Head, IUCN Caucasus Cooperation Centre

BACKGROUND

This position is re-advertised.

IUCN’s Programme in Europe stretches from Greenland in the West to Kamchatka in the East, spanning the whole of the EU, Eastern and South Eastern Europe, the Russian Federation, the South Caucasus and most of the Commonwealth of Independent States. This is IUCN’s largest programmatic region, containing over a third of IUCN’s membership and a significant proportion of the expert base for the specialist Commissions. 

IUCN’s European Programme is delivered through its Members and National Committees and Secretariat offices which are located in Brussels, Belgrade, Gland and Tbilisi. 

The Caucasus Cooperation Centre in Tbilisi is IUCN’s office for the Southern Caucasus. It focuses on working with Members and partners to enhance conservation efforts with a specific focus on forest and protected area governance and management. The office also functions as the regional hub for the IUCN forest governance programme in Eastern Europe (ENPI FLEG phase 2).

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. MANAGING AND OVERSEEING THE FUNCTIONING OF THE CAUCASUS COOPERATION CENTRE (CCC)

• Oversee general functioning of the CCC office in line with IUCN policies and procedures.
• Manage financial performance of the CCC budget in his/her capacity as a budget holder.
• Liaise with Senior Regional Finance Manager for the purposes of regular financial reporting, forecasting and undertaking corrective/remedial action if required.
• Supervise office staff, interns and consultants.

2. MANAGING IUCN’S PRESENCE IN THE REGION

Provide advice and services to IUCN Members and partners in the region

• Act as a focal point for all requests from Members and partners in the region towards the IUCN Secretariat.
• Liaise with the IUCN Headquarters, the IUCN Office in Brussels and the IUCN Commissions to leverage the optimal support from the IUCN network for the region, and facilitate cooperation and communication between Members and partners in the region, and the global IUCN network.
• Conceive and organise IUCN events and activities in the region, in accordance with the IUCN European Programme 2013-2016 and the role of IUCN in the region.
• Actively seek to recruit new IUCN Commission and institutional Members.

Provide political and technical coordination of IUCN activities in the Caucasus

• Liaison with governments of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia.
• Liaison with IUCN Councilor from Georgia.
• Liaison with Regional and international partners.
• Liaison with relevant Embassies and diplomatic missions in the Region, as well as the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Georgia.

Maintain and expand an IUCN Programme for the Caucasus 

• Maintain relations with existing donors and partners and oversee reporting on ongoing activities.
• Develop a portfolio of relevant nature conservation projects reflecting IUCN’s specific role, which form the basis of a long-term financially viable IUCN Caucasus Programme.
• Liaise with the Head, Capacity Development Unit and relevant HQ programme staff regarding fundraising opportunities, and actively fundraise for the growing project portfolio 
• Implement projects, or supervise their implementation, as necessary, and report timely and effectively to donors. 

3. MANAGING THE REGIONAL COMPONENT OF THE ENPI FLEG PROGRAMME

Coordinate ENPI FLEG activities in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia

• Oversee implementation of the programme in the Southern Caucasus.
• Coordinate and cooperate with ENPI FLEG staff and consultants in the Caucasus.
• Report back to the overall coordinator of ENPI FLEG in Gland, Switzerland and liaise with other ENPI FLEG staff and consultants as appropriate.
• Provide information and communications material for publishing and dissemination.
• Oversee the development and implementation of Regional activities for ENPI FLEG.

REQUIREMENTS

• A background in environmental law, environmental economics, natural resources management, biology, geography or a relevant field  

• At least 10 years' experience in the field of nature conservation, including at least 2 years in an international context. Experience with EU institutions is an asset  

• Fluency in spoken and written English. Knowledge of at least one of the regional languages (Armenia, Azeri, Georgian) or Russian is an asset  

• Proven “self starter” abilities, and abilities to work independently  

• An outstanding communicator with networking capabilities and a proven ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment  

• Proven management skills and experience of supervising staff and working with consultants  

• Proven project development and fundraising skills  

• Ability to handle multi-tasking and to work effectively to tight deadlines without compromising quality  

• A service-oriented team player who brings along access to international and bilateral donors and networks relevant to the IUCN European Programme  

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).

Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: http://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/