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Technical Assistant
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BACKGROUND
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a Union of Members composed of sovereign states, government agencies, indigenous and civil society organizations. IUCN makes available to public, private and non-governmental entities the knowledge and tools that enable, in a comprehensive manner, human progress, economic development and nature conservation.
Created in 1948, IUCN has become the world's largest and most diverse environmental network. IUCN has the expertise, resources and reach of its more than 1,400 Member organizations and the contributions of more than 18,000 experts. IUCN is one of the leading providers of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its exten-sive and diverse membership makes IUCN an incubator and trusted repository of conservation best practices and tools, as well as international guidelines and standards.
IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse actors, including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous groups, faith-based organizations and others can work together to create and im-plement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.
IUCN works with diverse partners and supporters to implement a broad and diverse portfolio of conservation pro-jects around the world. Combining the latest scientific advances with the traditional knowledge of local communi-ties, these projects seek to halt and reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve human well-being.
The Regional Office for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean (ORMACC) has more than 35 years of pres-ence in the Region and is based in San José, Costa Rica. It has Country Offices in Guatemala, and Honduras, as well as project offices in several additional countries, including Barbados and St. Kitts and Nevis, among other countries. This position will be based in Barbados and will support activities at the regional level, reaching several countries of the wider Caribbean region.
About the Project:
The Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management (BIOPAMA II) programme aims to contribute to improving the long-term conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and natural resources in African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries, through better use and monitoring of information and capacity development on management and governance in protected areas and surrounding communities. It is an initiative of the ACP Group financially supported by the European Union’s 11th European Development Fund (EDF) and jointly implemented by IUCN and the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission (EC-JRC).
The IUCN Regional Office for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean is responsible for implementing BIOPAMA II in the Caribbean. Implementation has focused on establishing the regionally centred, Observatory for Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management called the “Caribbean Protected Areas Gateway” (CPAG). The CPAG (https://thecpag.org), a resource hub for facilitating and promoting viable decisions and policies by decision makers and resource managers for effective and sustainable management of protected areas and biodiversity, is co-hosted by The University of the West Indies (UWI) and IUCN, and located in the Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (CERMES), a Centre within the Faculty of Science and Technology at the Cave Hill Campus in Barbados. BIOPAMA II work in the Caribbean has also focussed on building local and national capacity for effective management and governance of protected areas; and administering the BIOPAMA Action Component, a grant-making facility that supports local actions for strengthening protected areas and natural resources management effectiveness and governance.
Created in 1948, IUCN has become the world's largest and most diverse environmental network. IUCN has the expertise, resources and reach of its more than 1,400 Member organizations and the contributions of more than 18,000 experts. IUCN is one of the leading providers of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its exten-sive and diverse membership makes IUCN an incubator and trusted repository of conservation best practices and tools, as well as international guidelines and standards.
IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse actors, including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous groups, faith-based organizations and others can work together to create and im-plement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.
IUCN works with diverse partners and supporters to implement a broad and diverse portfolio of conservation pro-jects around the world. Combining the latest scientific advances with the traditional knowledge of local communi-ties, these projects seek to halt and reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve human well-being.
The Regional Office for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean (ORMACC) has more than 35 years of pres-ence in the Region and is based in San José, Costa Rica. It has Country Offices in Guatemala, and Honduras, as well as project offices in several additional countries, including Barbados and St. Kitts and Nevis, among other countries. This position will be based in Barbados and will support activities at the regional level, reaching several countries of the wider Caribbean region.
About the Project:
The Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management (BIOPAMA II) programme aims to contribute to improving the long-term conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and natural resources in African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries, through better use and monitoring of information and capacity development on management and governance in protected areas and surrounding communities. It is an initiative of the ACP Group financially supported by the European Union’s 11th European Development Fund (EDF) and jointly implemented by IUCN and the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission (EC-JRC).
The IUCN Regional Office for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean is responsible for implementing BIOPAMA II in the Caribbean. Implementation has focused on establishing the regionally centred, Observatory for Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management called the “Caribbean Protected Areas Gateway” (CPAG). The CPAG (https://thecpag.org), a resource hub for facilitating and promoting viable decisions and policies by decision makers and resource managers for effective and sustainable management of protected areas and biodiversity, is co-hosted by The University of the West Indies (UWI) and IUCN, and located in the Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (CERMES), a Centre within the Faculty of Science and Technology at the Cave Hill Campus in Barbados. BIOPAMA II work in the Caribbean has also focussed on building local and national capacity for effective management and governance of protected areas; and administering the BIOPAMA Action Component, a grant-making facility that supports local actions for strengthening protected areas and natural resources management effectiveness and governance.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Technical Assistant will report and provide support to the BIOPAMA Regional Coordinator in the Caribbean. The Technical Assistant will also work with technical, financial and administrative staff based in ORMACC, the IUCN Head Quarters and other IUCN regional offices implementing BIOPAMA, as well as with the EC-JRC and the CPAG at the University of the West Indies.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Tasks to support the overall implementation of the BIOPAMA programme:
1. Develop a thorough understanding of the BIOPAMA programme including the Action Component (AC) mechanism.
2. Support the BIOPAMA Regional Coordinator in the development, implementation and monitoring of the Caribbean work plan for the BIOPAMA programme by providing technical support to all programme components.
