Vacancy #:774
Unit:Regional Director's Office
Organization:International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Location:Eastern and Southern Africa
Regional Office, Nairobi, Kenya
Reporting to:Director General
Work percentage:100%Function group:D
Expected start date:01 June 2014
Type of contract:Max-term (36 months, renewable)
Closing date:28 March 2014
BACKGROUND
This position provides an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of the implementation of the regional programme for Eastern and Southern Africa, in line with IUCN's global programme framework for 2013-2016. The regional programme for Eastern and Southern Africa is implemented in collaboration with IUCN members, IUCN Commissions and partners, such as the agencies from the UN system, bi- and multilateral donors, and foundations.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Regional Director leads the strategic development and effective implementation of the regional component of IUCN's Global Programme in Eastern and Southern Africa. This position requires an accomplished and credible manager with high-level understanding of environmental policy issues in the regional and international context. The Regional Director is supported by a range of experts but has the strategic and institutional leadership to authoritatively handle a broad spectrum of subjects ranging from biodiversity and ecosystem-based resource management strategies and policies to organizational management and financial planning.
As the official representative of the Director General in the region, the Regional Director is responsible for maintaining a high and professional corporate profile for IUCN, particularly with IUCN members and partners. The position contributes to the global management of the Union through participation in the senior management team.As Head of the Regional Office, the incumbent is accountable for all financial, human resources and administrative matters and is also responsible for ensuring coherence of regional work with IUCN's global programme and the financial viability of the regional programme. The Regional Director ensures that all organizational activities are consistently performed under the principles of equity, fairness, inclusiveness and respect for the diversity of people.Specific duties:1. Represent IUCN in the region in a manner that promotes IUCN's mission and enhances the status of the Union among decision-making bodies, intergovernmental agencies, non-governmental organisations and the private sector.2. Initiate and facilitate initiatives and dialogues on key issues of conservation policy based on IUCN's regional and global priorities.3. Develop and maintain long-term fund generation strategies and nurture relations with the donor community in the region in coordination with the Strategic Partnerships Unit in Headquarters.4. Oversee preparation, implementation, evaluation and reporting of multi-year programmes for IUCN's work in Eastern and Southern Africa, in line with IUCN's global programme and supporting the Union's shift towards a Pan-Africa programme.5. Lead the operational management of all IUCN activities in the region and ensure the efficient management of financial and human resources including development and maintenance of relevant policies, procedures and control systems.6. Develop and maintain regular contact with governments, regional committees of members, existing IUCN members, partner organisations, Councillors, and Commission members.7. In collaboration with regional committees, implement the IUCN Membership Strategy and develop a membership recruitment and retention plan.8. Contribute to the global management of the IUCN Secretariat and Programme.9. Chair the Wasaa Estate Trust.10. On behalf of the Director General, ensure sustainable management of the Estate.11. Lead on affairs pertaining to good and appropriate development of the Estate.12. Maintain proper accounts of the Trust.13. Adhere to all local Trust registration requirements.
REQUIREMENTS
- Post graduate/advanced degree in either business management or a subject related to conservation and sustainable development with relevant experience in the other.
- Extensive knowledge of conservation and sustainable development policy issues as well as the geopolitical, development and multi-stakeholder contexts in Eastern and Southern Africa. Sound understanding of how this fits into the global context is essential.
- At least 10 years' professional experience in senior management and governance of a complex multinational organization or programme in an area related to conservation and/or sustainable development, of which at least 5 years in Eastern and Southern Africa.
- Demonstrated skills in change management and human resources management, including the capacity to assess performance, consistently motivate people to excel and lead and motivate a technical team within a complex, decentralized organization.
- Proven experience in financial planning, budgeting and efficient use of financial resources.
- Excellent diplomatic skills coupled with proven experience in communications and outreach.
- Proven experience in maintaining and nurturing expert networks with demonstrated ability to handle politically and culturally sensitive issues.
- Fluent English. Knowledge of French is an important advantage. Knowledge of other African languages would also be an asset.
- Ability to travel frequently within the region and globally.
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).
Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: http://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/
About IUCN
IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature, helps the world find pragmatic solutions to our most pressing environment and development challenges.IUCN works on biodiversity, climate change, energy, human livelihoods and greening the world economy by supporting scientific research, managing field projects all over the world, and bringing governments, NGOs, the UN and companies together to develop policy, laws and best practice.IUCN is the world's oldest and largest global environmental organization, with more than 1,200 government and NGO members and almost 11,000 volunteer experts in some 160 countries. IUCN's work is supported by over 1,000 staff in 45 offices and hundreds of partners in public, NGO and private sectors around the world.www.iucn.org
