Project Officer, Nature Based Solutions

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Brussels, Belgium 🇧🇪

Vacancy #:  6433
Unit:  EU Nature-Based Solutions
Organisation:  International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Location:  European Regional Office, Brussels, Belgium, Brussels, Belgium
Reporting to:  European Programme Officer Nature Based Solutions
Work percentage:  100%
Grade:  P1
Expected start date:  01 July 2023
Type of contract:  Fixed-term (12 months)
Closing date:  06 June 2023

BACKGROUND

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

IUCN is the world’s oldest and largest global environmental network – a democratic membership union with more than 1,400 government and NGO member organizations, and almost 15,000 volunteer scientists in more than 160 countries. IUCN’s work is supported by more than 1,000 professional staff in 45 offices and hundreds of partners in public, NGO and private sectors around the world. Its headquarters are based in Gland, Switzerland.

IUCN’s work focuses on valuing and conserving nature, ensuring effective and equitable governance of its use, and deploying nature-based solutions to global challenges in climate, food and development. IUCN supports scientific research, manages field projects all over the world, and brings governments, NGOs, the UN and companies together to develop policy, laws and best practice.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The IUCN European Regional Office provides vital linkages for IUCN Members, National Committees, Commissions and the Secretariat to governments, EU institutions, NGOs, scientists, practitioners, the private sector and other stakeholders to accelerate the implementation of the European Green Deal, the EU 2030 Biodiversity Strategy and related national and regional biodiversity plans. It supports the mainstreaming of biodiversity within national and EU policy processes and promotes Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to social, environmental and economic challenges.
Through its programme, the IUCN European Regional Office provides valuable knowledge and capacity building for the development and upscaling of Nature-based Solutions, demonstrating the importance of conserving and restoring biodiversity, ecosystems and their services to address global challenges such as adaptation to climate change, natural hazards and disasters, health, water and food security, while creating regenerative business and development opportunities.
One of the key focus areas of the IUCN European Programme is to collaborate closely with cities for the implementation of Nature -based Solutions. Urban landscapes are the everyday environment for the majority of the global population, with more than 75% of Europeans living in these areas. The continuous increase in the number and size of urban regions, and the ensuing transformation of landscapes, pose great challenges for reducing the rate of biodiversity loss and ensuring human welfare. IUCN is committed to mobilising the biodiversity conservation expertise of its large network to help cities, local and regional authorities raise awareness for the value of nature and incorporate Nature-based Solutions within their planning and policies and to develop new partnerships for action.

Under the direct supervision of the Nature Based Solutions Senior Project Officer, the NbS Project Officer will have the following responsibilities:

• Support the delivery of several European projects on Nature-based Solutions;
• Liaise with partners and draw on IUCN’s knowledge network to provide inputs for achieving deliverables as required;
• Support the development of new project ideas and fundraising efforts to help expand the regional NbS portfolio;
• Engage with cities, subnational and national governments, business and civil society for Nature-based Solutions, and strengthen IUCN’s involvement in related networks and initiatives in Europe;
• Lead the development of promotional and communication materials, such as webstories, presentations, project brochures and webinars, that help raise awareness for the value of nature based solutions for specialist and non-specialist audiences;
• Develop and maintain collaboration with IUCN Members, experts and partners across Europe and represent IUCN at external events;
• Support the facilitation of stakeholders’ workshops and dialogues on transversal themes of relevance to Nature-based Solutions;
• Organisation and assistance with the preparation of events and workshops;
• Support to EU policy development related to Nature-based Solutions;
• Support the development of an evidence base of examples and best practices related to Nature based Solutions;
• Assist with the technical reporting and administrative management of projects.

REQUIREMENTS

• At least 5 years of experience in nature conservation, sustainable development or a related field;

• A Master’s degree in environmental sciences or sustainable development;

• Proven project management experience and skills;

• Knowledge of EU funding programmes with particular emphasis on Horizon Europe;

• Good knowledge of the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions;

• Knowledge of European nature legislation and familiarity with EU policy processes;

• Excellent level of written and spoken English; other languages an asset;

• Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to create engaging communication strategies and products;

• Experience in organising events, workshops and stakeholder engagement;

• Excellent organisational, administrative, and reporting skills;

• A motivated self-starter with an ability to work independently, become familiar with new topics quickly, and meet tight deadlines without compromising the quality of outputs;

• A team player with a strong interest in working in an international environment and willingness to travel.

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: http://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/

About IUCN

IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together.

Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and some 15,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards.

IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples organisations and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.

Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve people’s well-being.

www.iucn.org
https://twitter.com/IUCN


POSITION TYPE

ORGANIZATION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

DEGREE REQUIRED

You ad could be here!