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Senior Programme Coordinator, NBS Finance
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BACKGROUND
The Enterprise and Investment Team is responsible for developing and delivering a coherent and impactful programme of work that generates knowledge, tools and approaches that incorporate private sector engagement and innovative finance mechanisms into IUCN programme delivery and, by extension, proactively drives sectoral transformational processes. This will be delivered primarily through the development of private sector and public partnerships at the corporate, sectoral, supply chain and regulatory levels. This programme of work is centered around four key product lines: sectoral engagement and technical support, innovative finance pipeline building, tools and knowledge products for effective private sector deployment, and engaging regulatory bodies and public financing mechanisms, which is supported by a sustainable project portfolio.
The Senior Programme Coordinator (SPC), NbS Finance, will be responsible for building and delivering a programme of work on pipeline development. IUCN is looking to scale up its work and service provision with respect to innovative finance by providing tailor-made financing, technical assistance, and policy influencing mechanisms for the accelerated deployment and implementation of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and conservation finance. The current portfolio consists of The Subnational Climate Fund Initiative (SCF) and Nature+ which are global blended finance initiatives that aim to invest in and scale up mid-sized, climate-resilient, low-carbon infrastructure and NbS in developing countries. The aim of such funds is to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns by investing in sustainable projects through different Funds, aligned to dedicated grant-funded technical assistance that provides local capacity building, project development support, and certification for climate and Sustainable Development Goal impacts prior to investment.
Under the supervision of the Head of the Enterprise and Investment Team (EIT), this position will advise the head and work to develop work programmes, define priorities, and deliver strategic initiatives and projects pertinent to the portfolio of work on innovative finance for NbS and conservation. Furthermore, the SPC will drive the efforts to mobilise knowledge, data, resources, partners, and networks to broaden the scope and impact of innovative finance mechanisms. In doing so the incumbent will work in close collaboration with IUCN’s Business Engagement Unit and Finance for Nature Initiative, and across IUCN’s programmatic centres (such as the multi-lateral finance team and IUCNs work in Agriculture), regional offices, members and commissions to ensure an aligned thematic programme of activities.
The Senior Programme Coordinator (SPC), NbS Finance, will be responsible for building and delivering a programme of work on pipeline development. IUCN is looking to scale up its work and service provision with respect to innovative finance by providing tailor-made financing, technical assistance, and policy influencing mechanisms for the accelerated deployment and implementation of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and conservation finance. The current portfolio consists of The Subnational Climate Fund Initiative (SCF) and Nature+ which are global blended finance initiatives that aim to invest in and scale up mid-sized, climate-resilient, low-carbon infrastructure and NbS in developing countries. The aim of such funds is to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns by investing in sustainable projects through different Funds, aligned to dedicated grant-funded technical assistance that provides local capacity building, project development support, and certification for climate and Sustainable Development Goal impacts prior to investment.
Under the supervision of the Head of the Enterprise and Investment Team (EIT), this position will advise the head and work to develop work programmes, define priorities, and deliver strategic initiatives and projects pertinent to the portfolio of work on innovative finance for NbS and conservation. Furthermore, the SPC will drive the efforts to mobilise knowledge, data, resources, partners, and networks to broaden the scope and impact of innovative finance mechanisms. In doing so the incumbent will work in close collaboration with IUCN’s Business Engagement Unit and Finance for Nature Initiative, and across IUCN’s programmatic centres (such as the multi-lateral finance team and IUCNs work in Agriculture), regional offices, members and commissions to ensure an aligned thematic programme of activities.
JOB DESCRIPTION
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The SPC will be responsible for the following:
1. Innovative finance programme development, coordination and reporting
• Lead the development and implementation of a coherent and consistent programme of work on innovative financing mechanisms within the IUCN Centre for Economy and Finance, and across the IUCN Programmatic centres, whilst providing authoritative advice on such mechanisms to the Union, its Members and external audiences.
• Provide specific technical inputs on innovative finance into the EIT strategy that support the delivery of the IUCN Programme and Vision 2030 that drives sectoral transformation through:
o Development and delivery of blended finance projects with finance institutions & managed by IUCN (large initiatives such a Nature+, SCF),
o Identification and development of an investment pipeline, identification and development,
o Development and application of impact investment screening tools.
• Contribute to the Centre for Economy and Finance’s leadership and business plan ensuring the design of innovative finance mechanisms are robust and deliver against the IUCN programme, engaging corporate, sectoral and regulatory partners.
• Work with colleagues to ensure effective implementation of monitoring, evaluation and learning frameworks for the innovative finance portfolio.
2. Project portfolio management, delivery, and quality assurance
• Ensure effective, efficient, and adaptive management of IUCN project resources (financial, human, and intellectual) to deliver on the goals of conservation and NbS finance initiatives – such Nature+ and the Sub-National Climate Fund- with a portfolio value of $1B and $10-20M under direct financial and/or technical management - while ensuring adequate cost recovery.
• Design and develop new thematically aligned projects, initiatives, and components on conservation and NbS finance and learning, in particular with GEF and GCF.
