Vacancy announcement: Regional programme coordinator/ IUCN Regional Office for West Asia/Middle East (WAME)

Location:                                 IUCN Regional Office for West Asia/Middle East (WAME), Amman (Jordan)

Reports to:                              IUCN – WAME Regional Director

Availability:                             Immediately

Duration:                                 2 Years with possibility of extension  

Function group:                       P2

Expected start date:                 March 1st 2008


BACKGROUND


The World Conservation Union (IUCN) is seeking a committed professional with experience in conservation, with strong leadership skills and a vision for sustainability in the West Asia/Middle East region, to join its Regional Office as Regional Programme Coordinator.  The position is based at the Regional Office in Amman, Jordan and will involve periodic field missions and assignments.  The Regional Programme Coordinator will be supervised technically and administratively by the Regional Director.


RESPONSIBILITIES


Under the overall supervision of the Regional Director for West Asia/Middle East and in close liaison with the Senior Coordinator, Global Programme at IUCN Headquarters, the Regional Programme Coordinator is responsible for the strategic development, steering and monitoring of the IUCN programme for WAME, which consists of programme activities (projects) that are implemented in close partnership with IUCN members, Commissions and partners and are linked with global thematic programmes based at IUCN Headquarters in Switzerland and elsewhere.

The principal tasks to be undertaken include:

Planning:

1.       Coordinate IUCN’s WAME programme in close collaboration with IUCN’s members, Commissions and partners, and centres of excellence in the region.

2.       Ensure the implementation of a regular planning cycle, the use of a common set of methods and tools and standards for planning in WAME.

3.       Ensure the implementation of training and capacity building in planning skills and functions.

4.       Monitor the quality of planning activities and planning skills at all levels.

5.       Develop new initiatives and responses to emerging issues.

Coordination of the programme:

1.       Manage the work of the WAME programme for effective planning, approval, implementation, monitoring and evaluation and reporting.

2.       Develop and implement annual work programmes and project activities that contribute to the emergence of a strategic IUCN programme at the regional level, in association with relevant IUCN members, commissions and partners.

3.       Coordinate and lead on the preparation of the Intersessional Plans, situation analysis and business plans

4.       Ensure coordination and linkage between IUCN Secretariat component programmes (global thematic programmes and regional programmes).

5.       Assume the day-to-day management of thematic programme staff to ensure coherence of the programme, synergies among activities and joint programming, and reporting on that to the Director

6.       Maintain  the Regional Consolidated ABC List and oversee that Project information in the KN is updated

7.       Support technical staff in implementing good programme management practices and ensure the provision of coaching and mentoring in good management and reporting;

8.       Ensure that human capacity and financial resources match programme needs in liaison with the Regional Director, Programme/Project Officer and Head of Operations.

9.       Implement an integrated training programme at regional level in programme planning and project cycle management, monitoring and evaluation and reporting.

10.   Ensure that standards for programme performance are put in place and used.

11.   Ensure that a monitoring and feedback process is in place.

12.   Manage the quarterly and annual reporting process in a manner that meets IUCN’s reporting requirements.

13.   Provide leadership in feeding the results of project/programme activities into WAME communication activities, and respond to requests about the programme.

14.   Represent IUCN in relevant fora (international conventions, policy forums, national and international meetings etc), at the request of the Regional Director, giving appropriate and high quality technical representation of the programme.


Managing the project portfolio:

1.       Provide overall strategic guidance and ensure effective development and maintenance of the region’s project portfolio and pipeline, including project formulation, submission to donors, implementation, monitoring and delivery of high quality technical reports and products.

2.       Provide overall quality assurance of project implementation.

3.       Supervise the overall financial management and viability of the project portfolio, manage and report on funds used in project activities as per IUCN rules and regulations and maximise opportunities for developing long-term relations with donors.

4.       Assist Finance in regular monitoring of the thematic programme’s budgets and advise managers and the Regional Director on progress and problems associated with programme and budget delivery


Supervision of programme staff, consultants and interns.

Undertaking other tasks at the request of the Regional Director to ensure the effective implementation of the programme, including representing IUCN WAME Regional Office at national and international meetings and assisting the Regional Director in developing and maintaining local, regional and national working relationships with key partners.


QUALIFICATIONS

This position carries considerable responsibility for programme development within a growing regional programme and requires good organisational capacity, a willingness to travel and work in a multilingual environment and to be part of a team striving for a common objective.

This position requires a strong background in programme and project management with:

·       At least 5 years’ experience in an international environment, preferably in countries covered by the IUCN WAME region;

·       High level of knowledge about international and West Asia/Middle East technical and political issues related to biodiversity, nature conservation and sustainable development;

·       Postgraduate/advanced degree in a subject related to conservation and sustainable development, e.g. environmental economics, biology, environmental sciences, etc.

·       Extensive background in project design, development, management and monitoring,  with at least 10 years’ experience in managing multinational conservation and/or sustainable development programmes in an international environment;

·       Good analytical skills, and a demonstrated ability to think strategically;

·       Proven capacity for fundraising through bilateral or multilateral partners;

·       Demonstrated skills in strategic planning, conservation policy, project/programme cycle management, performance management and monitoring and evaluation;

·       Demonstrated skills in training and facilitation;

·       Effective verbal and writing communication skills, both in English and Arabic; other language are an asset;           

·       Proven experience in managing human resources and leading a small team of multicultural and multidisciplinary professionals;

·       Excellent managerial, interpersonal and team building skills;
 

APPLICATIONS

Interested candidates who meet the qualification requirements are requested to submit at the latest by January 21, 2008 their curriculum vitae, a supporting letter of motivation in English, and the names and contact details of three referees, including one recent employer.

Applications by email are preferred.  They should be sent only to the following email address:
Human Resources Officer
The World Conservation Union (IUCN)
West Asia/Middle East Regional Office
Fax: ++962 6 5680355
E-mail: hr.wescana@iucn.org

Regional candidates are encouraged to apply.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for further interview.