Jobs at International Union for Conservation of Nature

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Implementation and portfolio management;

• Lead responsibility to develop a new program of work on Blue Finance and Innovation across a range of blue economy sectors, including in addressing plastic pollution in collaboration with regional teams and partners;
• Coordinate regional alignment of Blue Finance work with other IUCN affiliated financing initiatives, including the Blue Natural Capital Financing Facility (BNCFF), Blue Carbon Accelerator Fund (BCAF), and others;
• Day-to-day coordination of projects implementation and activities delivery in line with blue finance and innovation in order to ensure the highest quality of outputs and outcomes as well as guarantee that activities are implemented in line with project workplans and budgets;
• Participate in the develop of relevant programme KPIs and ensure its good monitoring and reporting;
• Support the regional COR team on technical reporting and on the development of a regional finance and innovation annual report.

Strategic and Technical leadership;

• Provide leadership, strategic guidance and direction in building a new blue financing constituency for a regenerative and sustainable Blue Economy, including liaising with external partners and organizations in the blue finance and innovation space
• Advise on emerging opportunities on blue finance and innovation that demonstrate potential to change the ocean investment landscape in the WIO;
• In collaboration with the IUCN Ocean team, identify and implement strategic initiatives to support the establishment of a WIO regional Science-Business-Policy platform, incorporating key corporate partners to support agenda-setting and action in blue finance and innovation;
• Act as a driving force for innovation to position IUCN as a leading organization in the region in blue finance and innovative conservation approaches and mechanisms, and in particular on efforts to reach a nature and people positive 30x30 target;
• Ensuring that IUCN’s work in the region is of high technical quality, based on good science and drawing upon state-of-the-art thinking and knowledge;
• Unlock synergies and collaboration with other regional and national COR area of works and IUCN ESARO’s programmes and projects when and where possible;

External engagement and communication:

• In consultation with the Regional Head, Coastal and Ocean Resilience ensure that IUCN is adequately represented in relevant international, regional and country fora and facilitate discussions on relevant marine and coastal emerging issues to position IUCN as a reference in the country;
• Lead responsibility in identification and establishing and sustaining relationships with relevant financial institutions and platforms in the region and internationally;
• Provide evidence-based support and facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues on emerging issues and policy debates around blue finance and innovation;
• Lead coherent and consistent communication of lessons learnt to key decision-makers and other stakeholders within the region and globally as appropriate, including via the web, print and media;
• In collaboration with Regional Head, Coastal and Ocean Resilience identify and manage potential risks associated with IUCN’s public positions in the region and design strategies to mitigate the identified risks;
• Act as a focal point for facilitating and supporting the involvement of IUCN Commissions, Members and other members of the Secretariat in the development and implementation of programmatic activities related to blue finance and innovation.

Programme Development and Resource Mobilization:

• As appropriate contribute in fundraising activities including through development of concepts and projects documents. Contribute to establishing, maintaining and nurturing good relationships with donors, funding agencies and other technical partners so as to ensure the financial viability of the blue finance and innovation area of work in the COR programme;
• Spearhead the development of a pipeline of bankable projects in the coastal and marine conservation realm, including on actions that unlock a regenerative blue economy for coastal communities;
• Undertake research and synthesize briefs on the growing body of work on blue finance and innovation through other strategic opportunities and initiatives in the ocean ESG space.

Monitoring and Evaluation;

• Contribute to the development of the COR Programme Monitoring and Evaluation Framework by providing leadership on identification and mitigation of key risks and barriers to regenerative blue investments in the WIO region;
• Responsible for the coordination of programme monitoring and evaluation in the blue finance and innovation area of work.
• In collaboration with the Regional Head, Coastal and Ocean Resilience, ensure IUCN’s work is accountable to donors and other stakeholders through the establishment and management of effective accountability mechanisms and processes;
• Provide leadership to use data for programme decision-making, for the implementation of management actions based on the findings of monitoring, and to ensure that feedback from stakeholders inform programme development;
• Contribute to programme reporting processes and requirements.

Other responsibilities:

• Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

REQUIREMENTS
Position requirements:

Education;

• An advanced degree in Finance, Sustainable Financing, Development Investment, Innovation, Conservation Finance or related fields;
• Computer literacy in relation to office applications (word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint) use of internet and online communication tools;

Work Experience;

We’re looking for an outstanding, hands-on, highly motivated, autonomous, innovative, solution oriented, results driven and resourceful individual with at least eight to ten years of proven experience in:

• Sound expertise in formulating blue finance and innovation in support of conservation of marine and coastal areas including marine protected areas (MPAs) and conserved areas (LMMAs-locally managed marine areas) or related fields;
• Practical experience in finance and investment roles, preferably in areas related to sustainability, environmental finance, or impact investing. This could involve working at financial institutions, investment firms, asset management companies, or environmental organizations focusing on sustainable finance.
• Strong expertise and experience in engaging global, regional and national stakeholders in blue finance and innovation;
• Up-to-date knowledge on emerging innovations and opportunities on blue finance in relation to coastal and marine biodiversity conservation, with particular focus on financing effective management of MPAs and LMMAs;
• Familiarity with established blue finance biodiversity conservation approaches and methodologies and processes, in particular in the context of the Global Biodiversity Framework and 30x30 target;
• Skilled in network development and alliance building to consult and collaborate across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals, with demonstrated ability to build consensus in cross-cultural situations;
• Ability to interact effectively with and directly support or identify experts required to support all aspects of the COR Programme in the blue finance and innovation area of work;
• Experience with result-based portfolio and project cycle management, monitoring and evaluation methodologies and principles and facilitation skills;
• Experience with project and programme development, management and reporting, with demonstrated budgeting and programme planning abilities;
• Strong interpersonal, management and supervisory skills and experience, with a minimum of 2 years’ in managing teams;
• Computer literacy in relation to office applications (word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint) use of internet and online communication tools;
• Demonstrates strong leadership and people-management experience including supervision of staff, consultants and coordination and effective management of virtual team settings;
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure managing competing demands and complex situations and deliver satisfactory and timely results;
• Must be a strong team player with proven communication and diplomacy skills and ability to work effectively with multicultural and multidisciplinary teams displaying sensitivity and respect for diversity;
• Must be a proactive individual who is able to energize and motivate teams;
• Committed to continuous learning and proactive and mature attitude towards self-development;