• In conjunction with the Knowledge Management and Library Team ensure the integration of processes to build and disseminate portfolio knowledge and learning.
• Provide technical oversight and lead the project teams for results, with clarity in roles and responsibilities and accountability for outcomes.
• Ensure the provision of technical assistance, capacity building, and contribute to pipeline development for sustainable conservation and NbS finance as part of IUCN’s collaborative efforts with fund managers and private sector partners.
3. Building Partnerships, Representation, and Resource Mobilisation
• Build further capacity, influence and IUCN's external facing on conservation and NbS finance (including on climate, biodiversity and economic development), in support of the NbS Facility and IUCN's institutional goals on financing for nature.
• Participate in meetings, conferences, and platforms of relevance to the work programme described above, to advance and showcase IUCN technical and thought leadership to influence and mobilise new networks, partners, and stakeholders.
• Represent IUCN within global and regional networks, partnerships, and other fora of relevance to work programme and the flagship initiatives under the direction of the Head, Enterprise and Investment Team.
• Collaborate and engage IUCN global programmes, regions, IUCN members, and commissions on IUCN flagship initiatives and crosscutting issues.
• Nurture working relationships with existing partners and establish new partnerships, including resource mobilisation (TNC, CI, WWF, Mirova, Cornell University, Yale University, Pegasus Capital Advisors, R20, Gold Standard, etc.).
The SPC will be responsible for the following:
1. Innovative finance programme development, coordination and reporting
• Lead the development and implementation of a coherent and consistent programme of work on innovative financing mechanisms within the IUCN Centre for Economy and Finance, and across the IUCN Programmatic centres, whilst providing authoritative advice on such mechanisms to the Union, its Members and external audiences.
• Provide specific technical inputs on innovative finance into the EIT strategy that support the delivery of the IUCN Programme and Vision 2030 that drives sectoral transformation through:
o Development and delivery of blended finance projects with finance institutions & managed by IUCN (large initiatives such a Nature+, SCF),
o Identification and development of an investment pipeline, identification and development,
o Development and application of impact investment screening tools.
• Contribute to the Centre for Economy and Finance’s leadership and business plan ensuring the design of innovative finance mechanisms are robust and deliver against the IUCN programme, engaging corporate, sectoral and regulatory partners.
• Work with colleagues to ensure effective implementation of monitoring, evaluation and learning frameworks for the innovative finance portfolio.
2. Project portfolio management, delivery, and quality assurance
• Ensure effective, efficient, and adaptive management of IUCN project resources (financial, human, and intellectual) to deliver on the goals of conservation and NbS finance initiatives – such Nature+ and the Sub-National Climate Fund- with a portfolio value of $1B and $10-20M under direct financial and/or technical management - while ensuring adequate cost recovery.
• Design and develop new thematically aligned projects, initiatives, and components on conservation and NbS finance and learning, in particular with GEF and GCF.
• In conjunction with the Knowledge Management and Library Team ensure the integration of processes to build and disseminate portfolio knowledge and learning.
• Provide technical oversight and lead the project teams for results, with clarity in roles and responsibilities and accountability for outcomes.
• Ensure the provision of technical assistance, capacity building, and contribute to pipeline development for sustainable conservation and NbS finance as part of IUCN’s collaborative efforts with fund managers and private sector partners.
3. Building Partnerships, Representation, and Resource Mobilisation
• Build further capacity, influence and IUCN's external facing on conservation and NbS finance (including on climate, biodiversity and economic development), in support of the NbS Facility and IUCN's institutional goals on financing for nature.
• Participate in meetings, conferences, and platforms of relevance to the work programme described above, to advance and showcase IUCN technical and thought leadership to influence and mobilise new networks, partners, and stakeholders.
• Represent IUCN within global and regional networks, partnerships, and other fora of relevance to work programme and the flagship initiatives under the direction of the Head, Enterprise and Investment Team.
• Collaborate and engage IUCN global programmes, regions, IUCN members, and commissions on IUCN flagship initiatives and crosscutting issues.
• Nurture working relationships with existing partners and establish new partnerships, including resource mobilisation (TNC, CI, WWF, Mirova, Cornell University, Yale University, Pegasus Capital Advisors, R20, Gold Standard, etc.).
REQUIREMENTS
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• Master’s Degree in a relevant discipline (land use, natural resource or environmental management, or other relevant academic field) • At least 8 years of relevant professional work experience on relevant issues • Proven track record in coordinating multidisciplinary projects and team work • Ability to work effectively within a large decentralized workforce of professionals of different nationalities and to mobilize it towards common goals • Organizational experience, including a proven ability to work on a variety of tasks simultaneously, and to perform well under pressure • Fluent English. Knowledge of Spanish, French or Portuguese is an asset • Excellent interpersonal and networking skills, especially within team members and multi-stakeholder contexts • Effective communicator to a wide range of audiences and through a variety of mediums • Available for significant travel |
SALARY
The gross annual salary for this position is between CHF 123'265 and CHF 154'081, 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.
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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