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Director, Resource Mobilization and Outreach

Vacancy #:   1465
Unit:   Ramsar Convention Secretariat
Organisation:   The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar)
Location:   Headquarters, Gland, Switzerland
Reporting to:   Secretary General
Work percentage:   100%
Grade:   M1
Expected start date:   21 September 2017
Type of contract:   Max-term (19 months)
Closing date:   29 May 2017 (extended)
BACKGROUND
CANDIDATES WHO ALREADY SUBMITTED THEIR APPLICATIONS DON'T NEED TO REAPPLY.

The Convention on Wetlands, also known as the “Ramsar Convention” from the name of the city in Iran where it was signed in 1971, is an intergovernmental treaty which provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and sustainable use of wetland biodiversity and services. It was the first of the modern global multilateral environmental agreements and remains the only one devoted to a specific critical ecosystem.

The Ramsar Convention Secretariat has its headquarters in Gland, Switzerland where the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), provides some administrative services to the Convention’s Contracting Parties for the operations and implementation of the Convention.

The Head of Resource Mobilization and Outreach reports to the Secretary-General in the Ramsar Secretariat. The post-holder provides the lead within the Ramsar Secretariat regarding resource mobilization. The Ramsar Secretariat’s budget is composed of core funding provided by Contracting Parties using the United Nations contribution key, and non-core resources raised from different public and private sources. It is expected that the post-holder will focus especially in raising non-core revenue to cover the priorities determined by the Contracting Parties. He/she will also provide advice and tools to enable Contracting Parties to increase their funding base to implement the Convention. The post-holder also manages the Communications Team and ensures that it increases public awareness about wetlands and the Convention, coordinates media work, maintains the website, and supports the Convention’s network on communication, capacity building, education, participation and awareness (CEPA).

The position requires proved experience of fundraising at the international level, preferably with experience in an intergovernmental environment. The incumbent also needs to have experience in communications to increase awareness and support to the Convention. He/she should have excellent communication skills in English. A working knowledge of French and Spanish would be an advantage. A good knowledge of the issues affecting sustainable development and conservation and wise use of wetlands would also be an asset.
JOB DESCRIPTION
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Support the Secretary-General by acting as a senior representative of the Convention and its Secretariat on behalf of the Secretary-General on issues of resource mobilization and outreach.

Resource mobilization

2. Take the lead in coordination of the Secretariat’s fundraising work, taking a « whole of Secretariat approach » to resource mobilisation and to leverage the Convention’s value proposition to support the priorities identified by the Contracting Parties.

3. Take responsibility for establishing and maintaining a programme, in coordination with all sections of the Secretariat, to:

i. Identify and engage with traditional and innovative funding sources and potential partners, including the private sector, funding mechanisms under multilateral environment agreements, connections and entities outside of the biodiversity sphere, increasingly broadening the donor base over time.
ii. Support the Secretary General’s fundraising and representation work.
iii. Mobilize funding to enable implementation of the Strategic Plan of the Convention, focusing on activities to increase non-core revenue for the priorities established by the Contracting Parties.
iv. Provide information and tools that support the Contracting Parties’ efforts to access funds for the implementation of the Convention and its Strategic Plan.
v. Identify and support opportunities to pilot innovative approaches that could be scaled up, working with Contracting Parties, regional initiatives, International Organization Partners (IOPs), and other partners.


Communications

4. Manage to the Communications Team to ensure that it develops and executes a programme to increase the visibility of the Convention and its influence through effective communication, education, participation and awareness. This includes:
i. Supporting the Ramsar CEPA network (Communication, capacity building, Education, Participation & Awareness).
ii. Managing global campaigns such as for World Wetlands Day; engaging with influencers and the public through social and other media;
iii. Integrating communications and outreach activities in other areas of the Secretariat's work.
iv. Developing and maintaining the Ramsar website as a tool for communication with the media and the public, and for knowledge management, and as a user-friendly resource for Contracting Parties to easily access to guidance and information materials.
v. Providing the information and communication technology service of the Ramsar Secretariat.
vi. Ensuring all materials created by the Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP) are clear and accessible, and relevant to targeted audiences.
vii. Monitoring and evaluating the reach and impact of the STRP’s products, and reporting its findings to the STRP.
viii. Developing explanatory and interpretive information directed at policy-makers to translate the STRP’s technical guidance for that audience.

Management

5. Act as a senior representative of the Convention and its Secretariat on behalf of the Secretary-General on issues of resource mobilization and outreach.

6. Develop and manage the work plan and budget of the Resource Mobilization and Outreach team.

7. Supervise the staff of the Resource Mobilization and Outreach unit, ensure that all staff have annual work plans linked to the strategic plan, encourage and assist their professional development. Hold staff accountable for results and for the quality of outputs. Ensure that the staff of the unit work together and with the other staff of the Secretariat as needed to achieve good synergies and cross-fertilization between the different teams.

8. As a member of the Senior Management Team, participate in the work planning of the Secretariat, and coordinate activities with those of other sections of the Secretariat to ensure efficiency of operation and implementation and a whole-of-Secretariat approach to the Secretariat’s work programme.

9. Represent the Secretary-General and the Ramsar Secretariat, as requested, in meetings and in contacts with government officials, intergovernmental organizations and secretariats of other conventions, partner organizations and other institutions, including the IOPs and national and international NGOs.

10. Contribute in the organization of meetings of governing bodies of the Convention and preparation of documents and reports regarding resource mobilization and outreach and communications.


The above job description contains the main duties and responsibilities for this position. However, in the Ramsar Secretariat, staff members are expected 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.


CANDIDATES WHO ALREADY SUBMITTED THEIR APPLICATIONS DON'T NEED TO REAPPLY.
REQUIREMENTS
  • A commitment to nature conservation and sustainable use.

• A university degree (preferably post graduate degree) or an equivalent demonstrated knowledge in management, economics, business administration, communications, marketing or related field.

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience with proven success in fundraising and outreach at the international level with demonstrated understanding of resource and support mobilization in areas relevant to the Convention, including in the context of UN agencies, other multilateral environmental agreements, major multilateral and bilateral donors and the private sector.

• Demonstrated understanding of issues pertaining to conservation and sustainable development at international and national levels and of how to develop successful proposals and initiatives to leverage funding and build awareness and support in these areas.

• Proven experience in managing innovative and highly leveraged communications and branding strategies, including thorough knowledge of on and off-line international media markets and audience engagement.

• Good understanding of the requirements of an intergovernmental setting and demonstrated ability to liaise and engage with governmental, non-governmental and private sector partners and audiences to achieve the Convention’s fundraising and outreach objectives.

• Demonstrated capacity for innovative and creative initiatives, together with strategic thinking and ability to provide leadership.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team of professionals of different disciplines and nationalities and to mobilize it for common fundraising and outreach goals.

• Strong organizational skills and good project management experience. Ability to prioritize and work with limited supervision.

• Proven communications skills (oral and written) and ability to work with full fluency in spoken and written English; knowledge of either French and/ or Spanish is an advantage.

• Awareness and understanding of cultural diversity and gender issues and committment to incorporate these in their work and in the relations with the Ramsar constituency.
SALARY
The gross annual salary for this position is between CHF 134'355 and CHF 167'944, subject to deductions for social security contributions and second-pillar pension, and before tax. While this is an indicative amount effective as of the current date, changes may occur as per IUCN's compensation practices without prior notice. The same applies to other organisations hosted by IUCN.
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.

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