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Programme Officer, Global Drylands Initiative
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BACKGROUND
THIS IS A LOCAL POSITION OPEN TO KENYA NATIONALS OR PERMIT RESIDENCE OF KENYA.
POSITION WILL SUPPORT PROJECTS IN EAST AND WEST AFRICA AND CANDIDATE MUST BE FLUENT IN EITHER ENGLISH OR FRENCH AND COMPETENT IN THE OTHER LANGUAGE.
The Global Drylands Initiative (GDI) is part of IUCN’s Global Ecosystem Management Programme and is responsible for IUCN’s programme of work in Hyper Arid, Arid, Semi-Arid and Dry Sub-humid lands. The programme has a growing portfolio of projects in multiple regions that focus on sustainable drylands management, rangeland monitoring and assessment, natural resource governance, and influencing policies and policy implementation for dryland management. The GDI is IUCN’s focal point to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
The principle roles of the Programme Officer (PO) are to manage a portfolio of projects, lead the implementation of agreed project activities, and ensure their alignment with the GDI programme strategy and IUCN’s global programme. The PO is responsible for delivery of assigned projects in accordance with both donor and IUCN requirements and for maintaining consistency between these projects and the overall IUCN Global Programme. The PO will provide input to programme planning and strategic development and will take the lead in some aspects of representation, partnership building and fund raising. The PO will play a significant role in supporting project implementation and programme development in the IUCN Eastern and Southern Africa Office: People and Landscapes Programme.
POSITION WILL SUPPORT PROJECTS IN EAST AND WEST AFRICA AND CANDIDATE MUST BE FLUENT IN EITHER ENGLISH OR FRENCH AND COMPETENT IN THE OTHER LANGUAGE.
The Global Drylands Initiative (GDI) is part of IUCN’s Global Ecosystem Management Programme and is responsible for IUCN’s programme of work in Hyper Arid, Arid, Semi-Arid and Dry Sub-humid lands. The programme has a growing portfolio of projects in multiple regions that focus on sustainable drylands management, rangeland monitoring and assessment, natural resource governance, and influencing policies and policy implementation for dryland management. The GDI is IUCN’s focal point to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
The principle roles of the Programme Officer (PO) are to manage a portfolio of projects, lead the implementation of agreed project activities, and ensure their alignment with the GDI programme strategy and IUCN’s global programme. The PO is responsible for delivery of assigned projects in accordance with both donor and IUCN requirements and for maintaining consistency between these projects and the overall IUCN Global Programme. The PO will provide input to programme planning and strategic development and will take the lead in some aspects of representation, partnership building and fund raising. The PO will play a significant role in supporting project implementation and programme development in the IUCN Eastern and Southern Africa Office: People and Landscapes Programme.
JOB DESCRIPTION
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES;
The principle roles of the Programme Officer (PO) are to manage a portfolio of projects, lead the implementation of agreed project activities, and ensure their alignment with the GDI programme strategy and IUCN’s global programme. The PO is responsible for delivery of assigned projects in accordance with both donor and IUCN requirements and for maintaining consistency between these projects and the overall IUCN Global Programme. The PO will provide input to programme planning and strategic development and will take the lead in some aspects of representation, partnership building and fund raising. The PO will play a significant role in supporting project implementation and programme development in the IUCN Eastern and Southern Africa Office: People and Landscapes Programme.
