Senior Officer on Climate Change and Water

INTRODUCTION

About the IUCN:

Established in 1948, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has the mission to “influence, encourage, and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable.” It is the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, a Union of Members comprised of more than 1,400 members from governmental and civil society organizations, including Indigenous Peoples; and more than 18,000 experts worldwide, organized into seven thematic commissions.

This diversity and expertise make the IUCN the world’s leading authority on the state of nature and the measures needed to safeguard it. Accordingly, the IUCN has official Observer status at the United Nations; it is the originator and driving force behind several key international agreements, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, the World Heritage Convention, the Ramsar Convention, and CITES, among others.

Furthermore, since 2014, the IUCN has been an official agency of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and since 2017, an Accredited Entity of the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The projects designed and implemented by the IUCN involve a variety of Members, which is the Union’s greatest strength. This joint implementation strengthens its own capacities and increases the impact of the funds and direct access to other sources of multilateral financing.

The IUCN maintains several offices around the world, known as the Secretariat, with its headquarters in Gland, Switzerland. In South America, the regional office is located in Quito, Ecuador, and there is a country office in Brazil. In the region, the IUCN has 108 Members, 8 national committees, and 1 regional committee.
About the Program Areas and Projects:

Nature-based Solutions for Climate Change Program

The program promotes the adoption and scaling up of Nature-based Solutions (NbS), with an emphasis on approaches such as Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA), Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR), gender mainstreaming in climate action, and strategies for the conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of ecosystems and agroecosystems. It fosters initiatives of varying scope that apply participatory tools and techniques for prioritizing measures (e.g., climate risk analysis, InVEST, cost-benefit analysis), leading their co-implementation, scaling up, and M&E. Furthermore, it promotes capacity-building and knowledge management processes that, together with on-the-ground implementation, contribute to influencing public policy and planning for climate resilience through a cross-cutting gender approach.

IUCN is implementing the project “Resilient Amazon: Adaptation to Climate Change and Biodiversity Conservation in Ecuador and Peru.” This initiative, led by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and funded by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), aims to contribute to the climate resilience of communities and local governments in strategic Amazonian territories of Napo (Ecuador) and Moyobamba (Peru). Specifically, it seeks to strengthen the sustainable management of adaptation measures based on Nature-based Solutions (NbS), promoting participatory governance and empowering local stakeholders in both regions. Over 18 months (November 2025 – April 2027), the project will focus on the collaborative implementation of these measures, strengthening technical capacities, and consolidating sustainability mechanisms.

Several additional projects are currently in the formulation and negotiation phase. The IUCN

Water and

Wetlands Programme for South America seeks to protect and sustainably manage freshwater ecosystems and their biodiversity, recognizing their importance for human well-being, the economy, and climate resilience, through the promotion of water security, nature-based solutions (NbS), and good water governance. This is achieved through sustainable management practices, conservation, and ecosystem restoration, grounded in scientific evidence, a strong gender component and mainstreaming, and innovative approaches to work, dialogue, and multi-stakeholder and multi-level cooperation, as well as the implementation of enabling regulatory and institutional frameworks.

Thanks to funding from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), IUCN South America has been implementing the fifth phase of the “Building Dialogues for Good Water Governance” (BRIDGE) program since 2023. With over a decade of experience and continuous work in more than 20 transboundary basins in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, IUCN has developed a comprehensive approach to “water diplomacy” based on the premise that strengthening capacities for good shared water governance enables the sustainable management of freshwater ecosystems, promotes water security at all levels, fosters sectoral integration, and promotes regional peace. BRIDGE has become a benchmark and a key vehicle for advancing water diplomacy in all the regions where it is implemented.

More information at: https://iucn.org/es/articulo/202302/bridge-inicia-su-5ta-fase

In this context, IUCN-South America requires hiring a Climate Change and Water Officer to work from the regional office (Quito – Ecuador).

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB DESCRIPTION

Under the supervision of the Regional Program Coordinator of the IUCN South America Office, the Climate Change and Water Officer will be responsible for the strategic and technical coordination of the NbS programs for Climate Change and Water and Wetlands through the effective implementation of active initiatives, those under development, and new funding opportunities to be explored.

FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Program Coordination and Project Management

– Regional responsibility for project management of the portfolio of both programs, including planning (AOPs in Smartsheet), budgeting, implementation, and monitoring (monthly, semi-annually, and annually), in coordination with project teams, following IUCN and donor tools and policies.
– Coordinate with the Regional MEL Coordinator the development of a Monitoring Plan for the projects in the portfolio, considering IUCN institutional policies and donor guidelines.
– Provide strategic oversight and technical monitoring of the implementation of projects within the assigned portfolio, in close coordination with the technical teams of each project, the Financial Administrative Unit (UAF), and the communications team, in accordance with IUCN and donor institutional guidelines.
– Coordinate and maintain constant communication with the global teams for both Water and Wetlands (GWWT) and Climate Change and Energy Transition (CCET).
– Responsible for keeping project information updated on the IUCN Project Portal, ensuring compliance with project management standards.
– Coordinate with the project technical team the proper management of risks (Risk Register) and environmental and social safeguards (ESMS) for the Water and Climate Change Program project portfolio to guarantee their effective and efficient implementation.
– Responsible for the implementation and monitoring of procurement processes for goods and services for projects within the assigned portfolio, ensuring compliance with institutional policies and approved budgets.
– Formulate and/or review terms of reference for project personnel within the assigned portfolio and lead the selection and hiring processes for the technical team.
– Coordinate with local and national governments, local partners, regional intergovernmental organizations, and other parties involved in the implementation of projects within the assigned portfolio.
– Lead the process of preparing technical reports required by donors and the Regional Office, and coordinate with the UAF (Financial Administration Unit) for the preparation of financial reports.
– Coordinate with the Regional Program Coordinator, the Regional MEL Coordinator, and the Regional Administrative and Financial Manager for technical evaluations and audits of projects.
– Ensure that Project activities are aligned with the IUCN Nature 2030 Programme (updated) and with regional strategic priorities.
– Under delegation from the IUCN South Regional Directorate and Coordination, represent the office on matters within its purview, including Nature-based Solutions, Ecosystem-based Adaptation approaches, and the Loss and Damage mechanism, among others.
– Actively participate in all office meetings, whether technical, follow-up, monitoring, training, or otherwise.
– Comply with institutional and regional operating policies and procedures, including those related to administration, finance, human resources, and communications.

2. Fundraising

– Lead and support the SUR Regional Directorate and Coordination in identifying new cooperation and funding opportunities to expand the project portfolio for both programs under its responsibility, aligned with the Regional Program to 2030 and the Vision to 2045.
– Lead the design of project proposals, in coordination with the Regional Program Coordination, and actively participate with other IUCN units and constituent groups in the development of national, regional, and cross-cutting initiatives that address regional challenges and priorities.
– Initiate and manage proposal and project information on the IUCN project portal with the Regional Portfolio MEL Coordinator.
– Update the project proposal tracking tool (ABO Lists), in accordance with the guidelines established by the Regional Office for South America.
– Support the SUR Regional Directorate and Coordination in establishing and maintaining good relationships with donors and strategic partners, with the aim of ensuring the financial viability of both programs.
– Manage collaborative agreements with national and regional partners on topics of mutual interest related to water and wetlands and climate change.
– Explore synergies between the programs under my responsibility and others within the IUCN’s programmatic scope for South America, collaborating regularly with the IUCN team on other projects in the regional portfolio.

Personnel Management

– Responsible for all hiring processes for the team under their supervision, as well as for contracting consultancies in compliance with institutional and donor guidelines.
– Coordinate, direct, strengthen, and evaluate the performance of the project team under their supervision, using the institutional tools and guidelines of the IUCN and the donor.
– Formulate and review Terms of Reference for planned consultancies and coordinate the monitoring of contract compliance and the quality delivery of products in accordance with the institutional guidelines of the IUCN and the donor.
– Act as an internal facilitator for the project, facilitating the exchange of and access to products and know-how from the IUCN and other partners on topics related to the project.
– Responsible for the planning, coordination, and monitoring of travel processes for the project team under their supervision, following institutional policies and established budget parameters.

