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Resource Mobilization and Partnership Officer

Vacancy #:   5191
Unit:   Ramsar Convention Secretariat
Organisation:   The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar)
Location:   Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands, Gland, Switzerland
Reporting to:   Deputy Secretary General
Work percentage:   100%
Grade:   P2
Expected start date:   01 March 2020
Type of contract:   Fixed-term (24 months with possibility of renewal)
Closing date:   25 November 2019
BACKGROUND
The Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and of wetland biodiversity and services. It is the first of the modern global multilateral environmental agreements and remains the only one devoted to a specific critical ecosystem.

The Convention Secretariat has its headquarters in Gland, Switzerland, where the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) provides some administrative services for the Convention.

The Convention on Wetlands, also known as the “Ramsar Convention” from the name of the city in Iran where it was signed in 1971, is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and of wetland biodiversity and services. It was the first of the modern global multilateral environmental agreements and remains the only one devoted to a specific critical ecosystem.

The Ramsar Convention Secretariat has its headquarters in Gland, Switzerland, where the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) provides some administrative services to the Convention’s Contracting Parties for the operations and implementation of the Convention.

The Resource Mobilization and Partnership Officer under the supervision of the Deputy Secretary General is responsible for coordinating the Secretariat’s resource mobilization efforts. The Ramsar Secretariat’s budget is composed of core funding provided by Contracting Parties using the United Nations assessment scale, and non-core resources raised from different public and private sources. It is expected that the post-holder will focus on raising non-core revenue to cover the priorities determined by the Contracting Parties. He/she will also provide advice and tools to enable Contracting Parties to increase their funding base to implement the Convention. The post-holder is also expected to manage partnerships that support the decisions of Contracting Parties and to oversee priority signature outreach activities, such as World Wetlands Day.

The Resource Mobilization and Partnership Officer position requires strong fundraising, communication, sales and project management skills along with experience working in an international environment with a range of stakeholders. A good knowledge of the issues affecting sustainable development and conservation and wise use of wetlands would also be an asset.
JOB DESCRIPTION
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Resource Mobilization

• Implement the 2019 – 2021 Resource Mobilization Work Plan as approved by the Standing Committee to leverage the Convention’s value proposition to support the priorities identified by the Contracting Parties through a whole-of-Secretariat approach, including:
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- Identify prospective traditional and innovative funding sources and potential partners, including the private sector, funding mechanisms under multilateral environment agreements, connections and entities outside of the biodiversity sphere, increasingly broadening the donor base over time.
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- Prepare and present resource mobilization proposals to targeted donors and partners that would enable implementation of the Strategic Plan of the Convention, focusing on activities to increase non-core revenue for the priorities and Work Plan established by the Contracting Parties.
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- Prepare donor reports in cooperation with the finance team and submit to donors in a timely manner.
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- Identify and support opportunities to pilot innovative approaches that could be scaled up, working with Contracting Parties, regional initiatives, International Organization Partners (IOPs), and other partners.


• Provide information and tools that support the Contracting Parties’ efforts to access funds for the implementation of the Convention and its Strategic Plan, including management of the Funder Organization Database ensuring that the information is current and accurately reflects potential funding sources for wetlands.

• Provide guidance and support to Ramsar Secretariat staff on resource development matters and functioning in a whole-of-Secretariat manner to effectively raise non-core resources for priorities identified by Contracting Parties;

• Serve as the Ramsar Secretariat liaison with external organizations, IOPs and Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) on resource mobilization matters.

2. Outreach & Partnerships

• Manage and implement signature events and campaigns as assigned (e.g. World Wetlands Day) to increase the visibility and influence of the Convention, engaging with influencers and the public through social and other media. This includes:
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• Provide guidance and direction to Secretariat staff (on a cross-functional basis) for tasks related to event implementation.
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• Monitor event budgets and ensure that events are executed within budget. Source and manage external contractors as required.
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• Conduct post-event evaluations and analysis and make recommendations for improving the performance and effectiveness of events against objectives.

• Prepare and keep under review partnership plans in cooperation with relevant stakeholders (objectives, budget, outcomes, monitoring, evaluation), negotiating relevant agreements consistent with the guidance provided by the governing bodies of the Convention and ensuring that plans are implemented as agreed.

3. Other

• Contribute to the organization of meetings of governing bodies of the Convention and preparation of documents and reports regarding resource mobilization and outreach.

• Support the Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General’s fundraising and outreach work.

• As this position sits within the Resource Mobilization and Communications unit, other responsibilities and tasks related to communications, outreach and external affairs may be assigned.

The above job description contains the main duties and responsibilities for this position. However, in the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention staff members are expected 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
  • A commitment to nature conservation and sustainable use.

• Bachelors degree or equivalent in business, communications, international studies or other relevant field. Preference will be given to candidates with additional relevant educational experience;

• Minimum of five years experience in a resource mobilization role in an international setting and/or managing international partnerships with demonstrated success in all aspects of resource mobilization (targeting, proposal writing, sales, negotiation, reporting). Experience in working with the private sector a plus;

• Demonstrated understanding of issues pertaining to conservation and sustainable development at international and national levels and of how to develop successful proposals and initiatives to leverage funding and build awareness and support in these areas.

• Experience working in international organizations preferably in the environmental sector. Familiarity with multilateral environmental agreements and the work of conventions a plus;

• Fluent in spoken and written English. French and Spanish language skills beneficial;

• Ability to work independently and deliver quality products within agreed deadlines. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail;

• Ability to prepare high quality written communications (correspondence, briefs, proposals, reports, etc.);

• A strong aptitude and ability to communicate both informally and formally. Well-developed presentation, interpersonal and networking skills;

• Experience working in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment.

• Awareness and understanding of cultural diversity and gender issues and commitment to incorporate these in their work and in the relations with the Ramsar Convention’s constituency.
SALARY
The gross annual salary for this position is between CHF 100'355 and CHF 125'444. While this is an indicative amount effective as of the current date, changes may occur as per IUCN's compensation practices without prior notice. The same applies to other organisations hosted by IUCN.
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/


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