Project management according to IUCN policies, procedures and positions:
Understand and comply with IUCN policies and procedures in all aspects of work;
Secure correct approval of all assigned projects through the PAAS system;
Ensure all assigned projects meet IUCN ESMS (environmental and social) standards in both development and implementation phases;
Update the IUCN project portal with relevant project information;
Implement all assigned projects in accordance with the project documents, supporting agreements (e.g. contracts, MOUs, PAIAs etc.), annual work plans and the procedures of IUCN;
Utilize and monitor project budgets in accordance with IUCN internal controls and donor agreements;
Manage all project data and documents, in soft and hard copy as appropriate, ensuring they are suitably accessible by other IUCN staff;
Prepare project technical reports according to the agreed formats and deadlines and IUCN standards;
Project implementation;
Implement project activities, in agreement with the line manager and other GDI staff, according to both IUCN and donor requirements and standards, and to the satisfaction of project partners;
Support the management and implementation of designated projects in the ESARO People and Landscape Programme, according to Internal Agreements signed with the regional office;
Facilitate project related workshops, training events and other public fora;
Assist in policy dialogue and advocacy events organised through field based GDI projects, and contribute to the global policy dialogue of GDI, for example at UNCCD fora;
Provide training to project partners to improve their capacity to deliver on project activities and objectives;
Lead participatory planning exercises and training of practitioners in participatory approaches;
Capture and document lessons from project activities and write, or co-author, agreed project publications and communication material;
Implement agreed programmatic activities, including workshops and side events at international events;
Representation;
Maintain and develop relationships between IUCN and its donors and implementing partners, ensuring that these partners are appraised of and satisfied with project progress;
Use opportunities at internal and public events to raise the profile of the IUCN and the Drylands programme and identify strategic partnerships and initiatives;
Collaborate effectively with IUCN members and Commission Members (especially CEM) as well as other strategic partners, under the guidance of the GDI coordinator;
Represent IUCN at internal and external meetings in agreement with the GDI coordinator;
Represent GDI in discussions with ESARO and provide technical support in project development in the region, as agreed with the GDI coordinator and ESARO colleagues;
Contribute to programme development within the GDI;
Work with the GDI coordinator and other GDI and GEMP team members to strengthen the overall GDI programme approach, including input to defining strategic priorities and objectives and aligning GDI and GEMP to the overall IUCN intersessional programme goals;
Maintain a current understanding of the IUCN Global Programme results and targets and provide input to consultations over amendments of the programme;
Report on the contribution of assigned projects to delivering programme goals and contribute to annual work planning and budgeting for the GEMP cost centre and GDI sub cost centre;
Communicate projects and project activities, in coordination with IUCN communication focal points and experts, to maintain public visibility of the programme;
Maintain an awareness of other IUCN thematic programmes and approaches and assist in identifying opportunities for synergy and collaboration;
Maintain a current awareness of environment/drylands issues in order to assist in responding to emerging issues;
Work closely with other IUCN thematic and regional programmes, and with members and partners, to develop innovative fund raising proposals;
Lead the preparation of assigned concept notes and proposals and assist in negotiating project funding with potential donors according to IUCN standards and guidelines on cost recovery;
Monitoring, Evaluation and learning;
Implement all project-based M&E activities and report on outcomes and impacts of project delivery;
Include appropriately funded M&E activities in all newly developed projects;
Effectively document and communicate project lessons and contribute to GDI learning and good practices;
Other duties;
Carry out other relevant tasks assigned by, and mutually agreed with, the line manager.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES;
The principle roles of the Programme Officer (PO) are to manage a portfolio of projects, lead the implementation of agreed project activities, and ensure their alignment with the GDI programme strategy and IUCN’s global programme. The PO is responsible for delivery of assigned projects in accordance with both donor and IUCN requirements and for maintaining consistency between these projects and the overall IUCN Global Programme. The PO will provide input to programme planning and strategic development and will take the lead in some aspects of representation, partnership building and fund raising. The PO will play a significant role in supporting project implementation and programme development in the IUCN Eastern and Southern Africa Office: People and Landscapes Programme.
