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Programme Officer – Species Conservation-SOS
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BACKGROUND
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A LOCAL POSITION FOR KENYAN NATIONALS OR THOSE WITH THE RIGHT TO WORK IN KENYA
BACKGROUND:
IUCN SOS – Save Our Species is a global initiative to improve the conservation status of globally threatened species, their habitats and the people depending on them. It provides grants for conservation projects to achieve these aims. By strategically focusing on species conservation priorities identified by the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) and by providing rapid action funding that can be mobilized quickly during crises, IUCN Save Our Species provides critically-needed resources where and when they matter most.
IUCN Save Our Species supports science-based conservation action on the ground that saves animals, plants and fungi from extinction. Efforts are focused on achieving impact through actions by frontline conservation organizations around the world who have unique knowledge of their region and the local biodiversity. IUCN Save Our Species is IUCN’s response to the challenges identified by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ mobilizing IUCN’s unique knowledge and expertise of the members of the Species Survival Commission and its many Specialist Groups towards species recovery action on the ground.
In the IUCN ESARO region, IUCN Save Our Species is embedded within the crosscutting Biodiversity Conservation theme. It focuses on effective conservation and management of species and areas of conservation significance, which are necessary for the persistence of biodiversity and ecosystem services, and which are the foundation of the region’s nature-based economies. IUCN ESARO aims to ensure that biodiversity is stabilized, sustained, retained and restored from all sources including terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems.
The IUCN Save Our Species Programme is part of the Species Conservation Action (SCA) Team in the IUCN Centre for Conservation Action.
BACKGROUND:
IUCN SOS – Save Our Species is a global initiative to improve the conservation status of globally threatened species, their habitats and the people depending on them. It provides grants for conservation projects to achieve these aims. By strategically focusing on species conservation priorities identified by the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) and by providing rapid action funding that can be mobilized quickly during crises, IUCN Save Our Species provides critically-needed resources where and when they matter most.
IUCN Save Our Species supports science-based conservation action on the ground that saves animals, plants and fungi from extinction. Efforts are focused on achieving impact through actions by frontline conservation organizations around the world who have unique knowledge of their region and the local biodiversity. IUCN Save Our Species is IUCN’s response to the challenges identified by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ mobilizing IUCN’s unique knowledge and expertise of the members of the Species Survival Commission and its many Specialist Groups towards species recovery action on the ground.
In the IUCN ESARO region, IUCN Save Our Species is embedded within the crosscutting Biodiversity Conservation theme. It focuses on effective conservation and management of species and areas of conservation significance, which are necessary for the persistence of biodiversity and ecosystem services, and which are the foundation of the region’s nature-based economies. IUCN ESARO aims to ensure that biodiversity is stabilized, sustained, retained and restored from all sources including terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems.
The IUCN Save Our Species Programme is part of the Species Conservation Action (SCA) Team in the IUCN Centre for Conservation Action.
JOB DESCRIPTION
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Programme Officer, Species Conservation will contribute to the effective implementation of a grant programme for species conservation under the SOS African Wildlife initiative. Other tasks will include priority setting and supporting the development of species conservation activities in the ESARO region and more broadly, managing donor and partner relationships, and liaison with IUCN Programmes, Members, Commissions, and partners.
SPECIFIC DUTIES:
Ensure the efficient implementation of the Eastern and Southern Africa component of the IUCN SOS African Wildlife inititiave;
Be responsible for the day to day management of grants awarded under the programme following IUCN SOS standardised procedures and in coordination with the Regional Head - Biodiversity Conservation, and the Grants Coordinator;
Support the development of operational guidelines and templates and contribute to preparing the documentation for the calls for proposals;
Assist in reviewing applications received by the SOS Secretariat, including review of the eligibility of applicationsunder SOS criteria, and supporting the SOS Technical Advisory Group's review of applications;
Liaise regularly with the grantees, including providing support to prepare high-quality grant proposals;
Monitor implementation of grants, organise and conduct project monitoring missions and prepare mission reports in coordination with the Regional Head -Biodiversity Conservation, and the Grants Coordinator;
Review progress and final reports submitted by grantees and prepare project evaluation reports;
Lead on the data collection process for grants in Eastern and Southern Africa to feed into the SOS monitoring and evaluation framework and other tracking tools;
Support the collation of impact data and capturing of lessons learnt towards the development of various communication outputs;
Support the organizational development and capacity-building activities of SOS African Wildlife;
Support the development of biodiversity conservation programme in IUCN ESARO, with particular input into the development of species-conservation elements, and building on the SOS-funded project portfolio in the region;
Support policy interventions at national, regional and international level and make linkages between the IUCN Save Our Species on the ground work and relevant policies at these levels.
Ensure timely and quality communication of the IUCN SOS African Wildlife initiative through IUCN’s regional and global communications channels, and organizing bi-annual webinars;
Keep the relevant IUCN Country Offices and programmes effectively updated on all stages of SOS granting processes, implementation and communications, related to SOS projects in their respective jurisdictions
Liaise and coordinate closely and regularly with the other grant-making projects active in the ESARO region, including the BIOPAMA Action Component and the SADC TFCA Financing Facility, sharing relevant information to avoid duplication and increase efficiency e.g. updates on calls for proposals, the project pipeline, joint visibility and communications opportunities, grantee due diligence processes, etc.
