Vacancy #: 7229 Unit: European Regional Office - EU Policy Organisation: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Location: European Regional Office, Bonn, Germany Reporting to: Head of Programme and Policy Work percentage: 100% Grade: SP Expected start date: 05 May 2025 Type of contract: Fixed-term (24 months) Closing date: 06 April 2025 BACKGROUND IUCN is the worldโs oldest and largest global environmental network - a democratic membership union with more than 1,400 government and NGO member organizations, and almost 15,000 volunteer scientists in more than 160 countries. IUCNโs work is supported by more than 1,000 professional staff in 45 offices and hundreds of partners in public, NGO and private sectors around the world. Its headquarters are based in Gland, Switzerland.
The IUCN European Regional Office (EURO) provides vital linkages for IUCN Members, National Committees, Commissions and the Secretariat to governments, EU institutions, NGOs, scientists, practitioners, the private sector and other stakeholders to accelerate the implementation of the European Green Deal, the EU 2030 Biodiversity Strategy and related biodiversity plans and strategies. It provides knowledge and advise decision makers to improve conservation policy and action, connect and engage.
IUCN EURO is looking for a highly motivated Natural-based Solutions Coordinator to join our Programme and Policy team. This position will lead IUCNโs work on NbS in Europe and be pivotal in enhancing coordination on NbS-related activities with IUCNโs Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ECARO) and Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation (MED). The incumbent will coordinate the NbS hub in Europe, focusing on developing strategic partnerships, ensuring proper uptake of the IUCN Global Standard for NbS, and engaging with financial institutions and other key stakeholders to scale up investment in NbS. The successful candidate will have people and portfolio management responsibilities, supporting the work of the office towards the implementation of IUCN programme. This is a strategic position in the IUCN Regional Office and global NbS team. JOB DESCRIPTION Under the supervision of the Head of Programme and Policy, functionally reporting to the Global Head of the IUCN Nature-based Solutions Centre, the Nature-based Solutions Coordinator, and in close collaboration with staff in the Programme and Policy team and the European Regional Office, as well as other IUCN offices and centres, the Senior Officer โ Natural Resources will ensure the implementation, coordination and reporting of projects and contribute to the development of the teamโs policy.
The Nature Based Solutions Coordinator will have the following tasks:
1. Knowledge generation, policy and economic analysis
โข Contribute to further development of the IUCN Global Standard on NbS and accompanying knowledge tools and their sharing and learning among key stakeholders.
โข Lead the development and dissemination of policy analysis related to NbS, ensuring alignment with regional and international frameworks such as the EU Green Deal and Rio Conventions (UNFCCC, CBD, UNCCD).
โข Develop evidence-based policy briefs, white papers, and strategic recommendations to influence policymakers, especially at EU level.
โข Monitor and assess emerging policy trends and regulatory frameworks relevant to NbS in Europe, and provide strategic guidance to the NbS Centre and partners.
โข Collaborate with research institutions and academic partners to generate robust data and case studies showcasing the economic value of NbS.
2. Strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement
โข Nurture strategic partnerships with national authorities, ensuring proper dissemination and uptake of the IUCN Global Standards for NbS and associated knowledge tools.
โข Build partnerships with financial institutions, private sector partners, and investors to mobilize resources for NbS.
โข Facilitate dialogues, workshops, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance understanding and commitment to NbS within the finance and private sectors.
โข Develop training materials and deliver capacity-building workshops for stakeholders on policy and economic aspects of NbS.
3. Programme coordination and team management
โข Lead the development and implementation of NbS-related projects, ensuring timely delivery of outputs and outcomes.
โข Lead the IUCN European NbS team ensuring an effective team spirit and delivery.
โข Lead the identification and implementation of fundraising efforts in the team.
โข Coordinate with IUCN regional and global teams to ensure synergies and integration, especially with ECARO and MED NbS teams.
โข Represent IUCN at high-level events, conferences, and forums to advocate for NbS.
The above job description contains the main duties and responsibilities for this position. However, in an organisation such as IUCN, staff members are expected to show flexibility in their approach to work and be willing to undertake other tasks that are reasonably allocated to them but which are not part of their regular job description. Where any task becomes a regular part of an employee's responsibilities, the job description will be changed in consultation with the employee and relevant colleagues.
SALARY
The gross annual salary for this position is in the range from EUR 75.000 to EUR 95.000 (depending on skills, experiences and IUCN equity analysis) subject to deductions for social security contributions and health insurance, and before tax. REQUIREMENTS โข Affinity with the vision and mission of IUCN;
โข Masterโs degree in natural sciences, environmental economics, or a related field.
โข At least 12 years of professional experience in a field related to natural resources management, environmental economics or nature policy of which at least 7 years in project management in an international context;
โข Proven record of accomplishments in project development and implementation;
โข Familiarity with EU funding and experience in project fundraising;
โข Proven expertise in developing and applying economic and financial analyses in the context of natural resources, climate change, or biodiversity.
โข Demonstrated experience engaging with the private sector and financial institutions.
โข Experience working within international development organizations, NGOs, or multilateral institutions.
โข Familiarity with global environmental policies, frameworks, and conventions, particularly those relevant to NbS.
โข Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with proficiency in economic modeling and data analysis.
โข Proficiency in relevant software and tools for economic and financial analysis.
โข Impeccable writing skills. A track record of publications and quantitative analysis is necessary. Ability to write, coordinate and/or edit assessment reports.
โข Strong leadership and teamwork abilities, with experience managing cross-functional teams.
โข Full computer literacy, with experience in applying Microsoft Office as a minimum skill set;
โข Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills with a results-oriented approach.
โข Ability to work within a team and independently.
โข Ability to meet tight deadlines without compromising the quality of outputs.
โข Highly motivated to learn and develop new skills, keen to bring in own ideas.
โข Ability to travel, at times frequently.
โข Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, including ability to communicate complex issues to a wide range of audiences. A second language (French, Spanish) is highly desirable. 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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