3. Communication and Knowledge Management

– Support the Communications Officer in dissemination and outreach activities, including the development of content for the preparation of communication materials.
– Provide information for national and regional presentations and reports to support IUCN’s effective participation in technical events and forums, as requested.
– Draft reports, articles, and documents to disseminate and make available to IUCN audiences the results and knowledge (if applicable) generated in the performance of their duties or other information generated by the Union.
– Promote the production, publication, availability, and access to high-quality scientific, technical, and policy knowledge on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for water resource management and climate change, and related topics concerning the sustainable management of water and wetlands.
– Facilitate learning, awareness-raising, and communication within and outside the program on relevant and emerging issues to position IUCN as a leader in NbS for water resource management and climate change in the region.
– Develop relevant knowledge products by systematizing lessons learned and experiences, and collaborate in regional knowledge exchange processes and with other regional offices or headquarters centers.

4. Information Management

– Safeguard and properly manage the information entrusted to you and that produced in the performance of your duties, observing the guidelines issued by the office regarding file management.
– Keep your assigned content updated in the computer tools used for information management.
– Follow the recommendations made by the Communications Department regarding the management of the institutional image and adhere to the visual identity guidelines in the organization’s official documents.

These Terms of Reference contain the main responsibilities and duties of this position. However, in a constantly evolving organization such as IUCN, staff members are expected to demonstrate flexibility in their approach to work and be willing to perform other tasks reasonably assigned to them that are not part of their usual Terms of Reference. When a task becomes a regular part of the staff member’s responsibilities, the Terms of Reference may be amended in consultation between the manager, the staff member, and the Human Resources Unit. Any of the three may initiate the consultation.

REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s degree in environmental science, natural resource management, climate science, water resource management, or related fields.

• 14 years of experience implementing projects, programs, and initiatives related to water resource management, climate science, agriculture, or related areas, preferably in South America.

• At least 8 years of experience in coordinating and managing regional initiatives/projects and leading multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.

• At least 6 years of experience implementing Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and approaches such as Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA), integrated water resources management, watershed management, and related fields.

• Minimum 5 years of direct experience working with rural communities and Indigenous peoples, integrating gender and social inclusion perspectives.

• Broad knowledge of the national (Ecuador) and South American context regarding nature conservation, sustainable development, climate change, water management, and other issues related to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

• Demonstrated competence in performance and accountability, and results measurement methods.

• Knowledge of the application of social and environmental safeguards and prior experience in this area will be an advantage.

• Excellent technical writing skills, experience preparing donor reports, and facilitating meetings (both in-person and virtual).

• Ability to synthesize information for decision-making, organize outreach events, and solve problems creatively and innovatively.

• Respect for and willingness to work under principles of cultural diversity and gender equality.

• Tools: Expert use of office software and cloud-based management platforms (OneDrive, Dropbox, etc.).

• Languages: Advanced proficiency in English and Spanish. Portuguese skills will be considered an asset.

• Availability to work at the IUCN office in Quito and availability to travel nationally and internationally.

APPLICATIONS

To apply for a position through the IUCN “Human Resources Management System”, select the relevant vacancy announcement and press the “Apply” button.

All candidates are required to create an account on the system and provide information about their professional profile. Applications submitted after the closing date specified in the announcement will not be accepted. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. in Switzerland (GMT +1 or GMT +2 during the summer/DST period). Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

You can find other job opportunities on the IUCN website: https://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/

About IUCN:

IUCN is a Member Union comprised of sovereign states, government agencies, and civil society organizations. IUCN provides public, private, and non-governmental entities with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development, and nature conservation in an integrated manner.

Established in 1948, IUCN has grown into the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network. IUCN draws on the expertise, resources, and reach of its more than 1,400 Member organizations and the input of some 16,000 experts. IUCN is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments, and analysis. Its broad and diverse membership makes IUCN a trusted incubator and repository of best conservation practices and tools, as well as international guidelines and standards.

The IUCN provides a neutral space where diverse actors, including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, Indigenous groups, faith-based organizations, and others, can work together to create and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.

The IUCN works with a variety of partners and supporters to implement a broad and diverse portfolio of conservation projects around the world. These projects, which combine the latest scientific advances with the traditional knowledge of local communities, aim to halt and reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems, and improve human well-being.

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