The IUCN Headquarters is based in Gland, Switzerland and provides vital links for the Union and its members to all the IUCN activities, including projects and initiatives of Regional Offices and the six IUCN Commissions. Its coordination role is above and beyond the policy development and thematic guidance that it undertakes to provide to assist governments, communities and NGOs alike. The Global Marine and Polar Programme’s goal is to conserve marine biodiversity by promoting, influencing and catalyzing sustainable uses and equitable sharing of resources while protecting marine ecosystems.

This position will provide leading technical expertise to and take on project management efforts as part of GMPP’s programme of work on coastal ecosystems (specifically mangrove conservation) and in GMPP’s advisory role to existing policy and external funding processes and initiatives. The Programme Officer will report to the Manager, Oceans & Climate Change, GMPP, on the coastal ecosystem projects and work with other associated project staff and consultants as needed. The work will be centred around two main components.

1. Coordination and technical lead for coastal ecosystems (primarily mangrove related) conservation projects and products (approx. 70%) including

1.1 Lead coordination and project management support for GMPP’s coastal conservation project portfolio.

1.1.1 Coordinate with external project partners.
1.1.2 Coordinate with other IUCN colleagues, including from IUCN’s regional offices, as well as engage with relevant consultants.
1.1.3 Support the Manager, Oceans and Climate Change, with project budgeting, budget reviews, as well as technical and financial reporting.
1.1.4 Ensure IUCN internal administrative tasks, such as internal agreements and new consultancy contracts, are executed in a timely fashion.
1.1.5 Work with IUCN communication staff to promote project outcomes to a technical and/or wider audience

1.2 Project delivery and implementation.

1.2.1 Provide technical expertise for a timely and impactful implementation of projects, primarily focused on mangrove conservation, restoration, coastal planning and international and national policy development
1.2.2 Organise technical workshops, policy outreach and capacity building events in a strategic and cost-effective manner so that the impact on practitioners, scientists and policy makers is maximised.
1.2.3 Produce relevant outcomes workshop/event documents, draft think pieces and develop and/or review policy papers
1.2.4 Strengthen and grow the IUCN networks and partnerships (via SOMN, the Global Mangrove Alliance, Blue Carbon Initiative and others).

1.3 Contribute to the advocacy of prioritizing mangroves and other coastal ecosystem conservation at international policy fora and within relevant conservation networks.

1.3.1 Develop specific policy analysis and/or briefs for relevant international processes
1.3.2 Lead on technical presentations relevant for international and national policy making
1.3.3 Engage and represent IUCN at relevant international policy fora and conferences/workshops, as requested


2. Coordinate IUCN’s role as service provider to external initiatives to provide quality insurance (approx. 30%)

2.1 Manage and write IUCN’s contribution to project evaluation processes in a timely and effective manner including: formation of evaluation teams, review of concept notes and project proposals, background check on the proposals, analysis of different proposals and follow up on issues raised by the IUCN evaluation team.

2.1.1 Coordinate the monitoring of selected projects as stipulated in the IUCN’s agreement with external initiatives and take part in at least one monitoring evaluation each year.
2.1.2 Develop awareness raising materials for external initiatives and communicate publically these with relevant networks and potential partners. Help develop fundraising documents.
2.1.3 Provide additional technical and administrative support to the external initiatives as and when needed.

3. Other responsibilities

3.1 Engage in resource mobilization activities / funding for mangrove and coastal conservation projects
3.1.1 Initiate and lead small to medium (250k – 1 mill CHF) project developments
3.1.2 Support the developments of larger proposal (above 1 mill CHF)

3.2 Supervise, mentor, guide and appraise any GMPP staff, interns or consultants as delegated by the Manager, Oceans and Climate, and that IUCN Human Resource management protocols are fully observed and staff members have a clear idea of their role, responsibilities and how their performance is assessed.
3.2.1 Assume responsibility for other activities that the Director GMPP and / or the Manager, Oceans and Climate may assign from time to time and that do not negatively impact on the delivery of the above responsibilities.