|
Senior Programme Officer
|
BACKGROUND
In Rwanda, IUCN began its activities in 1993 and established the country office in 1998. Since then, IUCN´s country representation in Rwanda has been developing various projects and activities in partnership with other institutions and donors agencies.
The focus of the IUCN programme implemented out of the Rwanda office has, to date, largely been at local and national level engaging in a broad range of areas primarily related to the equitable and sustainable use of natural resources.
As IUCN ESARO prepares for the development of its next intersessional programme (2016 – 2020), it is critically examining approaches to enhancing its ability to engage from local to regional levels and have a positive impact and add value to critical challenges around biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural resources across the region. This will include examining the scale and scope of country office programmes (for example – moving from local to sub-regional/transboundary levels in addition to expanding IUCN’s engagement within the country in response to the countries needs and in line with IUCN’s mandate) as well as strengthening partnerships and engagement with the IUCN Members, Commissions as well as other strategic organizations.
The focus of the IUCN programme implemented out of the Rwanda office has, to date, largely been at local and national level engaging in a broad range of areas primarily related to the equitable and sustainable use of natural resources.
As IUCN ESARO prepares for the development of its next intersessional programme (2016 – 2020), it is critically examining approaches to enhancing its ability to engage from local to regional levels and have a positive impact and add value to critical challenges around biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural resources across the region. This will include examining the scale and scope of country office programmes (for example – moving from local to sub-regional/transboundary levels in addition to expanding IUCN’s engagement within the country in response to the countries needs and in line with IUCN’s mandate) as well as strengthening partnerships and engagement with the IUCN Members, Commissions as well as other strategic organizations.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Senior Programme Officer, Rwanda will play a lead role in supporting the Head of Office and the Regional Programme on Forest and Landscape Restoration and deputize for him where and when appropriate, in developing and supporting the effective delivery of IUCN’s programme of work for the Rwanda Office in line with IUCN’s regional and global programmes. This will include programme and project development and delivery; as well as resource mobilization/fundraising and operationalization. He/she will be responsible for supervision of Rwanda country programme team as deemed appropriate.
DUTIES
Under the direct guidance of, and working closely with, the Regional FLR Coordinator, the specific responsibilities of the Senior Programme Officer are to:
1 Develop the programmatic strategy for the IUCN Rwanda office
Working in close collaboration and with the support of Regional FLR Hub, the Rwanda Programme Team as well as the Regional FLR Coordinator
1.1 In consultation with the IUCN members as well other key stakeholders - Identify key programmatic strategic priorities relevant to the current and emerging needs around forestry, conservation and forest landscape restoration;
1.2 Assist in identifying, establishing and building relationships with strategic partners (including, but not limited to Members and Donors) relevant and necessary for Programme delivery and growth;
1.3 Develop and coordinate the implementation of strategies to position IUCN as a key technical partner for Government as well as other strategic partners in the region; and
1.4 Identify and secure funding opportunities to operationalise the priorities related to Forestry, conservation and Forest Landscape Restoration (through the implementation of projects and programmatic initiatives)
2. Manage and where appropriate provide oversight and coordination of the Country Programme Portfolio of projects:
2.1 In consultation with project staff and the Finance Department; Prepare and update the Country Portfolio ABC lists on a regular basis and as requested the Head of Office;
2.2 Convene regular meetings with project staff to review progress on projects as well as cost recovery and provide monthly reports to the Head of Office for onward submission to the Head of the office;
2.3 Along with the Country Representative/ Regional FLR Coordinator, attend the regional technical programme monthly briefing meetings as well as the regional technical coordination group meetings and actively contribute to the substance of these meetings;
2.4 Ensure that donor contracting requirements are being met, including the timely submission of quality progress and finance reports;
2.5 Lead monitoring and evaluation process of projects, ensuring that evaluations are carried out in accordance within contracting requirements.
3 Provide technical backstopping and support Programmatic initiatives
Working closely and with the support of relevant thematic Technical Coordinators, provide leadership and oversight to Programmatic initiatives assigned by the line manager:
3.1 Work with project teams to develop strategic and operational work plans for the delivery of projects and other programmatic initiatives
3.2 Coordinate and take responsibility for ensuring that projects and other programmatic initiatives assigned are delivery in accordance with approved contracts, work plans and budgets;
3.3 Contribute directly to the delivery of technical outputs, ensuring high quality, relevance and technical accuracy;
3.4 Develop and implement strategies for learning and knowledge generation from ongoing initiatives for sharing with the wider Regional Team as well as the broader IUCN Constituency;
