IUCN logo

Human Resources
Management System

content-background
Organisation Logo

Biodiversity Conservation Officer

Vacancy #:   5696
Unit:   Global Species & Key Biodiversity Areas Programme
Organisation:   International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Location:   European Regional Office Belgium, Brussels, Belgium
Reporting to:   European Biodiversity Conservation Coordinator
Work percentage:   100%
Grade:   P1
Expected start date:   01 October 2021
Type of contract:   Fixed-term (3 months)
Closing date:   22 August 2021 (extended)
BACKGROUND
About the International Union for Conservation of Nature - IUCN
IUCN is the world’s oldest and largest global environmental network - a democratic membership union with more than 1,000 government and NGO member organizations, and almost 11,000 volunteer scientists in more than 160 countries. IUCN’s work is supported by more than 1,000 professional staff in 45 offices and hundreds of partners in public, NGO and private sectors around the world. Its headquarters are based in Gland, Switzerland.

IUCN’s work focuses on valuing and conserving nature, ensuring effective and equitable governance of its use, and deploying nature-based solutions to global challenges in climate, food and development. IUCN supports scientific research, manages field projects all over the world, and brings governments, NGOs, the UN and companies together to develop policy, laws and best practice.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Responsibilities
IUCN is currently looking for a project officer for a period of 12 months, with a possibility of renewal. Under the supervision of the European Biodiversity Conservation Coordinator, the Biodiversity Conservation Officer will support the implementation of the project portfolio of the IUCN Global Species Programme in Europe. Specifically the successful candidate for this position will:

• Lead and manage the implementation of the European Red List (ERL) Reassessments (EU project, reassessments covering 11 taxonomic groups), including: organising tasks and liaising with experts and monitoring their progress in delivering high quality assessments, coordinating the organisation of assessment workshops with support from the Biodiversity Conservation Assistant, review species assessments, draft project reports and deliverables, and support project progress meetings. Training on the Red List assessment methodology will be will be provided by the team if necessary;
• Coordinate the delivery of tasks, and provide technical support to other projects in the team as needed (projects on pollinators and invasive alien species);
• Liaise with project partners and drawing on IUCNs knowledge network to provide inputs for deliverables as required;
• Develop new ideas and support fundraising efforts to help the development of new projects and strengthen IUCN’s involvement in species conservation and protected areas initiatives and networks in Europe;
• Act as project manager for new projects, as appropriate and feasible, and as agreed with his/her Line Manager;
• Lead the development of promotional and communication materials (e.g. presentations, project brochures and webinars) for specialist and non-specialist audiences;
• Support and guide the work of more junior team members as required, including interns and the Biodiversity Conservation Assistant;
• Will be required to provide support on a range of tasks as delegated by his/her Line Manager.

The above job description contains the main duties and responsibilities for this position. However, in a small organisation such as IUCN, staff members are expected to show flexibility in their approach to work and be willing to undertake other tasks that are reasonably allocated to them but which are not part of their regular job description. Where any task becomes a regular part of an employee's responsibilities, the job description will be changed in consultation with the employee and the Human Resources Management Group.
REQUIREMENTS
  • Affinity with the vision and mission of IUCN and a strong interest in and good understanding of European conservation initiatives;

• A relevant postgraduate University degree (e.g. environmental science, biology, conservation science, social science);

• At least four years of work experience in project management in the field of nature conservation, sustainable development or a related area of work with progressively increasing responsibilities in project management and grant management;

• Sound administrative/coordination skills, including contract administration, logistical coordination and event preparation, travel planning and management of agendas, budget monitoring and reporting;

• Fluency in the English language, including excellent demonstrated English writing skills;

• Thorough knowledge of modern office procedures and proven ability to work in MS Windows environment (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Microsoft Outlook);

• Proven analytical, conceptual, organisation, and problem-solving skills;

• Detail- and outcome-oriented;

• Strong ability to work independently and on multiple tasks simultaneously;

• Strong ability to meet tight deadlines without compromising the quality of outputs;

• Highly motivated to learn and develop new skills, keen to bring in own ideas;

• A team player with a track record of working effectively in a multicultural and diverse environment with colleagues at all levels;

• EU National or holder of an EU work permit;

• Knowledge of European nature legislation and familiarity with EU funding and policy processes is an asset;

• Knowledge of the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria and other IUCN Knowledge Products is not essential, but is an asset;
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