The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) is a membership Union composed of both government and civil society organisations. IUCN’s mission is to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature, and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable. With over 75 years of experience, it harnesses the experience, resources and reach of its more than 1,400 Member organisations and the input of more than 16,000 experts organized in 7 expert commissions. IUCN is the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it. The IUCN Secretariat has offices located all around the world and is headquartered in Gland, Switzerland.
The IUCN Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ECARO) promotes IUCN's mission and implements the IUCN Programme with the aim of long-term protection of biodiversity and sustainable use of natural resources in South-Eastern Europe, Eastern Europe, Southern Caucasus, North and Central Asia. ECARO's administrative region is part of the IUCN Statutory Region East Europe, North and Central Asia.
Due to increased volume of activities IUCN Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ECARO) is seeking to recruit an experienced and enthusiastic candidate to join the IUCN ECARO team as Nature-based Solutions Project Officer.
IUCN defines Nature-based Solutions (NbS) as “actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural and modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits.” In Eastern Europe and Central Asia, IUCN works closely with numerous national and international organisations and experts on promoting and implementing Nature-based Solutions at various levels.
Under the direct supervision of the Nature-based Solutions Programme Officer, the primary task of the NbS Project Officer will be to support the implementation of activities within the Nature-based Solutions Programme Area in the region. Main responsibilities will include support to programme implementation and development, identification of new project opportunities, project formulation and management of partner relations. The new project officer will provide support in the roll out of the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions and related knowledge standards. Particular focus will be given to landscape restoration and sustainable land-use projects.
The successful candidate will work closely with the IUCN ECARO Director, ECARO Nature-based Solutions (NbS) Team, IUCN Thematic Centres and Commission members.

MAJOR RESPONSIBLITIES

•Support the implementation of IUCN’s Nature-based Solutions Programme Area in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region, by performing tasks related to project management, coordination and reporting;
•Support the development of new projects in the field of Nature-based Solutions in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region, by liaising with IUCN Members, Commissions and partners;
•Manage donor and partner relations, stakeholder’s interest and promote actively IUCN’s work in the region in order to attract new members.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

Project implementation

•Ensure smooth and coherent project management and implementation, including preparation of work plans, technical and financial reports, partnership agreements and service contracts for provision of goods and services;
•Undertake logistical and administrative tasks related to project implementation, including the organisation of capacity building events, technical workshops, meetings, preparation and dissemination of meeting material (i.e. minutes), liaison with partners;
•Oversee the work of external experts and implementation of field activities;
•Support the dissemination of IUCN NbS standards knowledge tools in the region;
•Support the communications team in preparing and disseminating communication materials;
•Represent IUCN ECARO at programme-related events.

Fundraising and project development

•Actively pursue opportunities on project identification and formulation with IUCN Members, Commissions, donors and partners and assist in the development of the Nature-based Solutions Programme Area;
•Monitor funding opportunities and assist in the development of project proposals related to Nature-based Solutions with a specific focus on land use and management and landscape restoration;
•Assist in applying to Expression of Interests (EoI), Call for Proposals and Call for tenders;

Other tasks
•Carry out other relevant tasks on request and agreement with the line manager.

SALARY
The gross annual salary for this position is in the range from 28.800 EUR to 36.000 EUR subject to deductions for social security contributions and health insurance, and before tax.