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Director, IUCN Centre for Economy and Finance

Vacancy #:   6455
Unit:   IUCN Centre for Economy and Finance
Organisation:   International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Location:   Headquarters, Gland, Switzerland
Reporting to:   Deputy Director General - Programme
Work percentage:   100%
Grade:   D
Expected start date:   01 September 2023
Type of contract:   (4 months)
Closing date:   07 July 2023
BACKGROUND
This senior leadership position provides an exciting opportunity to help shape and steer the innovation, knowledge generation and collaboration necessary to understand, address and help transform the economic and financial instruments and drivers that impact the status and use of global biodiversity. The Centre for Economy and Finance is one of 4 Thematic Centres that represents the dedicated scientific and technical expertise of the IUCN Secretariat.

The Centre for Economy and Finance delivers its work through four expert teams on Economics, Enterprise & Investment, Climate Change and Agriculture, with the Director overseeing the quality of strategic and operational delivery.

The Director of the IUCN Centre for Economy and Finance will be a seasoned conservation expert who understands how economic and financial decisions, processes and relationships shape conservation outcomes and who can demonstrate an established and proven track record in institutional leadership and management. Working in full collaboration with her/his peers in the other Thematic Centres and IUCN Regional Offices on economic and finance issues in relation to nature and natural resources.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Working in full collaboration with her/his peers in the other Thematic Centres and IUCN Regional Offices on economic and finance issues in relation to nature and natural resources, the Director will:

i) set the Centre’s strategic vision based on the four thematic themes;
ii) develop and take to market a range of feasible business models capable of sustaining IUCN’s thematic leadership;
iii) optimize “fit for purpose” multi-disciplinary collaboration with other teams, Centres and Regions
iv) be accountable for the Centre’s conservation outcomes and impacts;
v) enhance effectiveness and efficiency of the Centre’s operational delivery, exercising a consistent and rigorous approach to quality assurance; and,
vi) ensure the Centre’s financial stability and growth.

NOTE: Candidates should note that as these are senior leadership positions, Centre Directors may be rotated periodically (normally every 3 to 4 years) across other equivalent senior management positions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director for the IUCN Centre for Economy and Finance will lead and direct the strategic development, positioning and effective implementation of the Centre, its four Thematic Teams and associated initiatives. She/he will work strategically and in support of the Deputy Director General – Programme and in full collaboration with the other Centre Directors, his or her Regional counterparts, IUCN Member organizations, Commission members, governments, institutions, and civil society groups to advance IUCN’s Mission and mandate of the organization. With a firm understanding of global conservation and sustainable development, with a focus on economics and finance, and a keen desire to innovate and deliver positive change at scale, the Centre Director will oversee and drive the development and implementation of the Centre’s portfolio, in line with IUCN’s strategic plans and programmes. She/he will be responsible for maintaining a high and professional corporate profile for IUCN, particularly with IUCN Members, partners, donors and other stakeholder groups.

This position requires an accomplished, credible and reliable senior leader with strong relevant experience of the themes, an innovative track record and a good understanding of the demands and requirements that various stakeholders (from both within and outside the conservation sector) have for credible conservation knowledge, tools, guidance and technical engagement.

The Centre Director has an institutional responsibility for oversight of the broad spectrum of expertise offered by her/his Thematic Teams as well as the skills to oversee organisational management and financial planning. S/he is equally accountable for financial, people and administrative resources and ensures the financial viability of the Centre in line with IUCN policies and procedures. The Centre Director ensures that all organisational activities are consistently performed under the principles of equity, fairness, inclusiveness and respect for the diversity of people and that all Centre staff adhere to IUCN’s standards and values and observe a high level of personal and institutional propriety.


SPECIFIC DUTIES

Strategic Leadership

• Lead and guide the Centre’s strategic priorities and direction through developing and implementing innovative robust business models to support delivery of IUCN’s Programme;
• Promote and support implementation of the Mission of IUCN to Governments, donors and partners in a manner that influences economic and financial decision-making bodies, intergovernmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, civil society and the private sector;
• Establish and maintain institutional relations, representing IUCN with key collaborating partners, processes facilitating the integration of the underpinning economic and financial conditions for success;

Programme Management
• Oversee the preparation, implementation, evaluation and reporting of multi-year work plans for the Centre in line with the IUCN Programme and its operational and management procedures, including the tracking of designated prioritized Programme Areas and Programme Enabling Activities.
• In close collaboration with the other Centres and expert teams, ensure that the Centre’s programmatic delivery fully integrates the required skills and knowledge related to economics, business, agriculture and climate;
• Ensure Centre’s initiatives and projects are delivered within time, quality, scope, specification, and budget as well as compliance with all appropriate stakeholder and donor requirements and reporting.
• Provide intellectual direction on the development, uptake and use of knowledge products, analysis and reports developed by the Centre;

Operational Oversight,
• Direct the effective operation of the Centre’s activities including workforce resources and financial management, as well as the effective application of IUCN’s policies, procedures and internal control mechanisms;
• Lead and manage the Centre’s budgeting process, prioritising key investments in innovation and ensuring the Centre’s overall financial sustainability;
• Cultivate and develop a dynamic, effective and committed team of professionals while addressing workforce diversity, equity and equality, whilst ensuring that staff understand how their work, role and responsibilities fit into the strategic objectives IUCN;
• Review, maintain and, as necessary, enhance the mix of technical skills and competencies within the Centre’s workforce required to deliver the individual Teams’ mandate;
• Develop and safeguard a positive and professional work environment that facilitates proactive collaboration across the Secretariat, is free from harassment and maintains the highest standards of conduct at all times;

Resource Mobilisation, and Constituency Engagement
• Facilitate the necessary donor intelligence and align the Centre’s products and outcomes with helping to meet their needs and priorities;
• Build, nurture and deepen the Centre’s programmatic engagement and collaboration with the IUCN Commissions and Members under the framework of IUCN’s One Programme Approach.

The above job description contains the main duties and responsibilities for this position. However, in an 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 a staff member’s responsibilities, the job description will be changed in consultation with the manager, the staff member and the Human Resources Management Group. Anyone of the three may initiate the consultation.
REQUIREMENTS
  • Proven senior management leadership experience through leading a large team of professionals, including through a decentralized global network.

• A proven track record in setting strategic and operational frameworks across multiple thematic areas and teams, and demonstrable delivery of those frameworks, demonstrating an understanding of the economic and financial models required for successful conservation action.

• At least 15 years of experience of designing, leading and managing large scale global initiatives, programmes and projects with a minimum 5 years in a senior leadership position.

• At least 15 years of experience of proven capacity and skills in leading and managing diverse, multi-stakeholder partnerships and networks involving e.g. government agencies, NGOs, international organizations, development agencies, and scientific and technical bodies.

• Significant experience of policy influence and related programme development / implementation with respect to land use systems and their value and role for the private and public sector is advantageous.

• Significant experience of managing programmes and projects in a developing country context and / or within the private sector or relevant government offices is a distinct advantage.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, including ability to communicate complex issues to a wide range of audiences. A second language (French, Spanish) is highly desirable and the willingness to travel frequently within IUCN offices and programme sites.
SALARY
The gross annual salary for this position is between CHF 194'014 and CHF 242'518, subject to deductions for social security contributions and second-pillar pension, and before tax. 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/


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.

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