Opened in 1991, the IUCN Uganda Office has extensive experience in working with IUCN Government and Non-Government members to influence the national conservation agenda. The Programme of Work executed by the office has largely been focused around the relationship between ecosystem conservation and sustainable development. In doing so, a critical element of the Uganda Office’s work has revolved around identifying and applying demonstrable solutions towards enhancing equitable governance of natural resources as a key mechanism for both improving livelihoods of communities and the wider economic development of the country. The Programme of Work has been carried out at both national as well as transboundary levels, cutting across multiple sectors (but largely focused around Water & Wetlands; Forests and, more recently, Drylands). IUCN’s work more often than not draws upon landscape and ecosystem based approaches.
Under the guidance of the Head of Office, the Senior Programme Officer will be responsible for both the administrative and technical management of the Forests and Natural Resources Governance portfolio, within the overall country programme. Working closely with the Technical Coordinators and Programme Officers, the SPO will coordinate the development, planning and implementation of the Forests and Natural Resource Governance portfolio, for effective delivery of the programme of work.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The specific roles and responsibilities are described below
8.1. Administrative and managerial oversight of the Forests and & Natural Resource Governance Country Programme Portfolio:
8.1.1 In consultation with project staff and the Finance Department; Prepare and update the portfolio on a regular basis and as requested by the Deputy Regional Director, through the Head of Office;
8.1.2 Identify resource gaps (financial, human resource, physical etc) in the Programme portfolio vis a vis effective delivery and work with the Country Programme Portfolio and in consultation with the Regional Thematic Heads to define recommended strategies to address these gaps to the Head of Country Office and Regional Thematic Heads;
8.1.3 Convene regular meetings with project staff to review progress on projects as well as cost recovery and provide monthly reports to the Head of Office;
8.1.4 Ensure that donor contracting requirements are being met, including the timely submission of quality progress reports;
8.1.5 Provide support to monitoring and evaluation process of projects, ensuring that evaluations are carried out in accordance within contracting requirements.
8.2 Provide technical backstopping and support Programmatic initiatives (Forests & Natural Resource Governance)
Working closely and with the support of the Technical Coordinator, People and Landscapes, provide technical support to Programmatic initiatives relating to Forests and Natural Resource Governance to:
8.2.1 Develop strategic and operational workplans for the delivery of projects and other programmatic initiatives;
8.2.2 Contribute directly to the delivery of technical outputs, ensuring high quality, relevance and technical accuracy;
8.2.3 Identify, establish and build relationships with strategic partners (including, but not limited to Members and Donors) relevant and necessary for Programme delivery and growth;
8.2.4 Develop and implement strategies for learning and knowledge generation from ongoing initiatives for sharing with the wider Regional Team as well as the broader IUCN Constituency;
8.2.5 Identify needs and opportunities for Programme development and work with the Technical Coordinator, the Head of Office and other members of the team to develop new concept notes and mobilizing resources;
8.2.6 Contribute to the review and development of IUCN’s regional programme as requested by Head of Office.
8.3. Project Management and
8.3.1. Ensure the timely implementation of projects within the portfolio, in accordance with the projects’ documents, supporting agreements (e.g. contracts, MoUs, Project Activity Implementation Agreements etc.), annual work plans and the procedures of IUCN;
8.3.2. Ensure that programme/project budgets are utilized and monitored in accordance with IUCN internal controls and donor agreements;
8.3.3. Lead and ensure the collection, collation, and reporting of all project data and documents, including timely submission of technical progress reports according to the agreed formats and deadlines;
8.3.4. Maintain appropriate and effective (timely, respectful and professional) communications with all IUCN and programme stakeholders; and
8.3.5. Provide capacity strengthening to team members and project partners to improve capacity to deliver on project activities and objectives.
9 Other Duties
9.1 Carry out other relevant tasks assigned by, and mutually agreed with, the line manager.
REQUIREMENTS
• At least 8years’ work experience in managing and coordinating projects within the forestry and climate change sector;
• Proven ability in fundraising and resource mobilization a must;
• Proven experience in participatory natural resource management;
• Demonstrated experience in writing technical papers and series;
• Proven ability to organize and facilitate multi-stakeholder participatory processes;
• Familiarity with the national REDD+ process, climate change, and associated policies and laws;
• Relevant and proven experience in project management and administration
• Demonstrated capacity to work in a multi-disciplinary and multi-partner environment;
• Strong networking and communication skills and ability to work with different partners and stakeholders
• Fluency in spoken and written English, with skills in other local languages an advantage;
• Demonstrated experience in building teams for collective delivery;
• Ability to be innovative, proactive and work with minimal supervision;
• Good interpersonal and leadership skills and ability to work effectively as part of a small team, with respect for and sensitivity to multi-cultural approaches;
• Commitment to continuous learning and proactive and mature attitude towards self-development;
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office package and internet;
• Willingness to travel as needed.
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/
About IUCN
IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature, helps the world find pragmatic solutions to our most pressing environment and development challenges.
IUCN works on biodiversity, energy, human livelihoods and greening the world economy by supporting scientific research, managing field projects all over the world, and bringing governments, NGOs, the UN and companies together to develop policy, laws and best practice.
IUCN is the world’s oldest and largest global environmental organization, with more than 1,200 government and NGO members and almost 11,000 volunteer experts in some 160 countries. IUCN’s work is supported by over 1,000 staff in 45 offices and hundreds of partners in public, NGO and private sectors around the world.
