Senior Project Officer

Purpose Of The Position

Duties And Responsibilities

• Project Implementation and Monitoring:
• Planning and supervising the implementation of project activities in line with approved work plans and timelines.
• Prepare and update project work plans, procurement plans, and implementation schedules.
• Develop high-quality progress reports and ensure timely internal and donor reporting.
• Monitor project progress against agreed indicators and mitigate and manage delays or risks in coordination with the Programme Manager.
• Manage and supervise consultant deliverables, including reviewing outputs for completeness, quality and alignment with TORs and IUCN and donor standards.
• Scoping activities and drafting of consultant TORs and contracts
• Track and monitor project expenditures, forecasts and payments in coordination with the Finance Unit and Programme Manager.
• Ensure the efficient management of resources in line with IUCN standards and procedures, and in coordination with the Programme Manager/ budget holder.
• Supervise and manage the project officers and implementation team.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date project information in IUCN’s Project Portal and project management systems.
• Coordination and Communication:
• Represent the Programme Manger in donor and partner meetings and events
• Coordinate day-to-day communication with consultants, experts, donors and project partners.
• Facilitate coordination with internal units (finance, procurement, communications) to support project implementation.
• Support the organization of technical meetings, workshops, and missions as required for project delivery.
• Participate in field missions and technical activities, as needed.
• Maintain organized project documentation and records.
• Technical Supervision and contribution:
• Provide technical inputs to strengthen project deliverables, including protected area management plans, assessments, and reports.
• Review of consultant/expert deliverables to ensure technical alignment with IUCN standards and project objectives.
• Contribute to the development of knowledge products, summaries, and technical briefs.
• Supervise and participate in field missions to provide technical inputs and guidance related to protected area planning and relevant project activities.
• Ensure that project outputs reflect and align with relevant IUCN frameworks and tools (e.g., Green List, protected area management effectiveness approaches, systematic conservation planning).
• Other Responsibilities:
• Ensure alignment of project activities with IUCN regional priorities and programme frameworks.
• Assist the programme manager in improving the programme's portfolio through
• fundraising, proposal development and networking.
• Support the identification of lessons learned and good practices from project implementation.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the line manager.

Key Results

• Timely implementation and delivery of project activities in line with approved workplans.
• High-quality technical and progress reports submitted as per agreed timelines.
• Accurate and up-to-date project data maintained in IUCN systems.
• Effective coordination with partners and stakeholders supporting smooth project delivery.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree in environmental science, conservation biology, natural resource management, or a related field
• At least 8 years of relevant professional experience in project implementation and coordination, in biodiversity conservation or protected areas.
• At least 2 years of experience working with an international organisation in a regional context and exposure to work in different countries, experience in the ROWA region is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience with IUCN standards and tools (e.g., Green List, protected area management frameworks, systematic conservation planning) is strongly desirable
• Experience in managing large-scale, multi-disciplinary projects/ programmes is essential
• Experience in managing teams and leading teams is essential
• Advanced project management certification or equivalent proof of project management skills is required 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/