Programme Officer

The Forest and Grassland Team (FGT) at IUCN is responsible for developing and executing the global conservation program for forests and grasslands. This includes efforts in primary forest and native grassland conservation, ecosystem restoration on both area-based and landscape scales, and effective rangeland and drought reduction management. The team focuses on addressing threats such as climate change and large-scale deforestation by advocating and implementing practical solutions supported by scientific knowledge.

FGT is looking to hire a Programme Officer to support a portfolio of projects aligned with the team’s vision and objectives. The role will primarily involve coordinating and delivering project management tasks, offering technical expertise, and facilitating partnerships. The incumbent will play a crucial role in ensuring the successful initiation and implementation of projects during the inception and early phases of the project cycle. The Programme Officer will also contribute to developing new project proposals and identifying and engaging with potential new donors. The incumbent is expected to proactively collaborate with IUCN colleagues globally and with external partners, members, and Commission Members. The Officer will support the team’s work with multiple partners such as governments, IUCN members, Commissions, and other partners that establish clear operational mandates for impact delivery, demonstrating the influence and demand-responsive nature of IUCN’s work to donors and investors.

In support of the project portfolio with a particular focus on contributing to the implementation, technical support and partner management, this position shall undertake the following:

Project management:

• Provide support to FGT projects as required through the provision of targeted inputs with respect to project development, implementation and reporting.
• Coordinate specific consultant, Commission and partner inputs to ensure alignment with project outcomes.
• Lead on technical and administrative tasks such as drafting and coordinating Terms of Reference, procurement procedures, risk assessments and due diligence.

Support for networking and coordination:

• Support effective internal coordination, including in relation to the delivery of project components by other teams and information sharing between different teams, donors, and external partners.
• Contribute to coordinating and facilitating meetings and preparation of reports with external partners.
• Represent IUCN in assigned stakeholder groups and initiatives.

Technical advice provision:

• Provide specific technical advice and inputs to IUCN thematic units and regions to ensure that the development of projects, tools and knowledge are consistent with the FGT business lines.
• Provide technical advice to internal and external partners and consultants on technical issues related to IUCN FGT projects, knowledge, tools, metrics and policies.
• Support the delivery of (virtual or in-person) knowledge-sharing processes through organising events and technical webinars in coordination with internal and external partners.

Project proposal support and resource mobilisation:

• Contribute to and review project proposals, documents and reports as necessary across the team’s work areas to ensure the accuracy and consistency of IUCN’s approach.

Requirements:

• At least 4 years’ work experience at a professional level, preferably within an international environment and with field experience.
• Master’s Degree or equivalent in Geography, Forestry, Ecology, Conservation, International Development, Anthropology, Social Sciences, Environment or a relevant field and a strong knowledge of forest and grassland conservation issues.
• Experience in managing and delivering forest, biodiversity conservation and related projects.
• Experience working in a multicultural environment whilst demonstrating strong interpersonal skills.
• Experience using virtual networking technologies and apps
• Demonstrated ability for report writing and communicating complicated technical issues to a wide range of audiences and cultures.
• Existing network of contacts in the conservation/development space with demonstrated willingness and ability to build new contacts and alliances.
• Complete fluency in English and German, including excellent writing and editing skills is needed; good level of other relevant European languages (French, Spanish) is an asset but not essential;

Source:   https://hrms.iucn.org/iresy/index.cfm?event=vac.show&vacId=10823&lang=en