|
Grant Management Officer , SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) Financing Facility
|
BACKGROUND
RE-ADVERTISEMENT - THOSE WHO HAD APPLIED DO NOT NEED TO APPLY.
THIS IS A LOCAL POSITION OPEN TO NATIONALS WITHIN SADC REGION. NO RELOCATION COSTS TO SOUTH AFRICA WILL BE SUPPORTED”
BACKGROUND
The IUCN Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO) operates in twenty-four countries in the Horn of Africa, eastern Africa, southern Africa and the Western Indian Ocean. IUCN ESARO engages directly in biodiversity conservation in the region through its innovative thematic programme, Conservation Areas and Species (CAS). The CAS programme draws on evidence-based and best practice approaches to enhance the conservation and management of biodiversity and ecosystems in Eastern and Southern Africa. CAS operates through a “One Programme” approach working closely with IUCN members and Commissions to engage in a diverse set of biodiversity conservation actions ranging from the implementation of field projects to influencing policy and institutional frameworks at local, national, regional and global levels. The CAS programme is focused on enhancing management effectiveness, governance and equity of protected and conserved areas, strengthening multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder engagement to improve biodiversity conservation at landscape and seascape level, and supporting effective local community engagement in biodiversity conservation. The thematic programme also contributes to building the capacity of IUCN Members and partners, as well as the ESARO Secretariat to tackle new and emerging biodiversity conservation challenges in the region and to implement relevant international conventions, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) , Convention on Illegal Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. The programme also links closely to relevant work and regional priorities of Regional Economic Communities, the African Union and the United Nations Environment Assembly.
IUCN ESARO has been appointed as the Project Executing Agency (PEA) for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) Financing Facaility. The SADC TFCA Financing Facility is a grant-making mechanism established to support SADC TFCAs. IUCN ESARO is looking to recruit a highly qualified Grant Management Officer , SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) to help with management of grants under the SADC TFCA Financing Facility. A summary of the SADC TFCA Financing Facility is as follows:
SADC TFCA Financing Facility
The development and establishment of a regional and sustainable Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) financing mechanism is a major component of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) TFCA programme (2013). The initial funding by the German Government (BMZ through KfW) shall be EUR 12 million (plus an additional commitment for EUR 11 million to be made available in the near future) for an initial financing cycle of up to 6 years. The intention is to leverage additional funds from various partners, including further commitment from Germany, in order to reach an operational funding volume of approximately EUR 100 million in the medium to long term.
The SADC TFCA Financing Facility (FF) is intended to foster closer collaboration between stakeholders supporting TFCAs and provide the basis for longer-term and more sustainable funding opportunities to develop all TFCAs. The SADC TFCA FF will be fully aligned with the objectives of the SADC Programme for TFCAs (2013) aiming at contributions to various objectives and goals in other relevant SADC strategies and protocols.
Through the TFCA Financing Facility, investments in tangible measures strengthening ecological, economic, cultural and institutional connectivity within SADC TFCAs will be leveraged in a flexible, demand-and performance driven way. The measures shall integrate three dimensions:
1) improved habitat connectivity, especially for elephants and large carnivores as flagship species (“species” dimension),
2) improved management effectiveness and governance of TFCAs and protected areas PAs (“habitat” dimension) and
3) improved livelihoods for communities affected by human-wildlife co-habitation (“people” dimension)
The SADC TFCA FF will contribute towards: (i) faster implementation of projects, (ii) better dissemination and multiplication of innovative approaches, (iii) a pipeline of bankable projects, ready for funding and able to absorb additional funds, (iv) faster response and reaction to upcoming challenges, crises or opportunities, (v) better coordination and harmonisation of national, bilateral and multilateral programmes. Further, the financing mechanism shall contribute to the institutional development of TFCAs, including the preparation and constitution of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), treaties and other legal documents as required.
