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.