PROJECT OFFICER IUCN Mbale, UGANDA

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 position indicated below.

The Ecosystem Based Adaptation (EBA) Programme for Mountain Ecosystems in Uganda, Nepal and Peru aims to strengthen the capacities of these three countries, which are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts, to strengthen ecosystem resilience for promoting ecosystem-based adaptation (EBA) options and to reduce the vulnerability of communities, with particular emphasis on mountain ecosystems. The programme is funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) through its International Climate Initiative, and is implemented through a partnership of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Position: PROJECT OFFICER

Duty Station: Mbale, UGANDA

Reporting Responsibilities

1. General

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office (Uganda) with a functional reporting line to the Regional Forest Coordinator (RFC) and the National EBA coordinator, the Project Officer will assist in the overall coordination, management and implementation of the project: Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountains in Uganda.

This will include the following general responsibilities:

• Ensure that in-country activities are implemented on track and contributing to the achievement of the project’s objectives;

• Under the guidance of the Head of Office, provide technical inputs and guidance at national and sub-national levels as required;

• Collate information on a regular basis from the in-country project components and prepare project reports as appropriate.

2. Specific tasks

2.1 Project management, administration and implementation

• Organise, supervise and support the implementation of all in-country activities for the project, including those to be implemented at pilot level;

• Manage projects’ budget accordingly to annual work plans;

• Assist in the recruitment and supervise in-country project consultants employed for the implementation of the project;

• Organise and/or assist in the organisation and implementation of workshops, seminars and training activities, and provide technical guidance and logistical support to these events;


• Work and coordinate with government and other stakeholders in the implementation of the projects’ activities.

• Contribute to the implementation of regional project activities when required.

2.3 Project planning, assessment and reporting

• Assist in drawing up annual technical and financial work-plans, listing objectives, activities, results, assumptions and verifiable indicators according to project templates;

• Assist in the preparation of technical and financial reports, according to the project’s internal agreement and internal institutional monitoring requirements;

• Participate in regular international and regional project or programme coordination meetings if resources are available;

• Facilitate external monitoring and evaluation processes relating to the project.

2.4 Technical support and guidance

• Under the guidance of the Regional Forest Coordinator, contribute to national discussions and debate regarding the forest sector, adaptation top climate change, particularly in forest related actions for the adaptation to climate change;

• Contribute to and support awareness raising on EBA;

• Assist in the formulation of strategic recommendations regarding forest issues related to the project;

• Where appropriate, help with institutional strengthening and capacity building of key partners.

2.5 Networking, relationship building and communications

• With the assistance of the Head of Office, develop a national (including local level) network and maintain close links with relevant institutions and partners, locally (for implementation of pilot projects) and nationally (governmental and NGOs).

• Under the guidance of the RFC, facilitate and support the development of strategic communications’ activities and products and contribute to the effective presentation of project experiences and lessons learned;

• Contribute in updating FCP regional and global communication means (a.e. web page, etc) with information generated by the project;

• Assist in developing and maintaining close relations and communications with existing relevant national and regional networks.

• Build relationship and coordinate activities with staff of the project (both at national and global level), including other FCP staff, as well as with other IUCN staff regionally and globally

2.6 Fundraising

• In close coordination with the region and the FCP team, provide support in the development of proposals for co-financing activities for submission to potential donors.

• Contribute to identifying additional funding sources;


QUALIFICATIONS

The position requires a professional with experience in development management with at least 5 years of professional experience in the implementation of projects within the forest sector. The following specific qualifications are required:

Knowledge Base

• A Bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to natural resource management. A Masters degree will be an added advantage.

• Strong knowledge and experience on forest related actions for mitigation of climate change;

• Basic understanding on the current UNFCCC state of negotiations on what is related to forest actions for climate change mitigation.

Work Experience

• At least five years experience in managing and coordinating projects within the forest sector.

• Proven experience in participatory natural resource management. Experience in Uganda is required;

• Proven ability to organise and facilitate multi-stakeholder participatory processes;

• Demonstrated capacity to work in a multi-disciplinary and multi-partner environment.

• Proven ability in project management and administration.

• Ability to communicate with different partners and stakeholders.

Additional Requirements

• Fluency in English

• Understanding of and motivated to work according to IUCN’s vision and approach

• Computer literacy;

• Cultural awareness and sensitivity to gender issues;

• Willingness to travel frequently in-country and abroad


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 25th November, 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