The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a renowned conservation membership union that has been operating for over 70 years. With more than 1,400 member organizations, comprising both government and civil society entities, and the involvement of over 18,000 experts. IUCN’s mission is to influence, encourage, and assist societies in conserving the integrity and diversity of nature, while promoting equitable and ecologically sustainable use of natural resources. As part of its efforts to strengthen its presence in Saudi Arabia and align with its mission and priorities, IUCN’s Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA) is actively engaged in different initiatives in the region.
IUCN ROWA is currently executing three pivotal projects, pioneering conservation interventions in Saudi Arabia, namely i) AlUla Protected Areas Network (APAN), ii) Effective Management of King Salman Royal Nature Reserve (KSRNR), iii) Effective Management of King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve (KARR). These three projects aim to enhance the conservation efforts and their outcomes in protected area management. The ultimate goal is to become aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Therefore, IUCN is engaging in strategic partnerships to contribute to the country’s sustainable development goals.
For that matter, IUCN ROWA is looking for a Senior Projects’ Coordinator who will ensure the planning, reporting, implementation and monitoring of the activities of the three projects in a timely manner; he/she will also ensure compliance with all relevant project commitments, including delivery of quality reports and compliance with performance indicators. He/she must also provide guidance and support on the aforementioned projects, with the aim to enhance their conservation efforts.

The Senior Coordinator will be located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with frequent travel to AlUla and to the regional office in Amman, and will report to the Protected Areas, World Heritage and Biodiversity Programme Manager.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Senior Projects’ Coordinator will provide support to the IUCN-ROWA and project staff in coordination and cooperation with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority, King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority as follows:
The Senior Projects’ coordinator will be responsible for performing the following tasks:
Under KSRNR and KARNR Projects:
1. Project Implementation:
– Lead the coordination of project activities, ensuring alignment with project documents and work plans.
– Conduct scoping of the project activities and revise the activities and consultant TOR’s.
– Review and manage consultant contracts and deliverables, and track the processing of payments in collaboration with the finance department and procurement officer, and the programme manager.
– Review and produce technical reports and support the programme manager in tracking and reviewing financial reports and contracts.
– Monitor experts’ contracts and maintain continuous communication with experts and the programme manager, ensuring all parties are informed.
– Review the deliverables of the project including the deliverables of outsourced consultants and through internal agreements.
– Review and update the project workplan as needed.
– Support the project manager in maintaining the project work plans (monthly, quarterly, bi-yearly) in coordination with the donor.
– Develop the project’s implementation reports including progress reports, the procurement plan and M&E tracking tools.
– Supervise the project coordinators/ officers and other staff for the successful delivery of the project.

2. Coordination and Communication:
– Coordinate with project experts, consultants, and all relevant departments (including communication, procurement, finance) to ensure the project’s successful implementation.
– Supervise and assist with organizing and facilitating project-associated events, workshops, meetings, and training logistics.
– Conduct field visits, coordinating and facilitating fieldwork for project experts.
– Maintain strong relationships with IUCN partners, ensuring efficient communication and collaboration with project beneficiaries.
– Manage the project information on IUCN’s portal, ensuring reports and indicators are accurately updated.

3. Technical Guidance and Support:
– Provide technical oversight to ensure the alignment of KSRNR activities with the IUCN Green List Standard, including developing and executing action plans for unmet or partially met indicators.
– Utilize the COMPASS platform for site justification, ensuring comprehensive Means of Verification (MoVs).
– Collaborate with gender and climate change experts to integrate these critical elements into the Green List indicator justifications.
– Offer technical input and support across the scope of drylands, livelihoods, and gender programs as requested by the project manager.

Under the APAN project:
1. Provide expert review and improvement suggestions for technical reports, management plans, and other critical documents concerning AlUla Protected Areas, ensuring robustness and effectiveness.
2. Assist in the creation, refinement, and approval of technical reports, policy briefs, and strategic papers, pivotal for effective project implementation.
3. Supervise and support organizing and facilitating project events, workshops and training programmes in coordination with the programme manager and other project staff
4. Coordinate with the project partners and stakeholders including local and international partners in coordination with the programme manager.
5. Deliver and draft the projects’ progress reports, M&E requirements with the support of the project team.
6. Ensure that the project information is always updated on the project portal with the support of the project team
7. Supervise and guide the project staff for the successful delivery and closure of the project

Other Duties and responsibilities:

– Ensure appropriate alignment of the project activities with IUCN ROWA regional initiatives.
– Represent effectively IUCN the regional events as necessary
– Work closely with the program manager to secure and sustain Funds to in alignment with IUCN’s program and contribute in developing project proposals when needed.
– Work closely with the PAs program manager to identify gaps emerging from the implementation of IUCN strategy in west Asia region.
– Performing any other duties as requested by the line manager.

QUALIFICATIONS
– Advanced degree in environmental science, Conservation Biology, or a related field.
– Demonstrated track record of at least 10 years in conservation project management, with experience in protected area management with an international organisation.
– Extensive experience in project management and coordination.
– Experience in working in the ROWA region
– Proven understanding of IUCN’s Green List standards and principles.
– Extensive experience in protected area management planning in accordance with the IUCN’s management planning guidelines.
– A track record of publishing reports, management plans and scientific papers related to protected areas and conservation in general is an asset.
– Attention to detail and accuracy when documenting meeting minutes and project activities.
– Time management skills to coordinate meetings, interviews, and media appearances efficiently.
– Ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders, vendors, and suppliers to ensure successful event arrangements.
– Proficiency in MS Office Suite and database management for administrative tasks.
– Strong problem-solving skills to handle unforeseen logistical challenges.
– Adaptability and flexibility to handle diverse tasks and duties as required.
– Familiarity with environmental or conservation issues could be beneficial for better understanding the context of the projects.