Programme Assistant, South Africa at International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

• Provide overall technical leadership and ensure high-quality delivery of all project components and outputs.
• Coordinate alignment with national and regional programmes, initiatives, and restoration projects.
• Coordinate and manage small grants programme for effective implementation of the national and regional initiatives.
• Coordinate with implementing partners, government agencies, and regional service providers for effective collaboration and knowledge exchange on Natural Resources.
• Plan, implement, and monitor project outcomes, outputs, and activities in line with approved frameworks, work plans, and budgets.
• Support resource mobilization efforts and promote the application of Nature-based Solutions, Ecosystem-based Adaptation, Sustainable Land Management, Great Green Wall, International Waters and Wetlands Management.
• Support and oversee implementation of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework and lead knowledge management and reporting processes.
• Facilitate project reviews and evaluations, including Mid-Term and Terminal Evaluations, and ensure timely submission of reports.
• Provide strategic financial oversight, ensuring proper expenditure management, compliance, and value for money.

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.

Language Proficiency;

• Excellent command of English (including good writing and communication skills)

Core Competencies;

• Transparency: Able to build trust and contribute to informed and responsible decision making by carrying out the work of IUCN in a transparent manner; provides clear guidance to ensure that objectives and desired measurable results are understood by members of the team.
• Inclusiveness: Understands and accepts cultural diversity, and provide a tolerant, positive and supportive working environment that fosters respect for diversity, demonstrates ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds.
• Professionalism: Promote the organization’s interests, objectives and values in a diligent and professional manner.
• Accountability: Takes responsibility of individual and collective actions, promotes the IUCN One Programme approach.

Functional competencies;

• Project Management and Coordination: Plans, implements, and monitors multi-country projects using results-based management principles.
• Technical Expertise: Provides technical leadership in eg SLM, wetlands, water resources, climate adaptation, and Nature-based Solutions.
• Partnership Development: Builds and maintains strategic partnerships with governments, regional bodies, and stakeholders.
• Financial and Administrative Management: Ensures sound budgeting, expenditure control, and compliance with donor procedures.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Knowledge Management: Leads performance tracking, learning, and knowledge sharing across the region.
• Leadership and Team Management: Guides and motivates project teams to deliver high-quality results efficiently.
• Communication and Representation: Communicates effectively, ensuring project visibility and engagement with partners.