Regional Programme Officer, Sustainable Agriculture at International Union for Conservation of Nature

JOB DESCRIPTION

RESPONSIBILITIES;

The Regional Senior Programme Officer, Sustainable Agriculture will play a lead role in supporting Country Representatives and the Regional Programme on Land Systems in developing and supporting the effective delivery of IUCN's programme of work for ESARO and global programmes. This will include programme and project development and delivery, as well as resource mobilization/fundraising and operationalization.

DUTIES;

• Under the direct guidance of, and working closely with the Regional Head, Land Systems, the specific responsibilities of the Regional Programme Officer, Sustainable Agriculture are to;
• Develop the Programmatic strategy for Sustainable Agriculture in ESARO;
• Working in close collaboration and with support from Regional Head for Land Systems: Assist in identifying, establishing and building relationships with strategic partners (including, but not limited to Members and Donors) relevant and necessary for Programme delivery and growth;
• In consultation with IUCN members as well other key stakeholders - Identify key programmatic strategic priorities relevant to the current and emerging needs around sustainable agriculture;
• Develop and coordinate the implementation of strategies to position IUCN as a key technical partner for Governments as well as other strategic partners in the region when it comes to sustainable agriculture; and
• Identify and secure funding opportunities to operationalise the priorities related to sustainable agriculture (through the implementation of related projects and programmatic initiatives).
• Manage and where appropriate provide oversight and coordination of the regional Programme Portfolio of sustainable agriculture projects;
• In consultation with project staff and the Finance Department, prepare and update the Regional Portfolio ABC lists on a regular basis and as requested by ESARO leadership;
• Convene regular meetings with project staff to review progress on projects as well as cost recovery and provide monthly reports to the Regional Head, Land Systems for onward submission to the Regional Director and Global office;
• Along with the Country Representatives/ Regional Land Systems Head, attend the regional technical programme monthly briefing meetings as well as regional technical coordination group meetings and actively contribute to the substance of these meetings;
• Support monitoring and evaluation process of projects, ensuring that evaluations are carried out in accordance to contracting requirements.
• Provide technical backstopping and support Programmatic initiatives;
• Working closely and with the support of relevant thematic Regional Heads, provide leadership and oversight to Programmatic initiatives assigned by the line manager: Work with project teams to develop strategic and operational work plans for the delivery of projects and other programmatic initiatives
• Coordinate and take responsibility for ensuring that projects and other programmatic initiatives assigned are delivered in accordance with approved contracts, work plans and budgets;
• Contribute directly to the delivery of technical outputs, ensuring high quality, relevance and technical accuracy;
• Develop and implement strategies for sustainable agriculture learning and knowledge generation from ongoing initiatives for sharing with the wider Regional Team as well as the broader IUCN Constituency;
• Ensure that IUCN's work on sustainable agriculture is effectively shared and communicated widely.
• Play a leading role in partner and stakeholder relationships and;
• Maintain/develop excellent relationships with government stakeholders including Ministers, Directors and technical levels across ESARO countries.
• Maintain excellent relationships with development partners in the region and represent IUCN at key events.

Other Duties;

• Carry out other relevant tasks assigned by and mutually agreed with, the line manager.

REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE: Education:

• A PhD or Master's Degree in Regenerative Agriculture, Plant and livestock production systems, Integrated Soil Fertility Management, natural sciences or in closely related fields.
• Work Experience: At least 7 years' work experience in managing and coordinating projects, primarily in the conservation or sustainable development field, preferably with agriculture linkages.
• Good knowledge of soil health and farming systems assessment.
• Demonstrated experience and an in-depth understanding of Eastern and Southern Africa Region, especially in farming systems will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrated experience in programme development and fundraising.
• Demonstrated fundraising, budgeting and programme planning abilities and past performance, including experience in the development and successful marketing of project proposals with donors, and subsequent delivery and reporting.
• Experience with result-based portfolio and project cycle management, monitoring and evaluation methodologies and principles and facilitation skills.
• Demonstrated experience in scientific publication and reporting skills.

Language;

• Excellent verbal and communication skills in English is a must. Working knowledge of French, Swahili and/ or Portuguese is an added advantage;