3. Support the development of technical and financial reports, both internal reports and reports to the donor and other interested parties.
4. Prepare technical documents, reports of events, and develop, review and edit documents upon request of the BIOPAMA Regional Coordinator.
5. Provide technical support on relevant topics to the CPAG team.
6. Function as regional communication focal point for the programme and liaise with IUCN HQ, ORMACC and CPAG communication officers to, contribute, within his/her area of expertise, to the preparation of communication products and dissemination materials, in accordance with the donor’s and IUCN’s communication guidelines.
7. Support the organization of local, national and regional meetings and workshops including managing overall logistical support.
8. Support procurement processes for consultancies, including writing terms of reference, requesting quotations, facilitating submission evaluations, contract management, monitoring and follow up and quality control of deliverables.
Tasks to support the BIOPAMA II Action Component (AC):
1. Support the implementation of all processes required at regional level for the roll out and management of grants under the AC and ensuring that they are delivered in a timely, effective and accurate manner.
2. Manage and monitor the AC grants, in close collaboration with the ORMACC Finance Officer, through trainings and field visits, ensuring that grantees adhere to reporting requirements, key project indicators, targets, and outcomes.
3. Support BIOPAMA Regional Coordinator in development of grant contract amendments and other aspects related to the contract process.
4. Support and facilitate experience exchanges between grantees in the Caribbean, which includes both technical duties and administrative tasks.
Please note: These terms of reference contain the main responsibilities and duties of this po-sition. However, in a constantly evolving organisation like IUCN, staff members are expected to show flexibility in their approach to work and be willing to undertake other tasks that are reasonably assigned to them but not part of their normal terms of reference. When a task be-comes a regular part of the staff member's responsibilities, the terms of reference should be changed in consultation with the manager, the staff member, and the Human Resources Unit. Any of the beforementioned can initiate the consultation.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Tasks to support the overall implementation of the BIOPAMA programme:
1. Develop a thorough understanding of the BIOPAMA programme including the Action Component (AC) mechanism.
2. Support the BIOPAMA Regional Coordinator in the development, implementation and monitoring of the Caribbean work plan for the BIOPAMA programme by providing technical support to all programme components.
3. Support the development of technical and financial reports, both internal reports and reports to the donor and other interested parties.
4. Prepare technical documents, reports of events, and develop, review and edit documents upon request of the BIOPAMA Regional Coordinator.
5. Provide technical support on relevant topics to the CPAG team.
6. Function as regional communication focal point for the programme and liaise with IUCN HQ, ORMACC and CPAG communication officers to, contribute, within his/her area of expertise, to the preparation of communication products and dissemination materials, in accordance with the donor’s and IUCN’s communication guidelines.
7. Support the organization of local, national and regional meetings and workshops including managing overall logistical support.
8. Support procurement processes for consultancies, including writing terms of reference, requesting quotations, facilitating submission evaluations, contract management, monitoring and follow up and quality control of deliverables.
Tasks to support the BIOPAMA II Action Component (AC):
1. Support the implementation of all processes required at regional level for the roll out and management of grants under the AC and ensuring that they are delivered in a timely, effective and accurate manner.
2. Manage and monitor the AC grants, in close collaboration with the ORMACC Finance Officer, through trainings and field visits, ensuring that grantees adhere to reporting requirements, key project indicators, targets, and outcomes.
3. Support BIOPAMA Regional Coordinator in development of grant contract amendments and other aspects related to the contract process.
4. Support and facilitate experience exchanges between grantees in the Caribbean, which includes both technical duties and administrative tasks.
Please note: These terms of reference contain the main responsibilities and duties of this po-sition. However, in a constantly evolving organisation like IUCN, staff members are expected to show flexibility in their approach to work and be willing to undertake other tasks that are reasonably assigned to them but not part of their normal terms of reference. When a task be-comes a regular part of the staff member's responsibilities, the terms of reference should be changed in consultation with the manager, the staff member, and the Human Resources Unit. Any of the beforementioned can initiate the consultation.
REQUIREMENTS
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• Masters degree in environmental sciences, biology, project management, sustainable development or related fields. • Three years of work experience in biodiversity, environment, and conservation-related topics, acquired in the Caribbean region. Work experience in protected areas management and/or data management is considered a plus. • Experience working in international development cooperation projects and donor engagement. • Outstanding English (verbal/written) with excellent reporting, communication and presentation skills; Spanish and/French is a plus. • Knowledge and understanding of the environmental and social context of the Caribbean. • Proficient in using email, internet and MS Office applications (MS Word/Excel/PowerPoint, etc.). • Demonstrated excellent interpersonal and networking skills, including the ability to work in a multi-cultural environment, and to establish effective working relationships both within and outside the organization. • Availability to travel regionally and internationally when required. • Proactive, responsible, and enthusiastic individual. • Proven ability to work both independently and as part of a team. • Ability to handle complex situations and provide solutions. • Must have a work permit for Barbados. |
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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