Language requirement;

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English is essential, with ability to communicate in French and/or Portuguese is an added advantage;

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;

• Adheres to IUCN core values of Transparency, Inclusiveness, Professionalism and Accountability;
• Strong interpersonal, management and supervisory skills and experience, with a minimum of 2 years’ in managing teams;
• Ability to manage complex situations and lead the establishment of blue finance and innovation programme portfolios and network and alliance building;
• Be willing to undertake frequent travel and interact with different stakeholders from diverse cultures.

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JOB DESCRIPTION
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategy and Planning:

• Lead the development and implementation of the IUCN Great Blue Wall Communications and Outreach Strategy in collaboration with COR team members, regional communications lead, and thematic leads.
• Manage communications strategies, products, and creative campaigns, particularly for the IslandPlas project, across various island areas in Eastern and Western Africa.

Content Development and Management:

• Oversee the creation and distribution of a wide array of communication materials, including advertisements, videos, brochures, press releases, slide decks, and letters.
• Develop and edit internal and external communication materials, such as blog posts, media materials, newsletters, op-eds, website content, and other related products.
• Ideate and support the design and promotion of interactive media pieces, including infographics, slideshows, charts, and videos.

Digital Engagement and Media Relations:

• Enhance digital presence through web-based platforms, social media channels like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
• Develop and maintain key media contacts and coordinate media outreach, including pitching, handling requests, and monitoring news coverage.
• Plan and manage events like publication launches, round-table discussions, and meetings.

Outreach and Advocacy:

• Co-develop and implement outreach strategies for the Great Blue Wall initiative and the IslandPlas project.
• Build and maintain relationships with communications and public relations contacts across various sectors to improve the COR program's image and open new opportunities.
• Spearhead the development of platforms and dashboards for showcasing progress towards the targets of the Great Blue Wall and IslandPlas project.
• Spearhead and oversee the development of web-based platforms and dashboards for showcasing progress towards achievement of the targets of the Great Blue Wall, the IslandPlas project and alignment with targets of global frameworks such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, and Sustainable Development Goal 14.

Internal Communications and Support:

• Facilitate effective internal communication within the COR Programme and IUCN ESARO.
• Provide strategic communications feedback to advance projects' impacts and participate in regional and country teams planning to integrate communications priorities.
• Support the team in developing effective communication tools and managing strategies for reports, events, conferences, and news opportunities.

Administration and Coordination:

• Provide general administrative support, including scheduling, event logistics, and maintaining the regional oceans’ constituency stakeholders contact database.
• Monitor and support the publications process, liaising with the IUCN Editorial Board for advice and publication clearance.
• Other duties as may be assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Position requirements:

Education;

• A degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field combined with an experience in similar organization/s or programmatic setting;
• Computer literacy in relation to office applications (word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint) use of internet and online communication and knowledge management tools.

Work Experience;

We’re looking for an outstanding, hands-on, highly motivated, autonomous, innovative, solution oriented, results driven and resourceful individual with at least seven years of proven experience in:

• Communications, public relations, or journalism, ideally in an international, multicultural context or prior work in a global organization preferred.
• Strategic and innovative thinking with strong leadership skills.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and collaborative abilities.
• Creative problem-solving approach with a commitment to IUCN's mission and values.
• Social media management and how to use it to impact diverse audiences.
• Working with reporters or members of the media and established media contacts.
• Communicating effectively with government officials, private sector and civil society in the African continent or the western Indian Ocean Region.
• Interest in coastal and ocean management, marine conservation and restoration, ocean, and blue economy entrepreneurship development in the western Indian Ocean Region.
• Articulate, versatile, highly skilled writer with professional writing experience with demonstratable professional clips or writing samples.
• Social media savvy with the ability to properly utilize each channel for the best impact to varied targeted audiences.
• Ability to work effectively within a tight deadline in a fast-paced office environment, both independently and as part of a regional team.
• Excellent inter-personal communication skills, including the ability to encourage collaboration with other programs, regional and country offices, global headquarters, and partners.
• Ability to think creatively and collaboratively about all elements of communications work.
• Excellent inter-personal communication skills, including the ability to encourage collaboration with other regional programs, international offices, and partners.
• Experience in working with a content management system (CMS).
• Visual skills and creativity in photography, graphic design, and adobe suite of applications.
• Adaptable to rapidly changing priorities and able to manage multiple deadlines and deliver high quality work products.

Language requirement;

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English is essential, with ability to communicate in French and/or Portuguese is an added advantage.

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, multiethnic 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 for individual and collective actions, promotes the IUCN One Programme approach.

Functional competencies;

• Adheres to IUCN core values of Transparency, Inclusiveness, Professionalism and Accountability.
• Ability to develop and implement communications activities as well as communication products based on co-developed communication strategies.
• Ability to manage multiple communications channels (such as websites, social media, blogs, publications, media relations, and events), and ensuring responsive communications coordination among partners and stakeholders.
• Be willing to undertake frequent travel and interact with different stakeholders from diverse cultures