The IUCN Uganda office was opened in 1991 and has extensive experience in working with Government and Non-Government members to influence the national conservation agenda. The Programme of Work executed by the office has largely been focused around the relationship between ecosystem conservation and sustainable development. In doing so, a critical element of the Uganda Office’s work has revolved around identifying and applying demonstrable solutions towards enhancing equitable governance of natural resources as a key mechanism for both improving livelihoods of communities and the wider economic development of the country. The Programme of Work has been carried out at both national as well as transboundary levels, cutting across multiple sectors (but largely focused around Water & Wetlands; Forests, climate change and, more recently, Drylands). IUCN’s work more often than not draws upon landscape and ecosystem based approaches.

IUCN Uganda has played a pioneering role in providing science and knowledge to inform the paradigm shift in water resources management in Uganda from Sectoral to Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). This has been through implementation of field projects, studies and using evidence to support policy reforms in the water and wetlands sector. Currently, IUCN is piloting the catchment management approach in Upper Aswa, Rwizi and the Mount Elgon ecosystems.

Under the guidance of the Head of Office, the Senior Programme Officer will be responsible for both the administrative and technical management of the Water and Biodiversity thematic programme, within the country portfolio. Working closely with the Technical Coordinators and Programme Officers, the S/he will coordinate the development, planning and implementation of the Water and Biodiversity portfolio for effective delivery of the programme of work.

More specifically, the roles and responsibilities of the Senior Programme Officer - Water and Biodiversity are described below:

7.1 Administrative and managerial oversight of the Water and Biodiverstiy portfolio:
• In consultation with project staff and the Finance Department; Prepare and update the Water and Biodiversity Portfolio on a regular basis and as requested by the Head of Office;
• Work closely with the Head of Office as well as relevant Technical Coordinators to identify opportunities and strategic approaches to ensure that the portfolio is financially viable and sustainable;
• Convene regular meetings with project staff to review progress on projects as well as cost recovery and provide monthly reports to the Head of Office
• Provide support to monitoring and evaluation processes of the portfolio of projects, ensuring that M&E processes are carried out in line with IUCN guidelines and procedures

7.2 Project management and implementation
• Ensure the timely implementation of projects within the portfolio, in accordance with the projects’ documents, supporting agreements (e.g. contracts, MoUs, Project Activity Implementation Agreements etc.), annual work plans and the procedures of IUCN;
• Ensure that programme/project budgets are utilized and monitored in accordance with IUCN internal controls and donor agreements;
• Lead and ensure the collection, collation, and reporting of all project data and documents, including timely submission of technical progress reports according to the agreed formats and deadlines
• Maintain appropriate and effective (timely, respectful and professional) communications with all IUCN and programme stakeholders; and
• Provide capacity strengthening to team members and project partners to improve capacity to deliver on project activities and objectives

7.3 Technical backstopping and support to programmatic initiatives (Water and Biodiversity)
• Develop strategic and operational work plans for the delivery of projects and other programmatic initiatives, ensuring integrated collaboration between IUCN’s thematic portfolios as appropriate;
• Contribute directly to the delivery of technical outputs, ensuring high quality, relevance and technical accuracy;
• Identify, establish and build relationships with strategic partners (including, but not limited to Members and Donors) relevant and necessary for Programme delivery and growth;
• Support the Technical Coordinators in developing and implementing strategies for learning and knowledge generation from ongoing initiatives for sharing with the wider Regional Team as well as the broader IUCN Constituency;
• Identify needs and opportunities for Programme development and work with the Technical Coordinator(s), the Head of Office and other members of the team to develop new concept notes and mobilizing resources; and
• Contribute to the review and development of IUCN’s regional programme as requested by the Head of Office.