Director General

United for life and livelihoods

Created in 1948, The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is now the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Members and more than 15,000 voluntary experts. Uniquely comprised of governments, government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and Indigenous Peoples’ organisations, IUCN provides a critical convening role to forge and implement solutions to conservation challenges and achieve sustainable development.

We are currently seeking an outstanding leader to join IUCN as our new Director General. Reporting to the IUCN Council (elected by the Members’ Assembly every 4 years) and working in close collaboration with the IUCN President (Chair of the Council), this ambitious role is one of significant breadth and influence, combining effective operational coordination, strategic vision and leadership. The Director General’s most important tasks are to promote the mission of and increase its impact on nature conservation globally. The individual will lead and implement the Union’s programme as established by the Congress and Council. With the President, the Director General serves as an ambassador and spokesperson for the Union on major platforms, promoting the mission and programme objectives of IUCN.

The Director General will be a determined, bold and passionate individual with strong credibility in global conservation, environmental and sustainable development to build on the successes of IUCN to date, and to lead the organizational change needed for IUCN to achieve the objectives so vital at this urgent  time. You will bring a track record of strategic leadership and operational management experience gained in large, global and complex organisations, with demonstrable commitment to IUCN’s values and approach. You will have significant interpersonal and relationship building skills to build and maintain strong partnerships across the broader conservation and development communities, and to engage stakeholders across the Union and facilitate the work of a diverse Membership and networks of expert Commission members. You will bring external representation skills to be a compelling ambassador on behalf of IUCN and a track record of enterpreneuralism, creating new and increasing existing revenue streams that help re-shape an organization’s revenues,  as well as the ability to engage and operate effectively at the highest policy and political levels. Most importantly, you will bring a deep passion and energy towards IUCN’s vision and mission and a demonstrated commitment to nature conservation and ecologically sustainable development and be an authentic champion for IUCN’s core values.

To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter, detailing how you fulfil the role description and personal specification to: https://hrms.iucn.org/vacancy/6489  . The deadline for applications is Sunday 23^rd July at midnight CEST.

The role is based in Gland, Switzerland and the salary is commensurate with the seniority of the role. Candidates must be fluent in English. A working knowledge in another IUCN language (French or Spanish) would be an advantage.

For a conversation in confidence, please contact: Clara Nelson Strachan

Should you require access to these documents in alternative formats, please contact Lucy Cooke