Unit:
Species Conservation Action
Organisation:
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Location:
Headquarters, Gland, Switzerland
Reporting to:
Senior Programme Officer – Species Conservation Action Team
Expected start date:
01 September 2026
Type of contract:
Max-term (up to 12 months with possibility of renewal)
Closing date:
13 July 2026
BACKGROUND
The primary task of the Programme Officer will be to contribute to the effective implementation of the Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme (ITHCP). This position will also contribute to delivering other species related initiatives, project development, liaison with IUCN Programmes, Members, Commissions, and partners.
JOB DESCRIPTION
- Manage the day-to-day administration of the ITHCP grants, in accordance with IUCN and donor procedures, and in coordination with the Senior Programme Officer.
- Contribute to the development of operational guidelines, templates, and related project management tools.
- Liaise with grantees, providing guidance and support throughout the project cycle.
- Monitor grant implementation by reviewing progress and final reports, conducting project monitoring missions and preparing mission reports in coordination with the Senior Programme Officer.
- Lead the collection of grant impact data to feed into the ITHCP monitoring framework and other tracking tools.
- Support the planning and delivery of ITHCP capacity development activities, including the organisation of trainings, workshops, webinars and knowledge sharing activities.
- Contribute to the production of communication outputs highlighting ITHCP impact and lessons learned.
- Provide a range of administrative support functions, including preparing and processing contracts, amendments, internal agreements, expense claims and payments.
- Manage the procurement of goods and services, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures, including the preparation of Requests for Proposals, procurement records, evaluation reports, contracts and payments.
- Liaise with the Global Programme Operations Unit (GPOU) on ITHCP finances and audits.
- Ensure the maintenance of up-to-date data in the relevant project portals and systems, as well as the proper filing of all project documentation in the appropriate databases.
- Contribute to the preparation of six-monthly technical and financial reports to the donor.
- Identify opportunities for partnerships and project development and support IUCN Species Conservation Action fundraising efforts.
- Represent IUCN at relevant international events.
- Collaborate with other IUCN Teams within the Centre for Conservation Action and other Centres, as well as IUCN Regional and Country Offices.
- Carry out other relevant tasks at the request of and in agreement with the line manager.
REQUIREMENTS
Master’s degree (MSc) in biodiversity conservation, wildlife biology, ecology, environmental sciences or related field;
Minimum of 5 years professional experience in the field of biodiversity conservation, involving the implementation of on-the-ground conservation activities;
International experience in professional settings, preferably with direct involvement in conservation projects or field-based activities in Asia;
Knowledge and experience of key species conservation policies and associated challenges;
Proficiency in spatial mapping tools and data management software is an asset;
Experience in grant-making or project management, with strong project management skills at multiple levels including planning, implementation, reporting, and monitoring;
Experience in developing and implementing activities aimed at building the capacity of civil society organisations;
Fundraising experience is an asset;
Experience in monitoring and evaluation is an asset;
Experience supporting administrative, contracting and procurement processes;
Capacity to produce high-quality briefs and reports;
Good knowledge of IUCN standards and knowledge tools for species conservation is an asset;
Excellent spoken and written English, knowledge of other languages is an asset;
Computer literacy in MS Office packages;
Excellent organizational and networking skills;
Solution-oriented approach, demonstrate a ‘thinking outside the box’ attitude;
Demonstrated ability for critical thinking, analysis and strategic planning;
Proven ability to bring ideas from concept through to realisation and implementation;
Outstanding writing and editing skills; strong attention to detail;
Strong interpersonal and presentation skills;
Ability to cope with varied workload and flexible working hours;
Capacity to work effectively under time pressure and extended hours;
Willingness to travel internationally as required, sometimes at short notice;
Team-oriented attitude and ability to work independently;
Proven ability to work with multi-disciplinary groups, including governments, experts, civil society and local communities;
A demonstrated high-level ability to work in a multi-cultural, international organisation, applying high standards of respect, tolerance and support required.
SALARY
The gross annual salary for this position is between CHF 86'330 and CHF 107'913, subject to deductions for social security contributions and second-pillar pension, and before tax. While this is an indicative amount effective as of the current date, changes may occur as per IUCN's compensation practices without prior notice. The same applies to other organisations hosted by IUCN.
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.
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