Technical Officer for Protected and Conserved Areas (SOMACORE Project)

Suva, Fiji
negotiable Expires in 6 days

JOB DETAIL

Vacancy #: 7207
Unit: Oceania Programme Coordination Unit
Organisation: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Location: Oceania Regional Office, Suva, Fiji
Reporting to: Protected and Conserved Areas Programme Coordinator
Work percentage: 100%
Grade: P1
Expected start date: 30 April 2025
Type of contract: Fixed-term (24 months)
Closing date: 27 March 2025
BACKGROUND
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) supports global and regional initiatives to conserve biodiversity and effectively manage Protected and Conserved Areas (PCAs). The Oceania Regional Office (ORO) in Suva provides technical assistance to Pacific Island countries to achieve conservation goals.
The Technical Officer for Protected and Conserved Areas will contribute to the work of the IUCN PCA team in Oceania, with a focus on supporting the development and implementation of the Green List programme and other related activities in the Pacific region. The role is ideal for early-career professionals seeking to develop their technical skills in conservation, project management, and communication.

2. Objective of the Position
The Technical Officer will support the implementation of PCA projects, including the IUCN Green List programme, and ensure the coordination of project activities and monitoring. The incumbent will report to the Regional Programme Coordinator for Protected and Conserved Areas (PCA), assisting with communications, project management, and operational processes.

JOB DESCRIPTION
Responsibilities

A) Project Coordination Support
• Assist the Regional Programme Coordinator in coordinating project activities, ensuring timelines, deliverables, and resources are efficiently managed.
• Coordinate the SOMACORE project implementation in the Pacific (Coral Triangle region), particularly the IUCN Green List and MPA knowledge management.
• Liaise with regional offices, national agencies, and project stakeholders to track progress on project milestones and update work plans.
• Facilitate coordination between IUCN project teams and external partners involved in PCA and Green List initiatives.
• Support the organization and execution of workshops, field visits, and training sessions, ensuring all logistical aspects are covered.
• Compile and distribute periodic progress reports to internal and external stakeholders, ensuring the timely submission of all required documentation.

B) Communication and Visibility
• Support the development and implementation of communication strategies to increase the visibility of the IUCN Green List and PCA projects
• Prepare and assist in dissemination of communication materials, including newsletters, case studies, press releases, and social media content, highlighting project achievements and updates.
• Maintain regular communication with local and regional media outlets, ensuring adequate coverage of IUCN activities and events.
• Develop content for IUCN websites and platforms, ensuring accurate and engaging representation of PCA and Green List projects.
• Organize visibility and awareness-raising events, such as public presentations, exhibitions, and community engagement activities, to promote IUCN’s work in the region.

C) Technical Assistance and Support
• Provide technical support to partner organizations, government agencies, and community stakeholders involved in the management of Protected and Conserved Areas.
• Assist in collecting, managing, and analysing data from project sites to contribute to the evaluation of PCA and Green List initiatives.
• Support the implementation of the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT), Green List COMPASS system, and other conservation tools, ensuring accurate data collection and reporting.
• Participate in the development and dissemination of technical guidelines, toolkits, and best practices to enhance the capacity of local stakeholders in Protected and Conserved Area management.
• Offer on-the-ground assistance during field visits and contribute to monitoring and evaluation activities related to PCA and Green List projects.

D) Project Deevelopment and Management
• Help contribute towards the development of project proposals, budgets, and work plans to secure funding for new and ongoing PCA and Green List initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with donor requirements, including financial and narrative reporting, as well as adherence to IUCN project management standards.
• Track project budgets, monitor expenditures, and work with the finance team to ensure the efficient use of resources.
• Provide necessary support to the Programme Coordinator in contract management with external consultants, service providers, and other stakeholders, ensuring deliverables are met.
• Prepare periodic reports for the PCA Programme Coordinator to identify and mitigate project risks, ensuring the successful completion of all project activities according to set objectives and deadlines.

E) General Programme Support
• Any other task assigned by the Programme Coordinator as and when required to support the overall management of the Protected and Conserved Areas Programme.

REQUIREMENTS
• Education
• Bachelor’s Degree in Conservation, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
• Postgraduate qualifications are an advantage.

Work Experience
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a similar role, preferably within the conservation, biodiversity management, or natural resource management sectors.
• Experience in the Pacific region or developing countries is desirable.
• Any previous experience working with local and Indigenous communities and management of Protected or Conserved Areas will be an advantage.

Skills and Competencies
• Strong organizational, administrative, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal).
• Proficiency in data management and reporting tools.
• Knowledge of conservation tools such as METT, COMPASS, and monitoring systems would be beneficial.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data analysis software.
• Fluency in English is essential. Knowledge of Pacific languages would be an advantage.

5. Key Performance Indicators
• Successful support of the IUCN Green List operations and processes (as per the roles above)
• Timely and accurate project reports and communications.
• Effective collaboration with IUCN regional teams and external partners.

6. Reporting Relationships
• The Technical Officer will report to the Regional Programme Coordinator for Protected and Conserved Areas at the IUCN Oceania Regional Office.

7. Terms and Conditions
• The position is open to Fijian nationals or individuals with a valid work permit for Fiji.
• Employment is subject to IUCN’s local terms and conditions.
• The position is based in Suva, Fiji, with occasional travel to project sites across the Pacific region.

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: https://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 around 16,000 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
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