Vacancy #: 7451 Unit: ESARO - Coastal and Ocean Programme Organisation: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Location: Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office, Nairobi, Kenya Reporting to: Regional Regenerative Blue Economy Manager Work percentage: 100% Grade: - Expected start date: 01 January 2026 Type of contract: Fixed-term (up to 6 months) Closing date: 03 December 2025 BACKGROUND THIS IS A LOCAL POSITION
BACKGROUND:
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO) works across 24 countries to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable development. Within ESARO, the Coastal and Ocean Resilience (COR) Programme focuses on marine and coastal conservation, blue economy development, ecosystem restoration, and ocean governance.
The Great Blue Wall Initiative, a flagship of IUCNโs Blue Resilience Framework, aims to accelerate ocean conservation, nature-based solutions and regenerative blue economy action by connecting seascapes and empowering coastal communities. The framework integrates four key pillars: Blue Planet (governance, inclusive efforts towards 30x30 and community-anchored protection), Blue Nature (ecosystem restoration and nature-based solutions), Blue People (inclusive blue economies and policy), and Blue Partnerships (collaboration and innovation).
Within this context, the Intern โ Ocean Policy and Programme Coordination will support research, policy analysis, and coordination of communities of practice linked to regional seascape implementation and high seas governance as well as support to the day-to-day management of relevant initiatives. The intern will contribute to the development of policy briefs, event preparations, and stakeholder engagement materials. JOB DESCRIPTION Role Description:
The intern will provide research, coordination, and administrative support to advance marine policy and governance efforts under the Great Blue Wall Initiative. This includes supporting policy dialogues, synthesising technical materials, report-writing, supporting networks such as the Fellows and Expert Communities, and assisting with project and seascape-related outreach. This role is ideal for a motivated, detail-oriented individual seeking practical experience in ocean policy, project management, coordination, and administration within an international conservation context.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
Implementation and Portfolio Support;
Support coordination of policy-related activities across seascapes and thematic areas
Assisting developing policy briefs, background notes, and synthesis reports
Contribute to maintaining an updated tracker of seascape, fellow, and expert network activities
Support workshop preparations, participant coordination, and documentation
Research and Policy Analysis;
Conduct desk research on regional and international ocean policy frameworks, including high seas governance, regenerative blue economy, and marine ecosystem management.
Support preparation of meeting notes, summaries, and talking points for regional dialogues.
Assist in mapping ongoing initiatives and stakeholders relevant to the Great Blue Wall.
Coordination and Communities of Practice;
Help coordinate the Fellows, Seagrass Breakthrough, and BBNJ Expert Networks.
Maintain contact lists and ensure regular communication and follow-up with members.
Support the organisation of online knowledge exchange sessions and webinars.
Communication and Visibility;
Support the drafting of short updates, highlights, and visibility materials for the COR newsletter or social media.
Assist in documenting and archiving policy outputs, photos, and event materials.
Contribute to donor reporting inputs as needed.
Other Responsibilities;
Perform any other related duties as assigned to support policy implementation and coordination under the Coastal and Ocean Resilience portfolio. REQUIREMENTS โข POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
Education;
Candidates must be currently enrolled in or have recently completed at least one year of a university degree (undergraduate or graduate) in a field relevant to the assignment. Applicants must be pursuing studies that are directly related to the internshipโs duties as outlined in the Terms of Reference.
Demonstrated interest in environmental and/or marine conservation, sustainable development, or environmental diplomacy.
Strong research and writing skills, with familiarity in policy or scientific literature review.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and virtual collaboration tools (Teams, Zoom, SharePoint).
Work Experience;
Some prior experience (professional, academic, or volunteer) in policy research, environmental governance, project management or international development is highly desirable
Familiarity with regional or global frameworks such as BBNJ, CBD, or SDG 14
Excellent organisational and analytical skills, with attention to detail and ability to synthesise information clearly.
Experience working in multicultural settings and managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
Language Requirements;
Excellent written and spoken English required.
Working knowledge of French (spoken or written) is a strong advantage.
Core Competencies;
Transparency: Acts with integrity and openness in all processes.
Inclusiveness: Values cultural diversity and fosters collaboration.
Professionalism: Upholds IUCN values and represents the organisation diligently.
Accountability: Demonstrates ownership and reliability in assigned tasks.
Functional Competencies;
Excellent coordination and organisational skills.
Strong research and analytical writing ability.
Attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness in outputs.
Service-oriented approach with excellent interpersonal communication Flexibility, curiosity, and willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment. APPLICATIONS
Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the \"Apply\" button.
Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.
Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: https://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/
About IUCN
IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together.
Created in 1948, IUCN is now the worldโs largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and around 16,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards.
IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples organisations and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.
Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve peopleโs well-being.
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