THIS IS A LOCAL POSITION OPEN TO NATIONALS WITHIN SADC REGION. NO RELOCATION COSTS TO SOUTH AFRICA WILL BE SUPPORTED”
BACKGROUND
The IUCN Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO) operates in twenty-four countries in the Horn of Africa, eastern Africa, southern Africa and the Western Indian Ocean. IUCN ESARO engages directly in biodiversity conservation in the region through its innovative thematic programme, Conservation Areas and Species (CAS). The CAS programme draws on evidence-based and best practice approaches to enhance the conservation and management of biodiversity and ecosystems in Eastern and Southern Africa. CAS operates through a “One Programme” approach working closely with IUCN members and Commissions to engage in a diverse set of biodiversity conservation actions ranging from the implementation of field projects to influencing policy and institutional frameworks at local, national, regional and global levels. The CAS programme is focused on enhancing management effectiveness, governance and equity of protected and conserved areas, strengthening multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder engagement to improve biodiversity conservation at landscape and seascape level, and supporting effective local community engagement in biodiversity conservation. The thematic programme also contributes to building the capacity of IUCN Members and partners, as well as the ESARO Secretariat to tackle new and emerging biodiversity conservation challenges in the region and to implement relevant international conventions, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) , Convention on Illegal Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. The programme also links closely to relevant work and regional priorities of Regional Economic Communities, the African Union and the United Nations Environment Assembly.
IUCN ESARO has been appointed as the Project Executing Agency (PEA) for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) Financing Facaility. The SADC TFCA Financing Facility is a grant-making mechanism established to support SADC TFCAs. IUCN ESARO is looking to recruit a highly qualified Grant Management Officer , SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) to help with management of grants under the SADC TFCA Financing Facility. A summary of the SADC TFCA Financing Facility is as follows:
SADC TFCA Financing Facility
The development and establishment of a regional and sustainable Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) financing mechanism is a major component of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) TFCA programme (2013). The initial funding by the German Government (BMZ through KfW) shall be EUR 12 million (plus an additional commitment for EUR 11 million to be made available in the near future) for an initial financing cycle of up to 6 years. The intention is to leverage additional funds from various partners, including further commitment from Germany, in order to reach an operational funding volume of approximately EUR 100 million in the medium to long term.
The SADC TFCA Financing Facility (FF) is intended to foster closer collaboration between stakeholders supporting TFCAs and provide the basis for longer-term and more sustainable funding opportunities to develop all TFCAs. The SADC TFCA FF will be fully aligned with the objectives of the SADC Programme for TFCAs (2013) aiming at contributions to various objectives and goals in other relevant SADC strategies and protocols.
Through the TFCA Financing Facility, investments in tangible measures strengthening ecological, economic, cultural and institutional connectivity within SADC TFCAs will be leveraged in a flexible, demand-and performance driven way. The measures shall integrate three dimensions:
1) improved habitat connectivity, especially for elephants and large carnivores as flagship species (“species” dimension),
2) improved management effectiveness and governance of TFCAs and protected areas PAs (“habitat” dimension) and
3) improved livelihoods for communities affected by human-wildlife co-habitation (“people” dimension)
The SADC TFCA FF will contribute towards: (i) faster implementation of projects, (ii) better dissemination and multiplication of innovative approaches, (iii) a pipeline of bankable projects, ready for funding and able to absorb additional funds, (iv) faster response and reaction to upcoming challenges, crises or opportunities, (v) better coordination and harmonisation of national, bilateral and multilateral programmes. Further, the financing mechanism shall contribute to the institutional development of TFCAs, including the preparation and constitution of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), treaties and other legal documents as required.
JOB DESCRIPTION
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Grant Management Officer will undertake day-to-day administration of grants and grantee support for the SADC TFCA Financing Facility, under the supervision of the Team Leader, SADC TFCA Financing Facilities. The position will also be responsible for supporting contract preparation for grantees across the programme.
SPECIFIC DUTIES:
Specific duties will include:
Implementation of the SADC TFCA Financing Facility in close liaison with the Team Leader, SADC TFCA Financing Facilities and in accordance with the Operational Manual for the TFCA Financing Facility:
Assisting the Team Leader in finalizing the strategic direction for each call for proposals
Promoting the call for proposals in the SADC region: publishing on websites and promoting through other relevant channels
Support grantees to prepare high-quality grant proposals (consisting of the technical description, log frame, supporting documents and budgets)
Providing technical advice and support to the applicants during the proposal preparation stage
Organizing capacity building events for applicants
Establishing the Roster of Experts:
Identifying and recruiting suitable experts
Contracting the Experts
Convening meetings of the Roster of Experts following the close of each call for proposals to undertake:
A technical assessment of Grant Concept Notes/Full Proposals to assess alignment with the objectives of the TFCA Financing Facility.
