure open and effective communication, partnership working, and negotiation of solutions on collaborative issues.
• Focus on impacts achieved for nature conservation through sport, strategic communication, events, and branding.

• Represent and advocate for the Sports for Nature initiative in negotiations with existing and new partners.
• Participate in major events and activities associating Sport and Nature.

• Manage a team of high-performing professionals delivering the Sports for Nature Framework and other sports-related activities.
• Cultivate a dynamic, effective, and committed team engaged across the Union of IUCN and with partners.
• Ensure effective supervision of consultants, interns, and/or specific IUCN expertise required.

• Oversee project budgets and reporting according to IUCN policies and contractual agreements.
• Maintain close and effective working relationships and provide regular updates to IUCN partners and donors through agreed governance arrangements.

• Undertake other duties as required, commensurate with the responsibilities of the position, and the requirements of the team and Centre where it is based.

• Commitment to nature conservation and sustainable use.
• Ability to provide inspiration and strategic direction.

• Unimpeachable integrity, effective management of diverse teams.
• Proven ability to delegate, empower, and motivate staff.
• Experience developing diverse teams and individuals.

• Managerial self-awareness and experience in organizational, financial, and personnel management.
• Commitment to embrace and co-own institutional change processes.
• Ability to maintain a positive work environment.

• Good understanding of world affairs and experience with the workings of Multilateral Environmental Agreements and governmental and non-governmental institutions.
• Recognition for leadership and understanding of social science-related issues.
• Ability and commitment to act in accordance with the core values of integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism.

• Experience in identifying key issues in a complex situation, consulting, gathering, and analysing relevant information before proposing and implementing decisive actions or recommendations.
• Well-organized and logical in thought and action.
• Ability to anticipate, assess, and manage risk.

• Strong knowledge and experience in the sports, environmental and change management sector.
• A degree preferably at Masters level with a focus on environmental or social science, business administration or sustainability, or any other discipline that is relevant to the post. Specific qualification and experience linking sports and nature conservation will be an advantage.
• More than 15 years of experience working in an international environment, successfully coordinating global projects and/or coalitions, and managing relationships with senior management, the private sector, philanthropic partners and major donors, from both the public and private sector.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with seasoned judgment and analytical capacity, strong collaborative spirit and ability to make decisions. Responsive, clear and effective in communication with colleagues and partners at all levels.
• A team player, experienced in the creation, recruitment and supervision of high performing teams.
• Excellent strategic and programme management skills, with a proven ability to analyse complex programs and then lead, develop, execute and evaluate a range of diverse strategies to achieve clear and ambitious goals.
• Highly flexible, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities, adjust to changing circumstances, remain attentive to details and identify resources for projects, moving objectives forward.
• Communication and media savvy.
• Strong leadership and representational skills, including contributions at major international events, and negotiation of collaborations with high-profile partners.
• Affinity with the vision and mission of IUCN, and its partners, and a strong interest in and understanding of nature conservation and sustainability in sports.
• Excellent level of written and spoken English, and advanced proficiency in other languages, including French and/or Spanish is desirable.
• Excellent organisational, administrative and reporting skills; strong writing skills; and IT literacy, particularly in MS Office;

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