Project management according to IUCN policies, procedures and positions:
Understand and comply with IUCN policies and procedures in all aspects of work;
Secure correct approval of all assigned projects through the PAAS system;
Ensure all assigned projects meet IUCN ESMS (environmental and social) standards in both development and implementation phases;
Update the IUCN project portal with relevant project information;
Implement all assigned projects in accordance with the project documents, supporting agreements (e.g. contracts, MOUs, PAIAs etc.), annual work plans and the procedures of IUCN;
Utilize and monitor project budgets in accordance with IUCN internal controls and donor agreements;
Manage all project data and documents, in soft and hard copy as appropriate, ensuring they are suitably accessible by other IUCN staff;
Prepare project technical reports according to the agreed formats and deadlines and IUCN standards;
Project implementation;
Implement project activities, in agreement with the line manager and other GDI staff, according to both IUCN and donor requirements and standards, and to the satisfaction of project partners;
Support the management and implementation of designated projects in the ESARO People and Landscape Programme, according to Internal Agreements signed with the regional office;
Facilitate project related workshops, training events and other public fora;
Assist in policy dialogue and advocacy events organised through field based GDI projects, and contribute to the global policy dialogue of GDI, for example at UNCCD fora;
Provide training to project partners to improve their capacity to deliver on project activities and objectives;
Lead participatory planning exercises and training of practitioners in participatory approaches;
Capture and document lessons from project activities and write, or co-author, agreed project publications and communication material;
Implement agreed programmatic activities, including workshops and side events at international events;
Representation;
Maintain and develop relationships between IUCN and its donors and implementing partners, ensuring that these partners are appraised of and satisfied with project progress;
Use opportunities at internal and public events to raise the profile of the IUCN and the Drylands programme and identify strategic partnerships and initiatives;
Collaborate effectively with IUCN members and Commission Members (especially CEM) as well as other strategic partners, under the guidance of the GDI coordinator;
Represent IUCN at internal and external meetings in agreement with the GDI coordinator;
Represent GDI in discussions with ESARO and provide technical support in project development in the region, as agreed with the GDI coordinator and ESARO colleagues;
Contribute to programme development within the GDI;
Work with the GDI coordinator and other GDI and GEMP team members to strengthen the overall GDI programme approach, including input to defining strategic priorities and objectives and aligning GDI and GEMP to the overall IUCN intersessional programme goals;
Maintain a current understanding of the IUCN Global Programme results and targets and provide input to consultations over amendments of the programme;
Report on the contribution of assigned projects to delivering programme goals and contribute to annual work planning and budgeting for the GEMP cost centre and GDI sub cost centre;
Communicate projects and project activities, in coordination with IUCN communication focal points and experts, to maintain public visibility of the programme;
Maintain an awareness of other IUCN thematic programmes and approaches and assist in identifying opportunities for synergy and collaboration;
Maintain a current awareness of environment/drylands issues in order to assist in responding to emerging issues;
Work closely with other IUCN thematic and regional programmes, and with members and partners, to develop innovative fund raising proposals;
Lead the preparation of assigned concept notes and proposals and assist in negotiating project funding with potential donors according to IUCN standards and guidelines on cost recovery;
Monitoring, Evaluation and learning;
Implement all project-based M&E activities and report on outcomes and impacts of project delivery;
Include appropriately funded M&E activities in all newly developed projects;
Effectively document and communicate project lessons and contribute to GDI learning and good practices;
Other duties;
Carry out other relevant tasks assigned by, and mutually agreed with, the line manager.
REQUIREMENTS
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• A Masters Degree in Natural Resource Management, or its equivalent, with a specialization in drylands, rangelands, pastoralism or a related field • At least 5 years’ work experience in managing and coordinating projects, primarily in the conservation or sustainable development field, in more than one country; • Experience with results-based project cycle management including monitoring and evaluation methodologies and project budget management • Experience in participatory and community based development or natural resource management approaches; • Ability to organize and facilitate multi-stakeholder participatory processes; • A good understanding of drylands conservation and sustainable development; • Strong networking and communication skills and ability to work with different partners and stakeholders; • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary and multi-partner environment • Fluent in English and a good working knowledge of French is a must. • Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office package and internet; • Excellent communication skills and proven writing ability; • Strong motivation for working on drylands, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development; • A clear and analytical thinker and communicator; • Strong organisational and administrative skills • Adheres to IUCN ESARO core values of Transparency, Inclusiveness, Professionalism and Accountability; • Excellent interpersonal skills and a strong team player with proven communication and diplomacy with the ability to work effectively with multicultural and multidisciplinary teams with sensitivity and respect for diversity; • Highly motivated and results-oriented individual • Demonstrated ability to work with limited supervision to prioritize tasking and manage workflow in a high pressure environment • Willingness to travel globally for not less than 30% of the working year, sometimes at a short notice, including field visits in challenging environments. • Committed to continuous learning and proactive and mature attitude towards self-development; |
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/
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