IUCN is the world’s oldest and largest global environmental network - a democratic membership union with more than 1,400 government and NGO member organizations, and almost 15,000 volunteer scientists in more than 160 countries. IUCN’s work is supported by more than 1,000 professional staff in 45 offices and hundreds of partners in public, NGO and private sectors around the world. Its headquarters are based in Gland, Switzerland.

IUCN’s work focuses on valuing and conserving nature, ensuring effective and equitable governance of its use, and deploying nature-based solutions to global challenges in climate, food and development. IUCN supports scientific research, manages field projects all over the world, and brings governments, NGOs, the UN and companies together to develop policy, laws and best practice.

The IUCN European Regional Office, located in Bonn, together with the EU Representative Office, located in Brussels, provides vital linkages for IUCN Members, National Committees, Commissions and the Secretariat to governments, EU institutions, NGOs, scientists, practitioners, the private sector and other stakeholders to accelerate the implementation of the European Green Deal, the EU 2030 Biodiversity Strategy and related national and regional biodiversity plans in Europe. It supports the mainstreaming of biodiversity within national and EU policy processes and promotes Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to social, environmental and economic challenges.

OBJECTIVES OF THE POSITION
With a firm understanding of Europe and international challenges and opportunities, the Head of IUCN EU Office in Brussels works under the supervision of the Regional Director for Europe and drives IUCN relations with EU institutions.

As a senior representative in the region, she/he is responsible for maintaining a high and professional corporate profile for IUCN, particularly with IUCN Members, partners and stakeholder groups at different levels. She/he will be responsible for fundraising efforts to be able to comply with IUCN programme as approved by IUCN Members.

This position requires an accomplished, credible and reliable senior leader with strong experience and a good understanding of environmental policy issues in the regional context. Fully supported by a range of local, regional and global experts, the Head, is accountable for financial, people and administrative resources and supports financial viability of IUCN programme in line with IUCN policies and procedures. The Head, ensures that all organisational activities are consistently performed under the principles of equity, fairness, inclusiveness and respect for the diversity of people.

The principal focus of the position will be the following:
• Lead the IUCN EU Representative Office in Brussels;
• Follow closely, observe, monitor and report regularly on developments in EU institutions that relate with IUCN vision and mission;
• Follow closely and keep up-to-date on EU policy developments in areas related to biodiversity conservation and natural resources management;
• Develop and maintain a relevant network of contacts with other parts of the IUCN Secretariat, IUCN Members, Commission members and partners;
• Prepare and deliver speeches, briefings and presentations;
• Lead IUCN fundraising efforts in Brussels;
• Engage with European IUCN Members to inform and shape EU policy and decision-making;
• Influence EU policy to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable.

The Head represents the IUCN Secretariat and provides guidance for activities undertaken by the Secretariat within the EU context in Brussels.

SPECIFIC DUTIES
Leadership, Policy Influencing and Representation
• Represent and promote the mission of IUCN in a manner that enhances IUCN’s recognition and influences decision-making bodies, intergovernmental agencies, non-governmental organisations, civil society and the private sector in Brussels;
• Represent, or arrange for appropriate representation of IUCN in relevant EU events in Brussels;
• Promote IUCN’s mission and ensure that relevant IUCN’s policies and programmes are reflected in the decisions of EU institutions;
• Provide strategic guidance in delivering IUCN’s Programme;
• Establish diplomatic relations with EU representatives in Brussels and formalise such relationships by forging agreements that enhance active cooperation and collaboration between parties in conserving the integrity and diversity of nature;
• Establish priorities and remain accountable for the implementation of work plans to manage and mitigate strategic and operational risks associated with various programmatic engagements;
• Provide strategic direction on regional and country-specific knowledge products and reports.
Membership and Engagement
• Initiate, promote and facilitate initiatives and dialogues on key issues of conservation policy based on IUCN's regional and global priorities;
• Support the preparation of IUCN’s quadrennial Programme and European Work Plan with a particular focus on EU policy;
• In coordination with the European Regional Director and Strategic Partnership Unit establish and maintain exceptional relations with the donor community in Brussels to obtain long-term engagement and support for IUCN’s Programme and to the activities of IUCN Members;
• Identify institutions in Brussels – both public and private – with which IUCN can establish collaborative relationships in programmatic work in the future;

Resources, Operational and Change Management
• Build and nurture a coherent IUCN team in Brussels and coordinate with other IUCN offices worldwide to develop deeper collaboration opportunities that strengthen IUCN’s relations with the EU.
• Develop and implement a diversified fundraising strategy from EU sources for IUCN’s work through the Secretariat, Commissions and Members in close collaboration with the IUCN offices in Europe and the Strategic Partnerships Unit in Gland;
• Oversee and manage the IUCN office in Brussels with a view to ensuring a healthy and stable portfolio of activities and budget;
• Maintain a positive work environment, that facilitates collaboration and information sharing and is conducive to attracting, retaining, and motivating diverse talent;
• Closely cooperate with the Regional Director for Europe in preparing a development plan for the IUCN office in Brussels;
• Take part in the senior management team of the EUCANA Regional Service Hub;
• Develop and retain close coordination and knowledge exchange links with IUCN Headquarters and other regional and outposted offices;
• Provide guidance and oversee the support to out-posted staff located in the Brussels Office from other components of the Secretariat in close collaboration with their respective line managers;
• Ensure that the IUCN Association in Brussels (AISBL) continues to operate within Belgian law.

COMPETENCIES
• Ability and commitment to act in accordance with the core values of integrity and trust, transparency, professionalism and accountability, equality, inclusiveness and respect for diversity;
• Proven experience in maintaining and nurturing expert networks with demonstrated ability to handle politically and culturally sensitive issues;
• Experience in identifying key issues in a complex situation, and consulting, gathering, and analysing relevant information before proposing and implementing decisive actions or recommendations;
• Unimpeachable integrity as evidenced by behaviour, communication style and way of handling ambiguous or difficult situations;
• Demonstrated ability to manage and lead the work of the Secretariat with diverse skills, personalities, and backgrounds;
• Clear commitment to fostering a culture of high performance and accountability, demonstrated in the ability to manage by results, differentiate performance and assertively give feedback and take decisive action when necessary;
• Demonstrated experience building teams diverse in gender, nationality and background to achieve business results;
• Enthusiastic commitment and vision characterised by a commitment to nature conservation and sustainable use and the ability to provide inspiration and strategic direction;
• Good understanding of global affairs and experience with the workings of Multilateral Environmental Agreements and governmental and non-governmental institutions;
• Maturity, knowledge and experience in management and leadership abilities with a deep sense of self-awareness as evidenced by the ability to articulate one’s own strengths, weaknesses and impact on others.