Organisation: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Location: Headquarters, Gland, Switzerland or one of IUCN regional offices (Washington DC, Bonn, Cambridge, Brussels).
Local salary scales apply.
Reporting to: Director, IUCN Centre for Conservation Action
Work percentage: 100%
Grade: M1
Type of contract: Max-term (24 months with possibility of renewal)
Closing date: 30 April 2025
BACKGROUND
The work of the IUCN Global Ocean Team focuses on ensuring effective conservation of the ocean, including through effective area-based conservation measures to conserve all ocean areas of particular importance for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services. It focuses on addressing the threats to conservation and societal well-being in the ocean and polar realms, including climate change, marine plastic pollution, extractive industries, and ocean acidification, developing and promoting feasible solutions, supported by scientific knowledge.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Head of the IUCN Global Ocean Team is responsible for developing and implementing the Ocean Team’s overall Strategy and Business Plan through effective programme management and coordination, in collaboration with Centres and Teams as well as ocean focal points in regional offices and IUCN Commissions. The Head is part of the IUCN Ocean senior coordination group involving Director Centre for Conservation Action, Director Centre for Policy and Law, and Director, Global Ocean Policy.
The Head is responsible for developing IUCN’s overall ocean conservation strategy in conjunction with the other programme Centres, and the Regions. The Head is principally responsible for building and maintaining a financial and technically sustainable project portfolio that secures the resources to maintain and develop the Ocean Team’s capacity. The Head undertakes the efficient and effective management of projects and partnerships led by the Team in accordance with the relevant contracts and agreements, including technical and financial reporting.
The Head is fully responsible for the recruitment, organization, direct and indirect management and supervision of all staff in the Ocean Team to carry out their assigned duties, and to develop the team and the individual staff to reach their potential through mentorship and support, in accordance with IUCN’s conditions of service and all human resources policies and procedures.
The Head is accountable for adherence to project design, preparation and approval procedures and for updating and maintaining the project portal including indicators and results required for monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
The Head is also responsible for applying all of IUCN’s policies and guidelines on planning, budgeting and financial management that achieve full cost recovery, and generates surplus revenues that support the overall management of the Team and Centre, and allows for innovative investment in portfolio growth and income.
SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS AND DELIVERABLES
The duties and responsibilities of the Head Global Ocean Team include the following areas of accountability:
1. Consulting periodically and deploying the advice of the Director, Global Ocean Policy and Director Centre for Conservation Action on global ocean policy, strategy and directions to grow and sustain the activities of the Ocean Team for maximum leverage and impact on ocean conservation goals and priorities.
2. Coordinating portfolio development and resource mobilisation to support the Ocean Team and managing the Ocean Team project portfolio to ensure a balanced and sustainable programme of work.
3. Taking full responsibility for the recruitment, supervision and development of all Ocean Team staff, all of whom report through their line managers to the Head Global Ocean Team.
4. Ensuring the effective organisation and deployment of staff across project teams to deliver the Ocean Team programme of work across the project portfolio.
5. Undertaking effective planning, budgeting and financial management for the Global Ocean Team in accordance with all relevant policies and procedures.
6. Representing IUCN where required, including taking responsibility for the coordination of IUCN delegations in international meetings, where assigned by the Director Centre for Policy and Law.
REQUIREMENTS
1. At least 10 years of experience of designing, leading and managing initiatives, large international events, programmes and projects aimed at conserving biodiversity, in particular in ocean conservation.
2. At least 10 years of experience of proven capacity and skills in leading and managing diverse, multi-stakeholder partnerships and networks involving government agencies, NGOs, international organizations, development agencies, and scientific and technical bodies.
3. A strong technical knowledge on ocean conservation issues worldwide and the main international policies affecting ocean conservation.
4. A track record in successfully fundraising from a variety of donors.
5. Demonstrated capacity to successfully design projects according to the latest project appraisal standards.
6. Experience in grant-making and in contracting third parties to deliver on activities.
7. A strong network with, and recognized standing among, an ocean conservation community of practice, preferably with a focus on action in the field.
8. Experience in working across a range of geographic and cultural settings.
9. Experience and a demonstrable track record in staff management and development.
10. 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.
11. Ability to travel frequently.
APPLICATIONS
Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button. 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.
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