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Biodiversity Specialist
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BACKGROUND
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is the world’s leading conservation membership union established in 1948 and composed of over 1,400-member organizations of both government and civil society organizations with the input of more than 18,000 experts. IUCN’s mission is to influence, encourage and assist societies to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable. Through its Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA) and related global programmes, IUCN is seeking to strengthen its presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on initiatives that align with IUCN’s mission and priorities.
IUCN ROWA is currently implementing the AlUla Protected Area Network (PAN) project in AlUla, Medina Province (located in Northwest Saudi Arabia), in partnership with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU). The APAN project is aiming to establish and initiate a well-connected, fairly governed, and effectively managed network of protected and conserved areas that adheres to international standards and best-practices, shares lessons, brings successful regional and global approaches, and demonstrates initial success in nature conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of ecosystems and natural resources for people and biodiversity. IUCN-ROWA has established a project management unit for this project which includes staff based in IUCN-ROWA (Jordan), and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
Through this partnership project, IUCN and RCU are addressing key threats affecting AlUla’s landscape and strengthening the socio-economic and environmental benefits arising from sound protection and management of AlUla’s protected areas. This project sees the world’s international standards and practices implemented in AlUla’s protected areas, with the professional assistance of IUCN’s regional and international experts. AlUla’s bid to present authentic tourism experiences will be grounded in a world-class system of protected areas. Hence, this project supports the governance and management of AlUla’s biodiversity and protected areas in accordance with IUCN international standards and best practices. RCU has recently designated six new protected areas: Sharaan Nature Reserve, Harrat Al-Uwayrid, Harrat Al-Zabin, Wadi Nakhla, Al-Gharameel, and Harrat Khaybar.
The objective of this position is the overall advisory role related with biodiversity, including the technical supervision of multiple consultants and experts’ deliverables, and reviewing, editing and signing-off their technical reports. The incumbent is also expected to lead, support, and review the preparation of additional technical / scientific publications.
IUCN ROWA is currently implementing the AlUla Protected Area Network (PAN) project in AlUla, Medina Province (located in Northwest Saudi Arabia), in partnership with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU). The APAN project is aiming to establish and initiate a well-connected, fairly governed, and effectively managed network of protected and conserved areas that adheres to international standards and best-practices, shares lessons, brings successful regional and global approaches, and demonstrates initial success in nature conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of ecosystems and natural resources for people and biodiversity. IUCN-ROWA has established a project management unit for this project which includes staff based in IUCN-ROWA (Jordan), and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
Through this partnership project, IUCN and RCU are addressing key threats affecting AlUla’s landscape and strengthening the socio-economic and environmental benefits arising from sound protection and management of AlUla’s protected areas. This project sees the world’s international standards and practices implemented in AlUla’s protected areas, with the professional assistance of IUCN’s regional and international experts. AlUla’s bid to present authentic tourism experiences will be grounded in a world-class system of protected areas. Hence, this project supports the governance and management of AlUla’s biodiversity and protected areas in accordance with IUCN international standards and best practices. RCU has recently designated six new protected areas: Sharaan Nature Reserve, Harrat Al-Uwayrid, Harrat Al-Zabin, Wadi Nakhla, Al-Gharameel, and Harrat Khaybar.
The objective of this position is the overall advisory role related with biodiversity, including the technical supervision of multiple consultants and experts’ deliverables, and reviewing, editing and signing-off their technical reports. The incumbent is also expected to lead, support, and review the preparation of additional technical / scientific publications.
JOB DESCRIPTION
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
IUCN – ROWA is seeking the support of a senior biodiversity specialist to provide advice regarding the project deliverables related to biodiversity, to the donor and all relevant stakeholders, and to review, edit and sign off on all deliverables related with protected and conserved areas The position entails regular interactions with peers from RCU and other regional partners, national administrations, and regional organizations on complex issues. The senior biodiversity specialist will be working under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator, AlUla PAN / Programme Manager, Protected Areas, World Heritage and Business Programme, and will be based in Saudi Arabia with some travel to the IUCN regional office based in Amman, Jordan. The contract duration will be for one year with possible extension.