Contribute to drafting progress reports to the donor;
Liaise regularly with the relevant EU Delegations in the region, providing updates on the status with relevant SOS grants
Assist in identifying opportunities for partnerships and project development, and support IUCN SOS and ESARO species conservation fundraising efforts, in consultation with the Regional Head, Biodiversity Conservation, and the Grants Coordinator, including to ensure the continuation of the SOS African Wildlife Initiative;
Represent IUCN ESARO and the Species Conservation Action team at programme-related events;
Carry out other relevant tasks at the request of and in agreement with the line manager.
Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time.
The Programme Officer, Species Conservation will contribute to the effective implementation of a grant programme for species conservation under the SOS African Wildlife initiative. Other tasks will include priority setting and supporting the development of species conservation activities in the ESARO region and more broadly, managing donor and partner relationships, and liaison with IUCN Programmes, Members, Commissions, and partners.
SPECIFIC DUTIES:
Ensure the efficient implementation of the Eastern and Southern Africa component of the IUCN SOS African Wildlife inititiave;
Be responsible for the day to day management of grants awarded under the programme following IUCN SOS standardised procedures and in coordination with the Regional Head - Biodiversity Conservation, and the Grants Coordinator;
Support the development of operational guidelines and templates and contribute to preparing the documentation for the calls for proposals;
Assist in reviewing applications received by the SOS Secretariat, including review of the eligibility of applicationsunder SOS criteria, and supporting the SOS Technical Advisory Group's review of applications;
Liaise regularly with the grantees, including providing support to prepare high-quality grant proposals;
Monitor implementation of grants, organise and conduct project monitoring missions and prepare mission reports in coordination with the Regional Head -Biodiversity Conservation, and the Grants Coordinator;
Review progress and final reports submitted by grantees and prepare project evaluation reports;
Lead on the data collection process for grants in Eastern and Southern Africa to feed into the SOS monitoring and evaluation framework and other tracking tools;
Support the collation of impact data and capturing of lessons learnt towards the development of various communication outputs;
Support the organizational development and capacity-building activities of SOS African Wildlife;
Support the development of biodiversity conservation programme in IUCN ESARO, with particular input into the development of species-conservation elements, and building on the SOS-funded project portfolio in the region;
Support policy interventions at national, regional and international level and make linkages between the IUCN Save Our Species on the ground work and relevant policies at these levels.
Ensure timely and quality communication of the IUCN SOS African Wildlife initiative through IUCN’s regional and global communications channels, and organizing bi-annual webinars;
Keep the relevant IUCN Country Offices and programmes effectively updated on all stages of SOS granting processes, implementation and communications, related to SOS projects in their respective jurisdictions
Liaise and coordinate closely and regularly with the other grant-making projects active in the ESARO region, including the BIOPAMA Action Component and the SADC TFCA Financing Facility, sharing relevant information to avoid duplication and increase efficiency e.g. updates on calls for proposals, the project pipeline, joint visibility and communications opportunities, grantee due diligence processes, etc.
Contribute to drafting progress reports to the donor;
Liaise regularly with the relevant EU Delegations in the region, providing updates on the status with relevant SOS grants
Assist in identifying opportunities for partnerships and project development, and support IUCN SOS and ESARO species conservation fundraising efforts, in consultation with the Regional Head, Biodiversity Conservation, and the Grants Coordinator, including to ensure the continuation of the SOS African Wildlife Initiative;
Represent IUCN ESARO and the Species Conservation Action team at programme-related events;
Carry out other relevant tasks at the request of and in agreement with the line manager.
Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time.
REQUIREMENTS
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• POSITION REQUIREMENTS; Education; MSc degree (or higher) in biodiversity conservation, species management, environmental sciences or other relevant discipline; Work Experience; Minimum of 3 years experience in the field of species conservation, preferably involving on-the-ground conservation activities; Knowledge of and experience with the main species conservation challenges in the region; Experience in grant making or project management, with strong project management skills at multiple levels including planning, implementation, reporting, and monitoring; Proven ability to work with multi-disciplinary groups, including governments, experts and civil society; Good knowledge of IUCN standards and knowledge tools for species conservation is an advanatge; Fundraising experience; Computer literacy in MS Office packages; Excellent organizational and networking skills; Solution-oriented approach: demonstrates a ‘thinking outside the box’ attitude. Demonstrated ability for critical thinking, analysis and strategic planning. Proven ability to bring ideas from concept through to realization and implementation. Outstanding writing and editing skills; strong attention to detail. Strong interpersonal and presentation skills. English – native level; other languages (particularly French) an advantage. Ability to take initiative, exercise good judgment, think laterally and resolve complex issues in a dynamic and changing environment. Ability to cope with varied workload and flexible working hours, and able to work independently. Willing and able to travel internationally as required. A demonstrated high-level ability to work in a multi-cultural, international organization, applying high standards of respect, tolerance and support required. Language Proficiency; Excellent fluency in spoken and written English. Proficiency in one or more other languages spoken in the region would be an asset; Functional competencies; Capacity to work effectively under time pressure and extended hours, if required and with prior approval of the ESARO Regional Director; Willingness to travel within the region, sometimes at short notice (the Programme Officer will be required to travel frequently); Computer literacy in MS Office packages; Excellent organizational and networking skills; Team-oriented attitude and ability to work independently 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. |
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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