The Nature-based Solutions (NbS) Program Officer will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the implementation of the IUCN ECARO project portfolio related to NbS, ensuring high-quality project management, effective donor and partner relations, and strategic programme development in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region. The position requires strong technical expertise in NbS, people management skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to further develop and implement IUCN’s Global NbS Strategy at the regional level. The role will also involve frequent travel related to programme development, project implementation, and partner engagement.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme Development and Coordination:
• Lead IUCN ECARO’s NbS programme planning, strategic prioritization, and reporting;
• Contribute to the institutional leadership of IUCN by enhancing the NbS concept and promoting its application through lessons learned from the ECARO region;
• Guide the implementation of the NbS Global Strategy at the regional level;
• Identify opportunities for programme growth and develop high-quality projects in coordination with IUCN Programmatic Teams, Members, and partners.

Project Oversight and Management:
• Oversee and coordinate the implementation of NbS projects, with a primary focus on ADAPT 2.0 and the Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) project in North Macedonia and Albania;
• Ensure the preparation and monitoring of annual work plans and budgets, ensuring timely and quality implementation of activities;
• Manage project reporting, including technical and financial reports, work plans, partnership agreements, and service contracts;
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date project-related entries in the IUCN Project Portal.
Knowledge Management and Capacity Building:
• Promote the dissemination and application of IUCN’s knowledge tools and standards on NbS, including the IUCN Global Standard for NbS and accompanying tools;
• Support regional stakeholders in adopting and implementing NbS approaches;
• Document and share lessons learned to inform the continuous improvement of NbS practices and tools.

People Management and Leadership:
• Manage staff under the NbS programme, including recruitment, preparation of Terms of Reference, work plans, and performance appraisals;
• Provide mentorship and capacity development support to team members;
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
Donor and Partner Relations:
• Liaise with donors, IUCN Members, Commissions, and strategic partners to foster relationships and promote project collaboration;
• Represent IUCN ECARO at global, regional, and national events, and manage bilateral meetings with donors and strategic partners;
• Develop and maintain effective communication and visibility of programme activities and results in collaboration with the communications team.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning:
• Develop and implement robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks for NbS projects managed by IUCN ECARO;
• Track progress against project objectives and ensure compliance with donor requirements and IUCN procedures;
• Facilitate learning and adaptive management across the NbS portfolio.

Resource Mobilization:
• Identify and pursue opportunities for new NbS projects and funding sources;
• Lead the development of thematically aligned project proposals to secure funding for NbS activities in the region.

Other Duties:
• Keep the IUCN ECARO Director informed of programme priorities and project development opportunities;
• Perform additional tasks as requested by the line manager.