Created in 1948, IUCN has evolved into the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network. It harnesses the experience, resources and reach of its 1,400 Member organisations and the input of some 16,000 experts. IUCN is the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it. Our experts are organised into six commissions dedicated to species survival, environmental law, protected areas, social and economic policy, ecosystem management, and education and communication.

Over 70% of IUCN’s annual income comes from bilateral and multilateral institutions. The Manager, Corporate Sponsorships and Engagement is a new position established to support the implementation of IUCN’s Programme of work and related financial plan through engagements with and securing income from private sector entities. The ambition is that, by 2024, income to support IUCN’s work from the private sector has grown significantly.

The Manager, Corporate Sponsorships & Engagement, is responsible to increase private sector financial contribution to IUCN to position IUCN as a “partner of choice” for prospects willing to support the organisation’s effort to fulfil its vision of a “a just world that values and conserves nature” through different engagement mechanisms such as sponsorship, cause-related marketing, licensing and corporate donations.

Based at IUCN’s Headquarters in Gland, Switzerland, s/he reports to the Director, Strategic Partnership Unit, and is expected to work closely with the Business and Biodiversity Programme and other IUCN constituencies to coordinate the organisation’s overall fundraising efforts with the private sector and develop, update and implement strategic fundraising initiatives. S/he works closely with IUCN’s technical staff in Headquarters and in IUCN offices located in other parts of the world.


S/he will:

- Develop and implement an effective, innovative and fit for purpose private sector resource mobilization strategy to raise funds in support of the IUCN’s Programme and its institutional priorities;
- Conduct a market landscape analysis to identify prospect partners based on the IUCN’s strategic objectives, risk profile and the existing engagement policies and procedures;
- Scope the actual financial potential of private sector engagement based on IUCN’s ambition, work and financial plan;
- Develop and refine fundraising proposals; negotiate and conclude funding agreements, ensuring consultation with relevant stakeholders in IUCN and in compliance with internal policies;
- Oversee a portfolio of key engagements; act as key account manager for specific corporate donors;
- Coordinate the implementation of communications and outreach activities related to sponsorship engagements;
- Work in close collaboration with IUCN’s Business and Biodiversity Programme (and with other Units where needed), to update current processes and procedures;
- Work with corporate relationship managers to explore sponsorship opportunities, and where viable and appropriate, support their development;
- Represent IUCN at international meetings;


S/he will also be expected to:

- Demonstrate a thorough engagement with IUCN's mission and tailor messages to fit various donor requirements and interests;
- Engage on a regular basis with all staff involved in fundraising both at IUCN’s Secretariat and Regional level;
- Monitor and evaluate the results of fundraising strategies and make adjustments as needed;
- Strengthen the private sector resource mobilization and fundraising capabilities of the Strategic Partnership Unit, and if appropriate, at a broader Secretariat/Regional level (through training tools, workshops, etc.);
- Keep abreast of and provide advice on fundraising trends, priorities and opportunities;
- Collaborate with IUCN’s communications team to ensure that the messages about the Union are consistent and that the Value Proposition rightly contributes to raising IUCN’s visibility and fundraising efforts.
- Manage the reputational risks associated with receiving funds form corporates and private philanthropy without a transformation change agenda, explain the actions taken to mitigate these risks.

Core competencies

Expertise in private sector engagement types (sponsorship, cause-related marketing, licensing, corporate donations, etc) and demonstrable experience in partnership building in complex multi-stakeholder environments.

The successful candidate has an established record of accomplishment as a fundraiser and strategic partnerships builder, with an understanding of the programmatic focus of IUCN and its Business engagement strategy. S/he has a deep knowledge of the global fundraising landscape and corporate philanthropy, experience in managing partnerships with multinational corporations and proven communications and presentation skills.

Strong “moral compass” guiding professional actions and decisions. Never pursues opportunities for personal gain at the expense of Institutional professional interests or the wellbeing of colleagues. Encourages others to act in a similar manner and is prepared to speak out when policies have been breached.

Drive for high quality, team-based results: Understands how their work, role and responsibilities fits into the strategic objectives IUCN. Displays a strong results-orientated approach to delivery while working collaboratively with colleagues and respecting institutional quality assurance procedures and safeguards. Takes full responsibility for assigned tasks, shares recognition with all contributors and respects the remit/ mandate others have been given.

Inclusiveness: Displays an open team-based attitude, harnessing the rights skills and input for high-quality implementation (teams fit for purpose). Willingly involves others in new opportunities and does not hold information or knowledge to themselves. Actively pursues diversity in the work place (including diversity of opinion).

Professionalism: Promote the organization’s interests, objectives and values in a diligent and professional manner.

Planning and organizational efficiency: Organises workflows to optimise time allocation, resources, people and other inputs for the effective and efficient delivery of tasks and initiatives at increasing levels of complexity. Displays the ability to prioritize, manage and balance operational task flows and can identify, anticipate and address critical operational dependencies.