A technical evaluation of full proposals against agreed selection criteria
Compiling a ranked list of the proposals submitted according to their score in the technical evaluation.
Informing the Team Leader of the results of the selection process (i.e. the projects selected for funding)
Prepare grant contracts in liaison with the Administration and finance team
Assisting the Team Leader in monitoring project progress, assessing project management and implementation effectiveness according to monitoring guidelines.
Monitoring, field visits and spot checks on the ground to support grantees, capacity build and to monitor compliance.
Supporting beneficiaries by providing advice and guidance on implementation issues
Assist the Team Leader in preparing work plans and relevant reports
Other responsibilities:
Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time, provided that they complement, and do not impact negatively, on the main duties above.
The Grant Management Officer will undertake day-to-day administration of grants and grantee support for the SADC TFCA Financing Facility, under the supervision of the Team Leader, SADC TFCA Financing Facilities. The position will also be responsible for supporting contract preparation for grantees across the programme.
SPECIFIC DUTIES:
Specific duties will include:
Implementation of the SADC TFCA Financing Facility in close liaison with the Team Leader, SADC TFCA Financing Facilities and in accordance with the Operational Manual for the TFCA Financing Facility:
Assisting the Team Leader in finalizing the strategic direction for each call for proposals
Promoting the call for proposals in the SADC region: publishing on websites and promoting through other relevant channels
Support grantees to prepare high-quality grant proposals (consisting of the technical description, log frame, supporting documents and budgets)
Providing technical advice and support to the applicants during the proposal preparation stage
Organizing capacity building events for applicants
Establishing the Roster of Experts:
Identifying and recruiting suitable experts
Contracting the Experts
Convening meetings of the Roster of Experts following the close of each call for proposals to undertake:
A technical assessment of Grant Concept Notes/Full Proposals to assess alignment with the objectives of the TFCA Financing Facility.
A technical evaluation of full proposals against agreed selection criteria
Compiling a ranked list of the proposals submitted according to their score in the technical evaluation.
Informing the Team Leader of the results of the selection process (i.e. the projects selected for funding)
Prepare grant contracts in liaison with the Administration and finance team
Assisting the Team Leader in monitoring project progress, assessing project management and implementation effectiveness according to monitoring guidelines.
Monitoring, field visits and spot checks on the ground to support grantees, capacity build and to monitor compliance.
Supporting beneficiaries by providing advice and guidance on implementation issues
Assist the Team Leader in preparing work plans and relevant reports
Other responsibilities:
Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time, provided that they complement, and do not impact negatively, on the main duties above.
REQUIREMENTS
|
• Education; A first degree in Biodiversity Conservation or related field, Project Management from a recognized university. A post-graduate degree in the same field is an added advantage: • Work Experience; At least 3-5 years of relevant conservation and natural resources management experience , programme management or grant management experience is required at the national, regional or international level Previous experience in managing grant programmes highly desired Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft packages including knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, and electronic communication tools Experience in handling of web based management systems Demonstrated experience with budget management, grant management and procurement processes Demonstrated experience with organising meetings, workshops and training; Demonstrated experience working with donors, donor reporting requirements, disbursing grants and working with grantees Demonstrated experience in monitoring and evaluating projects is an advantage Experience in interacting confidently with diverse stakeholders including with government officials and local communities; such experience in the SADC region will be an added advantage Hands-on experience in report writing. • Language Proficiency; Fluency in written and spoken English. A working knowledge of Portuguese and French would be an advantage. • Functional competencies; Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Excellent analytical skills for the review and assessments of project proposals. Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), database applications, spreadsheet and graphics presentations Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. • Core Competencies; Transparency: Able to build trust and contribute to informed and responsible decision making by carrying out the work of IUCN in a transparent manner; provides clear guidance to ensure that objectives and desired measurable results are understood by members of the team. Inclusiveness: Understands and accepts cultural diversity, and provide a tolerant, positive and supportive working environment that fosters respect for diversity, demonstrates ability to work in a multicultural, multi ethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds. Professionalism: Promote the organization’s interests, objectives and values in a diligent and professional manner. Accountability: Takes responsibility of individual and collective actions, promotes the IUCN One Programme approach. |
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.
www.iucn.org
https://twitter.com/IUCN