3.5 Ensure that IUCN’s work is effectively shared and communicated widely.
4 Leading role in partner and stakeholder relationships
4.1 Maintain excellent relationships with government stakeholders including at Minister, Director and technical levels
4.2 Maintain excellent relationships with development partners and represent IUCN at key events and occasions.
5. Other Duties
5.1 Carry out other relevant tasks assigned by, and mutually agreed with, the line manager
DUTIES
Under the direct guidance of, and working closely with, the Regional FLR Coordinator, the specific responsibilities of the Senior Programme Officer are to:
1 Develop the programmatic strategy for the IUCN Rwanda office
Working in close collaboration and with the support of Regional FLR Hub, the Rwanda Programme Team as well as the Regional FLR Coordinator
1.1 In consultation with the IUCN members as well other key stakeholders - Identify key programmatic strategic priorities relevant to the current and emerging needs around forestry, conservation and forest landscape restoration;
1.2 Assist in identifying, establishing and building relationships with strategic partners (including, but not limited to Members and Donors) relevant and necessary for Programme delivery and growth;
1.3 Develop and coordinate the implementation of strategies to position IUCN as a key technical partner for Government as well as other strategic partners in the region; and
1.4 Identify and secure funding opportunities to operationalise the priorities related to Forestry, conservation and Forest Landscape Restoration (through the implementation of projects and programmatic initiatives)
2. Manage and where appropriate provide oversight and coordination of the Country Programme Portfolio of projects:
2.1 In consultation with project staff and the Finance Department; Prepare and update the Country Portfolio ABC lists on a regular basis and as requested the Head of Office;
2.2 Convene regular meetings with project staff to review progress on projects as well as cost recovery and provide monthly reports to the Head of Office for onward submission to the Head of the office;
2.3 Along with the Country Representative/ Regional FLR Coordinator, attend the regional technical programme monthly briefing meetings as well as the regional technical coordination group meetings and actively contribute to the substance of these meetings;
2.4 Ensure that donor contracting requirements are being met, including the timely submission of quality progress and finance reports;
2.5 Lead monitoring and evaluation process of projects, ensuring that evaluations are carried out in accordance within contracting requirements.
3 Provide technical backstopping and support Programmatic initiatives
Working closely and with the support of relevant thematic Technical Coordinators, provide leadership and oversight to Programmatic initiatives assigned by the line manager:
3.1 Work with project teams to develop strategic and operational work plans for the delivery of projects and other programmatic initiatives
3.2 Coordinate and take responsibility for ensuring that projects and other programmatic initiatives assigned are delivery in accordance with approved contracts, work plans and budgets;
3.3 Contribute directly to the delivery of technical outputs, ensuring high quality, relevance and technical accuracy;
3.4 Develop and implement strategies for learning and knowledge generation from ongoing initiatives for sharing with the wider Regional Team as well as the broader IUCN Constituency;
3.5 Ensure that IUCN’s work is effectively shared and communicated widely.
4 Leading role in partner and stakeholder relationships
4.1 Maintain excellent relationships with government stakeholders including at Minister, Director and technical levels
4.2 Maintain excellent relationships with development partners and represent IUCN at key events and occasions.
5. Other Duties
5.1 Carry out other relevant tasks assigned by, and mutually agreed with, the line manager
REQUIREMENTS
|
• A Master’s Degree in natural science related to the management of natural resources, environmental economics or related fields; • At least 7years’ work experience in managing and coordinating projects, primarily in the conservation or sustainable development field; • Demonstrated experience and an in-depth understanding of Rwanda, • Experience and understanding of neighbouring countries, particularly transboundary ecosystems is an added advantage; • Demonstrated experience in programme development and fundraising • Demonstrated fundraising, budgeting and programme planning abilities and past performance, including experience of development and successful marketing of project proposals with donors, and subsequent delivery and reporting; • Experience with result based portfolio and project cycle management, monitoring and evaluation methodologies and principles and facilitation skills; • Demonstrated experience in facilitating the establishment of networks and multi-stakeholder participatory processes; • Excellent verbal and communication skills in English is a must. Working knowledge of Portuguese an added advantage; • Computer literacy in relation to office applications (word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint) use of internet and online communication tools; and • Adheres to IUCN ESARO core values of Transparency, Inclusiveness, Professionalism and Accountability; • Strong interpersonal, management and supervisory skills and experience, with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in managing teams; • 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; • Must be a proactive individual who is able to energize and motivate teams; • Committed to continuous learning and proactive and mature attitude towards self-development; • Be willing to undertake frequent travel (approx. 30% of their time). |
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