Below is a description of scope of work intended for the senior biodiversity specialist:
Under the supervision of the Project Coordinator, AlUla PAN / Programme Manager at Protected Areas, World Heritage and Business Programme at IUCN ROWA, the senior biodiversity specialist will have the following specific duties and responsibilities:
The senior biodiversity specialist will play a key role in providing advice and support for project activities related with biodiversity, in full compliance with IUCN policies, associated procedures, guidelines and standards and the donor requirements as per the project contract. Under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator – AlUla PAN / Programme Manager, Protected Areas, World Heritage and Business Programme, the incumbent will be responsible for carrying out the following specific tasks:
Project implementation:
• Review, edit and sign off on all project activities and deliverables related with biodiversity in accordance with the project documents and workplans.
• Develop the necessary terms of references for the project experts / consultants as needed for conducting the project activities related with biodiversity.
• Develop technical progress reports and assist the Project Coordinator – AlUla PAN.
Coordination and communication:
• Assess and support project experts and consultants, and conduct quality control to ensure experts’ delivery of contracted studies and analysis.
• Participate in , and organize regular meetings with experts and consultants, and RCU to maintain an appropriate communication flow between IUCN experts / consultants and RCU to deliver the project outputs.
• Review, edit and conduct quality tracking of all project technical reports and deliverables related with biodiversity.
• Participate (or coordinate and/or facilitate) in events, workshops, and meetings logistics and trainings related with biodiversity.
• Assist with maintaining strong relationships with relevant IUCN partners, and maintaining communications and efficient collaboration with project beneficiaries.
• Ensure that IUCN knowledge products and tools are implemented when appropriate.
Others:
• Represent effectively IUCN and its partners in local, regional or global events.
• Work closely with the Project Coordinator – AlUla PAN / Programme Manager, Protected Areas, World Heritage and Business Programme to secure and sustain funds in alignment with IUCN’s programme.
• Work closely with the Project Coordinator – AlUla PAN / Programme Manager, Protected Areas, World Heritage and Business Programme to identify gaps emerging from the implementation of IUCN project in KSA and the West Asia region.
• Performing any other duties as requested by the line manager.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• BSc degree in environmental sciences, environmental management, biodiversity conservation, or any other relevant related fields (MSc or PhD preferred).
• Extensive and practical knowledge of main global and regional environmental agreements and environmental policies.
• Track-record of 50+ technical and scientific publications related to biodiversity conservation is preferred.
• At least 10 years of experience working with large-scale regional projects or with international organizations.
• Demonstrated expertise and experience in biodiversity conservation, specifically within ROWA region.
• Ability to compile large amounts of information succinctly into coherent documents for conservation practitioners and government officials.
• Excellent facilitation and coordination skills, the ability for managing the timely and effective delivery of both quantity and quality work on time.
• Strong communication and presentation skills and an ability to prepare appropriate and timely reports to a wide range of audiences and cultures.
• Time management skills including an ability to work effectively under pressure and to meet deadlines.
• Fluent writing and speaking literacy in English (Arabic is an asset).
• Proven ability to liaise and work with a range of stakeholders including government agencies, the private sector, and local stakeholders, and in support of regional and national institutions
• Demonstrated commitment to achieving biodiversity conservation and livelihoods goals.
• A team player who is able to contribute effectively to collaborative issues, and to demonstrate innovation and leadership, as appropriate.
• A good understanding of IUCN’s mission and a general attitude of being of service to others.
The above job description contains the main duties and responsibilities for this position. However, in a relatively small organization such as IUCN, staff members are expected to show flexibility in their approach to work and be willing to undertake other tasks that are reasonably allocated to them but which are not part of their regular job description. Where any task becomes a regular part of an employee's responsibilities, the job description will be changed in consultation with the employee and the Human Resources Management Group.
IUCN – ROWA is seeking the support of a senior biodiversity specialist to provide advice regarding the project deliverables related to biodiversity, to the donor and all relevant stakeholders, and to review, edit and sign off on all deliverables related with protected and conserved areas The position entails regular interactions with peers from RCU and other regional partners, national administrations, and regional organizations on complex issues. The senior biodiversity specialist will be working under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator, AlUla PAN / Programme Manager, Protected Areas, World Heritage and Business Programme, and will be based in Saudi Arabia with some travel to the IUCN regional office based in Amman, Jordan. The contract duration will be for one year with possible extension.
