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Nature-based Solutions Project Officer

Vacancy #:   6292
Unit:   ECARO - Nature-based Solutions
Organisation:   International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Location:   Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Belgrade, Serbia
Reporting to:   Nature-based Solutions Senior Project Officer
Work percentage:   100%
Grade:   P1
Expected start date:   01 May 2023
Type of contract:   Fixed-term (20 months with possibility of renewal)
Closing date:   05 March 2023
BACKGROUND
Due to increased volume of activities IUCN Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ECARO) is seeking to recruit an experienced and enthusiastic candidate to join the IUCN ECARO team as Nature-based Solutions Project Officer.
IUCN is the largest professional global conservation network dealing with environment and sustainable development with more than 1,300-member organizations including 200+ government and 1,100+ non-government organizations and almost 10,000 voluntary scientists and experts, grouped in six Commissions in some 160 countries.
The IUCN Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ECARO) was established in 2015 with a view to promoting IUCN’s mission and implementing the IUCN Programme in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The overarching goal of IUCN’s work in the region is to ensure the long-term protection of biodiversity and sustainable use of natural resources.
IUCN defines Nature-based Solutions (NbS) as “actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural and modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits.” In Eastern Europe and Central Asia, IUCN works closely with numerous national and international organisations and experts on promoting and implementing Nature-based Solutions at various levels.

Under the direct supervision of the Nature-based Solutions Senior Project Officer, the primary task of the NbS Project Officer will be to support the implementation of activities within the Nature-based Solutions Programme Area in the region. Main responsibilities will include support to programme implementation and development, identification of new project opportunities, project formulation and management of partner relations. The new project officer will provide support in the roll out of the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions and related knowledge standards. Particular focus will be given to cooperation with the IUCN Forest and Grasslands Team.
The successful candidate will work closely with the IUCN ECARO Director, ECARO Nature-based Solutions (NbS) Team, IUCN Thematic Centres and Commission members.
JOB DESCRIPTION
MAJOR RESPONSIBLITIES

• Support the implementation of IUCN’s Nature-based Solutions Programme Area in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region, by performing tasks related to project management, coordination and reporting;
• Support the development of new projects in the field of Nature-based Solutions in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region, by liaising with IUCN Members, Commissions and partners;
• Manage donor and partner relations, stakeholder’s interest and promote actively IUCN’s work in the region in order to attract new members.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

Project implementation
• Ensure smooth and coherent project management and implementation, including preparation of work plans, technical and financial reports, partnership agreements and service contracts for provision of goods and services;
• Undertake logistical and administrative tasks related to project implementation, including the organisation of capacity building events, technical workshops, meetings, preparation and dissemination of meeting material (i.e. minutes), liaison with partners;
• Oversee the work of external experts and implementation of field activities;
• Support the dissemination of IUCN NbS standards knowledge tools in the region;
• Support the communications team in preparing and disseminating communication materials;
• Represent IUCN ECARO at programme-related events.

Fundraising and project development
• Actively pursue opportunities on project identification and formulation with IUCN Members, Commissions, donors and partners and assist in the development of the Nature-based Solutions Programme Area;
• Monitor funding opportunities and assist in the development of project proposals related to Nature-based Solutions with a specific focus on land use and management and landscape restoration;
• Assist in applying to Expression of Interests (EoI), Call for Proposals and Call for tenders;

Other tasks
• Carry out other relevant tasks on request and agreement with the line manager.


SALARY

The gross annual salary for this position is in the range from 28.800 EUR to 31.679 EUR subject to deductions for social security contributions and health insurance, and before tax.
REQUIREMENTS
  • Bachelor or master’s degree in a subject related to environment, climate, agriculture;

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in programme and project management in one of the following fields: environment, climate, agriculture;

• Proven experience in the management of international projects and reporting to donors;

• Good understanding of human rights-based approaches and community engagement;

• Work experience in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region;

• Proven ability to work in multi-disciplinary groups, including governments, experts, civil society and the private sector;

• Excellent organizational and networking skills, team-oriented attitude and ability to work independently.

• Willingness to frequently travel within the region, sometimes at short notice;

• Excellent command English; knowledge of at least one language spoken in the region, especially Russian would be considered an asset;

• Computer literacy in MS Office packages;

• COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

• Specific experience of the field of agriculture, land use and land management or ecosystem restoration will be considered an asset;

• Knowledge of the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions and related international frameworks;

• Work experience in the ECRAO region, preferably in Central Asia.
APPLICATIONS

Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button.

Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.

Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: https://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/


About IUCN

IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together.

Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and around 16,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards.

IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples organisations and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.

Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve people’s well-being.

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