TThe Biodiversity and Protected Area Management Programme (BIOPAMA) is a € 60 million initiative of the European Union (EU) and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States to improve the long-term conservation and sustainable use of natural resources through the better use and monitoring of information and capacity development on management and governance. It is implemented through IUCN and the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission (EC-JRC).

In the Pacific, BIOPAMA’s implementation is led by IUCN’s Oceania Regional Office (ORO) in partnership with the EC-JRC and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). One of the main activities of the project is a global grant facility (€ 21 million, known as the Action Component), which aims to fund on-ground action within protected and conserved areas. IUCN ORO overseas the regional implementation and administration of these grants, with guidance from the Action Component Secretariat (based in Gland, Switzerland)

The Grants Officer will undertake day-to-day administration and grantee support for the BIOPAMA Action Component, under the supervision of the Protected and Conserved Areas Coordinator. The position will also be responsible for supporting contract preparation and administration across the programme. Specific duties will include:

•Promote and disseminate information on grant round call for proposals (e.g., email alerts, face-to-face sessions and webinars).
•Provide necessary training and support to the grantees to prepare high-quality grant proposals (consisting of the technical description, log frame, supporting documents and budgets)
•Provide assistance to the Protected and Conserved Areas Coordinator in undertaking regional review and evaluation process of submitted grants, including facilitating the regional advisory committee, as well as preparing the consolidated report and notification letters to grantees
•Liaise with successful grantees to make the required changes to project proposals in accordance with feedback from the evaluation process
•Prepare grant contracts for endorsement by the relevant delegate
•Develop and undertake capacity building and mentoring to grantees through the grant cycle process, from the initial proposal design and submission process, to assisting with project monitoring and reporting
•Undertake monitoring, review and site visitations as per the Monitoring Plan through a consultative process including regular communication with grantees and through site visits where appropriate
•Oversee the submission and review of technical and financial reports from grantees, ensuring that they are completed and submitted within the relevant deadline
•Undertaking detailed review of all project technical and financial reports and associated deliverables / outputs in a timely manner.
•Communicate with members of the Action Component global team (e.g., through monthly team meetings) and other appropriate means or mechasims.
•Work in consultation with the BIOPAMA global team and IUCN Oceania Regional Communication Officer to deliver regional BIOPAMA communication products and communicate results.
•Advice monthly to the Protected and Conserved Areas Coordinator and assist in work planning and report preparation or when so required.
•Provide advice, guidance and oversee administrative and procurement aspect, including the preparation and tracking of contracts across the protected areas portfolio.
•Perform other duties as may be assigned.