Program Officer, Drylands

IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural resources, was founded in 1948 and brings together nearly 1,100 members (States ,government agencies, NGOs and affiliates) and some 10,000 scientists and experts from 181 countries in a unique worldwide partnership.

Its mission is to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable. Within the framework of global conventions IUCN has helped over 75 countries to prepare and implement national conservation and biodiversity strategies.

IUCN Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO) covers twenty three countries in the Horn of Africa, Eastern Africa, Southern Africa and the Western Indian Ocean and is inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates to fill the following position:

Position: Program Officer, Drylands

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Technical Coordinator, the Drylands Programme Officer will manage and implement assigned projects and provide technical input to non-assigned projects and the wider ESARO programme on request.

He/she will support the TC to develop, resource and manage projects and programmatic activities in Eastern and Southern Africa and link them with those of the other ESARO Component Programs and Global Programmes.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Support the timely implementation of funded projects in the portfolio in accordance with the project documents.
• Develop and administer annual work-plans, budgets, internal agreements, contracts and progress reports as required by collaborating partners, steering committee and donors;
• Be accountable for portfolio-related expenditures in accordance with IUCN procurement procedures;
• Provide technical support and facilitation to project activities.
• Oversee and ensure due diligence in the planning, monitoring and evaluation and reporting of project activities;
• Assist in overseeing and developing the relationships between IUCN and its donors, ensuring that donors are appraised of and satisfied with project progress.

The detailed terms of reference for the above vacancy is available at:
www.iucn.org/involved/jobs

Competencies

• Masters degree or above in environmental/natural sciences;
• Strong understanding of important environmental and sustainable development issues in African Drylands;
• At least five years in management of projects in the field of natural resources or environmental management;
• Experience with results-based project cycle management and monitoring and evaluation methodologies;
• Experience in participatory planning and facilitation at community and government levels;
• Experience in interacting with multiple stakeholders including with government officials and local communities;
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite;

Applications

Applicants are asked to submit their CV in English and a supporting letter of motivation along with the names and contact details of three referees, one of whom should be a recent employer.

Applications should be submitted by e-mail before 3rd August, 2011 to:

IUCN Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office
Email: earohr@iucn.org.
IUCN is an equal opportunity employer.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted