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Senior Programme Officer, Water and Wetlands - Rwanda Country Office

Vacancy #:   6156
Unit:   Rwanda Country Office
Organisation:   International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Location:   Rwanda Programme Office, Kigali, Rwanda
Reporting to:   Programme Manager, Rwanda Country Office
Work percentage:   100%
Grade:   P2
Expected start date:   01 December 2022
Type of contract:   (13 months)
Closing date:   19 October 2022
BACKGROUND
THIS POSITION IS OPEN ONLY TO RWANDAN NATIONALS OR THOSE WITH THE RIGHT TO WORK IN RWANDA ON LOCAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT.

BACKGROUND:

IUCN Rwanda is expanding its growing portfolio under its strategic priority “Sustainable management of water resources for nature and people”, in alignment with the IUCN 2021-2024 Global and Regional Programmes. The “Embedding Integrated Water Resources Management in Rwanda” project (EWMR) project falls under this strategic priority and provides the platform to further build upon, and to facilitate scaling up and scaling out.
The IUCN-International Union for Conservation of Nature, Rwanda Country Office in collaboration with The Governments of Rwanda and the Netherlands are implementing the “Embedding Integrated Water Resources Management in Rwanda” project (EWMR). IUCN’s role is to provide Technical Assistance (TA) for the Landscape Management and Integrated Water Resource Management. The TA Project has the overall purpose of “Increased livelihood and conservation Benefits in Sebeya (& other) catchments from restoration & improved local land management”. This TA Project embraces both water and sustainable land and water management, using a catchment approach based on a strong participatory landscape planning and restoration approach that strengthens ecosystem service delivery particularly in degraded landscapes. The EWMR project started in May 2019 and IUCN has secured a cost extension of the project until end of June 2023.

IUCN is seeking a high performing and experienced strategic expert to take up the role of Senior Programme Officer, Water and Wetlands.
JOB DESCRIPTION
RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Senior Programme Officer, Water and Wetlands will provide his/her expertise to develop and implement the water and wetlands projects and programmes at both local, national, transboundary, and regional levels.
He/she will ensure growth of the IUCN Rwanda portfolio under strategic priority “Sustainable management of water resources for nature and people”, in alignment with the IUCN 2021-2024 Global and Regional Programmes. This includes, among others, support fundraising initiatives, develop strategic partnerships, support the development and subsequent implementation of new projects and programmes, and provide strategic, technical and policy support on water and wetlands.
The Senior Programme Officer, Water and Wetlands will support the EWMR team in the implementation of the ongoing EWMR project.
He/she will also contribute to the IUCN Eastern and Southern Africa Office (ESARO) regional programme development on water and wetlands.
The incumbent will be located in the IUCN Rwanda Country Office with occasional travel to the field.

DUTIES;
Under the direct guidance of, and working closely with the Programme Manager, the specific responsibilities of the Senior Programme Officer, Water and Wetlands are:

Sustainable management of water resources for nature and people;
Function as the IUCN Rwanda focal and knowledge point for strategic priority “Sustainable management of water resources for nature and people”.
Oversee the conceptualization, development and implementation of new water and wetland related projects, programmes, strategies, and relevant components under other projects.
Promote and champion Nature-based Solutions as a best-practice for project and programme development and implementation.
Develop and maintain strong strategic partnerships with global programme units, members, commissions, policy bodies and donors.
Represent IUCN Rwanda at relevant meetings, workshop, events, and fora.
Take the lead in ensuring strong collaboration and coordination with ESARO and global IUCN offices on water related matters.
Strengthen the aquatic biodiversity component under current and new relevant projects.
Develop mechanisms and guidelines to enable lessons learning and sharing.

EWMR project, and similar future projects;
Act as Liaison to the project team leader and team members to support the overall management and coordination of the project and implementation of related project activities.
Ensure coordination of various partner (RWB, SNV, RWARRI, UNICEF) planning, implementation of project work plans, and reporting.
Provide technical expertise to RWB and ensure quality delivery of watershed and catchment management interventions.
Strengthen capacities of organizations in catchments in landscape restoration and IWRM including districts staff, catchment management committees and other involved parties.
Provide technical expertise to SNV, RWARRI and UNICEF and ensure quality delivery of landscape restoration, community mobilization, livelihood interventions, and other relevant project components.
Provide advice on the development of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) approaches, regulation, catchment plan development, and its implementation.
Provide technical support for drafting terms of reference for various technical studies, concept notes, procurement and budgets for different activities and events.
Supervise short and long-term consultants, including the drafting of Terms of Reference, manage Consultants’ work, and ensure quality delivery.
In close collaboration with the M&E Officer, ensure monitoring and recording of progress against the project’s indicators.
Produce high quality production and dissemination of knowledge products, including reports, guidelines, policy briefs, lessons-learned, and infographs.
Develop timely and high-quality project communications, including articles, and social media communications.
Ensure delivery of timely and high quality technical and financial reporting to the donor.Perform any other duty as may be assigned from time to time
REQUIREMENTS
  • POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education;
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in water management, environmental management, natural resources management, or related disciplines.

Work Experience;
At least 7 years of, including regional/international, managerial and institutional experience in water and wetlands: specifically, Integrated Water Resources Management, natural resource management, and nature conservation.
Demonstrable experience in strategic thinking, engagement, and portfolio growth.
Demonstrable experience in all aspects of project and programme management.
Work experience in the Rwanda water sector is preferable.
Demonstrable political, advisory and facilitation skills.
Demonstrable experience in engaging with governmental institutions.
Demonstrated affinity with and understanding of nature in general and aquatic biodiversity specific conservation.
Demonstrated affinity with the social, political, gender aspects of catchment-level IWRM experience in working with or engaging with the private sector is an asset.
Excellent technical leadership and understanding of surface water, catchment planning, ground water, water, legislation and regulations.
Maintaining active networks on IWRM and related topics with donors, government and other stakeholders at national and district level.
Demonstrable experience in concept note and proposal development.
Good understanding of the Nature-based Solutions approach.
Experience in working for an international organization is an added advantage.
Practical knowledge of and experience with GIS is an added advantage.

Language Requirements;
Strong written & spoken English and Kinyarwanda.
Proficiency in French is an added advantage.

Core Competencies;
Transparency: Able to build trust and contribute to informed and responsible decision making by carrying out the work of IUCN in a transparent manner; provides clear guidance to ensure that objectives and desired measurable results are understood by members of the team.
Inclusiveness: Understands and accepts cultural diversity, and provide a tolerant, positive and supportive working environment that fosters respect for diversity, demonstrates ability to work in a multicultural, multi ethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds.
Professionalism: Promote the organization’s interests, objectives and values in a diligent and professional manner.
Accountability: Takes responsibility of individual and collective actions, promotes the IUCN One Programme approach.

Functional Competencies;
Adheres to IUCN ESARO core values of Transparency, Inclusiveness, Professionalism and Accountability.
Strong problem analysis and solving skills.
Strong inter personal skills, cultural sensitivity, and a very good communicator.
Innovative and dynamic, with ability to take initiative and provide creative solutions to project management problems.
Excellent analytical skills and ability to work with little supervision and function in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.
Highly motivated and results-oriented individual.
Committed to continuous learning and proactive and mature attitude towards self-development.
Ability and willingness to travel.
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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