Governance & Policy Programme Officer
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The Governance and Policy Programme Officer will be responsible for coordinating and enhancing governance and policy engagement across the region, ensuring that IUCN ECARO’s initiatives are effectively implemented and utilized. A primary responsibility, particularly for the first four years, will be to ensure the implementation of the biodiversity pillar of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans (GAWB) and to administer the Biodiversity Task Force (BDTF) Secretariat. The Governance and Policy Programme Officer will also focus on expanding networks of contributors and users, supporting regional governance structures related to natural resource management, and liaising with various partners to foster decision-making processes for biodiversity-related processes. Familiarity with EU nature policy, especially the EU Green Deal and the 2030 Biodiversity Strategy, will be critical for this role. Additionally, the Governance and Policy Programme Officer will coordinate and contribute to governance and policy work under different projects in the IUCN ECARO portfolio, especially those focusing on policy development and institutional development. The Governance and Policy Programme Officer will also act as the focal point for liaising with the Centre for Policy and Law (CPL) from ECARO to strengthen connections with policy officers in the region.
SPECIFIC DUTIES
Governance and Policy Coordination
• Support the development and implementation of governance and policy initiatives in Eastern Europe and Central Asia that align with IUCN’s strategic priorities and regional needs;
• Collaborate with national and regional partners to enhance governance structures and policy frameworks related to nature conservation and sustainable development, with a strong focus on the Western Balkans and EU nature policy;
• Coordinate and contribute to governance and policy work under various projects within the IUCN ECARO portfolio, ensuring coherence and alignment with IUCN’s objectives;
• Ensure the effective implementation of the biodiversity pillar of the GAWB and administer the BDTF Secretariat;
• Facilitate the integration of governance considerations into IUCN ECARO projects and programs;
• Act as the focal point for ECARO for liaising with the IUCN CPL, as well as with the Regional European and North African Programme to ensure strong connections with regional policy officers.
Supporting Policy Influencing and Advocacy
• Act as a liaison officer within IUCN ECARO for thematic and regional programmes/teams following biodiversity policy processes (e.g., CBD, Ramsar, CITES, CMS) to ensure appropriate coordination and coherence in biodiversity policy messaging;
• Develop policy products, such as position papers and briefs, ensuring appropriate consultation across IUCN – global and regional teams as well as IUCN Commissions;
• Regularly circulate pertinent notifications and key information on prioritised biodiversity policy processes, keeping track of upcoming events and deadlines.
Programme Management and Implementation
• Support the effective and efficient implementation of governance and policy activities throughout the IUCN ECARO project portfolio through timely execution of activities, ensuring compliance with IUCN’s procedures and donor requirements;
• Monitor and manage project budgets, ensuring financial resources are used effectively and in accordance with donor agreements;
• Lead the collection, collation, and reporting of project data and documents, and assist with the submission of technical progress reports;
• Ensure proper management and follow-up of projects under the Policy Officer’s responsibility, and regularly update information in the Project Portal.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning
• Oversee the development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks and systems for IUCN ECARO;
•Document and share lessons and experiences to inform practice and support continuous improvement of governance and policy activities.
Programme Growth and Resource Mobilization
• Identify opportunities for new projects and work with colleagues to design and develop innovative policy and governance-related proposals;
• Support the investigation of additional fundraising possibilities to ensure the sustainability of governance and policy activities;
• Contribute to the communication and dissemination of programme achievements both internally and externally.
Capacity Building
• Support the implementation of capacity-building programs focused on governance and policy development;
• Provide technical support and facilitation to project partners to enhance their ability to deliver on project activities and objectives.
SALARY
The gross annual salary for this position is in the range from 34.669 EUR to 43.336 EUR subject to deductions for social security contributions and health insurance, and before tax.
• Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in environmental policy, governance, international relations, or a related field; • At least 5 years of experience in governance and policy-related roles, preferably within the context of nature conservation and sustainable development; • Proven experience in project and programme management, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building; • Strong understanding of governance and policy frameworks in the context of nature conservation and sustainable development, with specific knowledge of EU nature policy, including the EU Green Deal and the 2030 Biodiversity Strategy; • Excellent communication, negotiation, and representation skills; • Ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations; • Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines; • Proficiency in English (both written and spoken); knowledge of other languages spoken in the region is an asset. |
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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