Below is a description of scope of work intended for the senior biodiversity specialist:
Under the supervision of the Project Coordinator, AlUla PAN / Programme Manager at Protected Areas, World Heritage and Business Programme at IUCN ROWA, the senior biodiversity specialist will have the following specific duties and responsibilities:
The senior biodiversity specialist will play a key role in providing advice and support for project activities related with biodiversity, in full compliance with IUCN policies, associated procedures, guidelines and standards and the donor requirements as per the project contract. Under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator – AlUla PAN / Programme Manager, Protected Areas, World Heritage and Business Programme, the incumbent will be responsible for carrying out the following specific tasks:
Project implementation:
• Review, edit and sign off on all project activities and deliverables related with biodiversity in accordance with the project documents and workplans.
• Develop the necessary terms of references for the project experts / consultants as needed for conducting the project activities related with biodiversity.
• Develop technical progress reports and assist the Project Coordinator – AlUla PAN.
Coordination and communication:
• Assess and support project experts and consultants, and conduct quality control to ensure experts’ delivery of contracted studies and analysis.
• Participate in , and organize regular meetings with experts and consultants, and RCU to maintain an appropriate communication flow between IUCN experts / consultants and RCU to deliver the project outputs.
• Review, edit and conduct quality tracking of all project technical reports and deliverables related with biodiversity.
• Participate (or coordinate and/or facilitate) in events, workshops, and meetings logistics and trainings related with biodiversity.
• Assist with maintaining strong relationships with relevant IUCN partners, and maintaining communications and efficient collaboration with project beneficiaries.
• Ensure that IUCN knowledge products and tools are implemented when appropriate.
Others:
• Represent effectively IUCN and its partners in local, regional or global events.
• Work closely with the Project Coordinator – AlUla PAN / Programme Manager, Protected Areas, World Heritage and Business Programme to secure and sustain funds in alignment with IUCN’s programme.
• Work closely with the Project Coordinator – AlUla PAN / Programme Manager, Protected Areas, World Heritage and Business Programme to identify gaps emerging from the implementation of IUCN project in KSA and the West Asia region.
• Performing any other duties as requested by the line manager.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• BSc degree in environmental sciences, environmental management, biodiversity conservation, or any other relevant related fields (MSc or PhD preferred).
• Extensive and practical knowledge of main global and regional environmental agreements and environmental policies.
• Track-record of 50+ technical and scientific publications related to biodiversity conservation is preferred.
• At least 10 years of experience working with large-scale regional projects or with international organizations.
• Demonstrated expertise and experience in biodiversity conservation, specifically within ROWA region.
• Ability to compile large amounts of information succinctly into coherent documents for conservation practitioners and government officials.
• Excellent facilitation and coordination skills, the ability for managing the timely and effective delivery of both quantity and quality work on time.
• Strong communication and presentation skills and an ability to prepare appropriate and timely reports to a wide range of audiences and cultures.
• Time management skills including an ability to work effectively under pressure and to meet deadlines.
• Fluent writing and speaking literacy in English (Arabic is an asset).
• Proven ability to liaise and work with a range of stakeholders including government agencies, the private sector, and local stakeholders, and in support of regional and national institutions
• Demonstrated commitment to achieving biodiversity conservation and livelihoods goals.
• A team player who is able to contribute effectively to collaborative issues, and to demonstrate innovation and leadership, as appropriate.
• A good understanding of IUCN’s mission and a general attitude of being of service to others.
The above job description contains the main duties and responsibilities for this position. However, in a relatively small organization such as IUCN, staff members are expected to show flexibility in their approach to work and be willing to undertake other tasks that are reasonably allocated to them but which are not part of their regular job description. Where any task becomes a regular part of an employee's responsibilities, the job description will be changed in consultation with the employee and the Human Resources Management Group.
REQUIREMENTS
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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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