IUCN, established in 1948, stands as the world's most comprehensive environmental network, bridging the efforts of over 1,400 member organizations and approximately 15,000 experts. It is a membership union that includes governments, civil society, and private sector entities, committed to encouraging human advancement, economic growth, and conservation of nature. Recognized for offering a wealth of conservation data and expertise, IUCN also acts as a global authority on best practices and international standards in environmental protection. Providing a platform for cooperation, IUCN unites a diverse range of stakeholders—government agencies, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, and indigenous groups—to develop and implement innovative solutions for environmental challenges. Its extensive project portfolio, executed in partnership with various collaborators and supporters, leverages cutting-edge science alongside indigenous knowledge, targeting ecosystem restoration, habitat conservation, and enhancement of community well-being.
IUCN Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA) was established in 2004 in Amman, Jordan. It comprises of 13 countries including Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, the Syrian Arab Republic, Yemen and Iran in addition to the Gulf countries including Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. IUCN ROWA operates through four programmes i) Protected Areas, Biodiversity and World Heritage Programme, ii) Water and Climate Change Programme, iii) Drylands, Livelihood and Gender Programme, and the iv) Marine and Coastal Management Programme.
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
The Protected Areas, World Heritage, and Biodiversity Programme is leading a group of projects aimed at enhancing the management and conservation of biodiversity across West Asia. Major projects include AlUla Protected Areas Network (APAN) project in Saudi Arabia, focusing on establishing a network of protected areas aligned with international standards; the Climate Resilience of Biodiversity Hotspots in Jordan, designed to enhance ecosystem and community resilience to climate change; the Effective Management of King Salman Royal Nature Reserve, the Effective Management of King Abdelaziz Royal Reserve, the identification of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in the UAE; strengthening management capacities in Egypt's Wadi El-Rayan and Lake Qarun Protected Areas; improving operational capabilities and management effectiveness of the Aqaba Marine Reserve (AMR); and partnering with Fisheries Development Oman (FDO) to promote sustainable aquaculture in Oman’s sensitive ecosystems.
The internship opportunity is designed to provide practical experience in managing and conserving biodiversity within protected areas, contributing to regional strategic development and supporting global initiatives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The intern will provide support to the projects under the Protected Areas programme under the supervision of the Programme Manager.
Administrative Level
1. Support with the drafting and revision of various administrative documents, including Terms of Reference (ToRs), meeting minutes, project reports, and correspondence with project stakeholders.
2. Maintain and update the filing systems, ensuring all documents are properly archived and easily accessible.
3. Assist in the internal communications and scheduling, managing calendars for the programme team, and arranging meetings.
4. Assist with the procurement process by preparing purchase requests and tracking orders and deliveries.
Financial Level
1. Assist in preparing payment requests and ensuring all supporting documentation is complete and accurate.
2. Support in resolving invoices and receipts with purchase orders and contracts to facilitate timely payments to vendors and consultants.
Operational Level
1. Support in the coordination of travel arrangements for staff and consultants, including flight bookings, accommodations, and ground transportation, ensuring compliance with IUCN ROWA travel policies.
2. Assist in the preparation of itineraries for travelers, including contact information, reservation details, and meeting schedules.
3. Assist in the logistical preparation and execution of workshops, conferences, and meetings, including venue selection, participant invitations, and material preparation.
4. Support on-the-ground arrangements for events, such as developing agenda, setting up meeting and workshop venues, and liaising with vendors.
Communications Level
1. Support in celebrating environmental days and significant conservation events, preparing communication briefs.
2. Draft press releases, and content for social media posts related to the programme's activities and achievements.
3. Assist in the production of multimedia content, including photos and videos, for promotional purposes.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Current enrolment in, or recent graduation from, an undergraduate or postgraduate program in Environmental Science, Biology, Conservation Biology, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Policy, or a related field.
- Previous internship or volunteering experience preferably in conservation, environmental projects, or related areas is highly beneficial.
- A foundational understanding of conservation biology, protected areas management, and biodiversity.
- Experience in organizing events or campaigns, particularly within a conservation context, can be useful.
- Proficiency in English and Arabic.
- Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Strong research and analytical skills.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.