Programme Assistant, Pretoria, South Africa at United Nations

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Project Coordination, Management and Technical Leadership;

• Ensure project activities are aligned with GEF results-based management frameworks and the Theory of Change.
• Facilitate coordination among implementing partners, government agencies, and stakeholders to ensure coherent implementation and reporting.
• Ensure integration of cross-cutting priorities, including gender equality, youth engagement, social inclusion, and climate resilience.
• Ensure the technical quality and relevance of project interventions to national and regional priorities.
• Represent IUCN in various platforms such as the Ramsar Convention, CBD, and UNCCD.

Resource Mobilization and Partnerships;

• Represent IUCN in relevant national, regional, and thematic platforms to strengthen visibility, build partnerships, and share lessons learned.
• Support other GEF initiatives in the region through technical inputs and knowledge sharing.
• Strengthen multi-stakeholder platforms to promote knowledge sharing, policy coherence, and joint planning.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, and Knowledge Management;

• Ensure effective dissemination of knowledge products and project results at national, regional, and global levels.
• Support capacity building of project staff and partners on M&E and knowledge management systems.
• Ensure consistency and quality in data collection, analysis, and reporting to support adaptive management and continuous learning.

Financial and Administrative Oversight;

• Provide Monitor financial performance regularly to ensure cost-efficiency, value for money, and timely identification of variances or financial risks.
• Ensure financial management aligns with GEF, IUCN, and implementing/executing agency policies and procedures.

Outputs Expected;

• Develops, implements, monitors and evaluates assigned programme/projects.
• Provides thorough, well-reasoned written contributions, e.g., background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships.
• Promulgate coherent policies, and consistent adherence to these by clients. Efficient use of resources.

REQUIREMENTS

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Education;

• Completed master's degree in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.

Work Experience;

• 5 years' experience in managing and implementing natural resource or environmental programmes.
• Demonstrated experience working with UN agencies or similar organizations.
• Proven experience in results-based project management, including development and oversight of logical frameworks and theories of change.
• Experience in institutional coordination and implementing sustainable resource management interventions.
• Experience working with governments, regional organizations (e.g., SADC), and international partners.

Closing date: 24 April 2026