Senior Programme Officer - Conservation Areas and Species Diversity Programm at IUCN

Job description

Specific responsibilities and Tasks:

• The Senior Programme Officer is responsible for ensuring the effective and efficient implementation of BIOPAMA and other on-going projects/programmes within the CAS portfolio. More specifically:
• Programme management and implementation:
• Ensure the implementation of existing CAS projects in accordance with the project documents, supporting agreements (e.g. contracts, MOUs, PAs, IAs etc.), annual work plans and the procedures of IUCN;
• Manage and supervise BIOPAMA Project Officers and Administrative & Finance staff, and other staff that may be assigned to the SPO
• Implement specific project activities and ensure quality outputs that meet the satisfaction of project partners and donors. This includes implementing a wide range of technical activities such as designing and implementing capacity building programmes, supporting and enhancing protected area management and governance, and species conservation, developing regionally tailored communication and awareness products, etc.;
• Provide capacity strengthening to project partners to improve delivery of specific project activities and objectives;
• With relevant IUCN officers and collaborating partners, select and appoint consultants following acceptable procurement practices, and oversee delivery of quality products;
• Ensure that project budgets are utilized and monitored in accordance with IUCN internal controls and donor agreements;
• Ensure the collection, collation, and reporting of all project data and documents, and be responsible for the submission of technical progress reports according to the agreed formats and deadlines;
• Provide administrative and logistical support to project implementation including the organization of workshops, meetings and consultations;
• Undertake regular duty travel in the region as necessary to ensure smooth implementation of programmatic activities;
• Help to communicate the project results through the IUCN website, articles, news stories, publications, etc.

Representation:

• Assist in building and maintaining strong relationships with relevant IUCN partners. More specifically:
• Assist in overseeing and developing the relationship between IUCN and its donors and implementing partners (including Southern African Development Community and East African Community), ensuring that these partners are appraised of and satisfied with progress of projects in the CASD portfolio;
• As required and approved, represent IUCN at internal and external meetings.

Fundraising:

Working closely with the CASD Technical Coordinator support the development of project proposals with a particular focus on leveraging additional funds related to Protected Areas initiatives.

Financial Support

• Liaise with IUCN ESARO Finance Officers regarding compliance with donors’ contractual and financial requirements;
• Support the provision of financial reporting to headquarters and donor partners, by providing the finance department with the relevant project/programme information on a timely basis;
• Support the Technical Coordinator to regularly review, analyze and monitor the project financial reports and communicate any over?under expenditure observations to the Technical Coordinator on a timely basis;
• Coordinate the procurement process of project assets and ensure all processes are in line with the IUCN Internal Control systems and donor requirements.

Monitoring and evaluation

• Ensure that all projects develop and effectively implement M&E frameworks and systems, in line IUCN guidelines and procedures as well as that required by specific projects.
• Ensure that all the information related to the implementation of projects is adequately filed, organized and updated for easy access;
• Identify and use lessons to inform practice;
• Document and share lessons and experiences, as appropriate.

REQUIREMENTS

• An advanced degree in natural science related to biodiversity conservation, protected areas or related fields;
• At least 8 years of relevant working experience in the eastern and southern Africa region
• At least five years in management of projects in the field of biodiversity conservation, natural resources or environmental management, including management of donor grants and donor relations, technical and financial reporting, monitoring and evaluation (experience with previous European Commission projects a distinct advantage);
• A good understanding of current and emerging environmental issues in the region, particularly those related to protected areas and biodiversity conservation approaches and policies in the region;
• Previous experience working with a wide range of conservation practitioners from field to senior government manager levels;
• Good understanding of the main international multilateral environmental agreements such as the Convention of Biological Diversity, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species and the World Heritage Convention.
• Experience in capacity building activities related to protected areas and biodiversity conservation. Practical experience with IUCN protected areas management effectiveness and protected area governance tools and guidelines a distinct advantage
• Experience with managing granting mechanisms (e.g. small-to medium grants funds) an added advantage
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and communicate effectively in a cross?cultural environment;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English required. Fluency in French and/or Portuguese as an added advantage
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively with multicultural and multidisciplinary teams with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
• Highly motivated and results-oriented individual;
• High personal integrity
• Demonstrated ability to work with limited supervision to prioritize tasks and manage workflow in a high pressure environment;
• A good team worker with sound leadership abilities
• Adheres to IUCN ESARO core values of Transparency, Inclusiveness, Professionalism and Accountability;
• Committed to continuous learning and proactive and mature attitude towards self-development;