Overview

IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature, is seeking a qualified individual to join our Asia Regional Office.

BACKGROUND

The Natural Resources Group, Asia (NRG) is considered one administrative entity, and has evolved from the previous Ecosystems and Livelihoods Group, Asia construct. It brings under one umbrella all component thematic programmes in IUCN.

The Natural Resources Group (NRG) is involved in a growing number of IUCN Green List initiatives in Asia, including:

  • The Protected Area Solutions project;
  • The Promoting Fair and Effective Conservation of Protected and Conserved Areas project;
  • The Tech4Nature project;
  • The IUCN Green List accreditation of Him Nam No in Lao PDR.

In addition, there are a number of marine-focused initiatives currently under development that are likely to include IUCN Green List activities, including:

  • The SOMACORE project in the Coral Triangle;
  • The Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem (BOBLME) programme;
  • Management planning for marine protected areas in the Maldives.

To ensure the effective coordination, implementation and continued growth of this IUCN Green List portfolio across the region, NRG is now looking for a dynamic, results-driven person to take on the role of IUCN Green List Coordinator, Asia.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

The IUCN Green List Coordinator, Asia will facilitate and drive the uptake of the IUCN Green List Standard in Asia, and play a key role in positioning the IUCN Green List as the global standard for protected area governance and management. The IUCN Green List Coordinator, Asia will also provide practical support and guidance to the growing number of IUCN Green List initiatives underway in the region, and ensure that these are implemented in a coherent, effective and synergistic manner. The Coordinator will also provide general support for wider protected area issues that involve IUCN in the Asia region.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

1 Project implementation
1.1 Develop, coordinate and support the implementation of a coherent IUCN Green List programme for Asia. Amongst other responsibilities, the IUCN Green List Coordinator, Asia will be expected to:

  • Lead the development, implementation and regular revision of a Regional IUCN Green List Strategy for Asia;
  • Lead efforts to promote the uptake of the IUCN Green List Standard by government and civil society stakeholders across Asia;
  • Implement project-specific IUCN Green List activities in Asian countries as required, based on agreed project commitments and donor requirements, including:o The organisation of training and orientation workshops;
    o Negotiation and establishment of GL processes in partner countries;
    o Provision of guidance on site-level assessments and engagement;
    o Tracking of project commitments;
    o Provision of reports and updates on activities and events.
  • Track overall progress of the IUCN Green List in Asia and provide updates on progress to the IUCN Green List Operations Team and Management Committee as required;
  • Manage access to COMPASS (the Green List data management system) for Asian experts and evaluators, and provide support as needed;
  • Raise awareness of and support for the IUCN Green List through the frequent production of communications materials, including press releases, web stories and social media updates, as well as the organisation of special events;
  • Ensure that the IUCN Green List is prominently featured at the 2nd Asia Parks Congress in 2022 and other regional events in Asia as appropriate;

1.2 Assist with the integration of the IUCN Green List in the implementation of NRG’s other protected area initiatives in Asia, including the Asia Protected Areas Partnership (APAP), an informal network of government PA agencies designed to promote the sharing of information and best practices;
1.3 Supervise and line manage the NRG Programme Officer, Protected Areas;
1.4 Provide guidance and technical support on the IUCN Green List specifically and protected areas more generally to IUCN country programmes in Asia.

2 Programme development and technical support
2.1 Lead with the development of new project concepts and proposals dealing with the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas, and protected areas more generally.

3 Programme planning, assessment and reporting
3.1 Contribute to the production of relevant technical reports and outputs as stipulated in the yearly work plans of NRG;
3.2 Contribute to knowledge and information sharing, and documentation of project and programme experiences.

4 Capacity development
4.1 Contribute to the provision of technical advice and backstopping to help promote the use of best practice approaches by IUCN staff in the region;
4.2 Keep abreast of the latest developments in the IUCN Green List Standard (and protected area governance and management more generally), emerging both from within IUCN and from outside the organisation, and bring relevant items to the attention of NRG and IUCN Asia leadership.

5 Networking and partnership development
5.1 Maintain strong and productive relationships with the IUCN Global Protected Areas Programme and the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA);
5.2 Liaise and promote strong relationships with external partners and initiatives such as Conservation Assured/Tiger Standards and the Coral Triangle Marine Protected Areas Network.

6. Other duties
6.1 Represent the Natural Resources Group and/or the IUCN Asia Regional Office at national, regional and international events, as requested;
6.2 Carry out other relevant tasks assigned by, and mutually agreed with, the line manager

REQUIREMENTS

  • Advanced university degree in protected area management, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management or a related field.
  • Minimum 7 years’ experience in programme/project coordination and implementation, preferably in a field directly related to protected area management;
  • Proficient in the use of office applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other web-based management systems; experience of databases and CRM considered advantageous;
  • A high level of organisational skills and attention to detail; good analytical and presentation skills;
  • An ability to work co-operatively as part of a large team with strong inter-personal skills and an ability to work in different cultural contexts with strategic partners;
  • A willingness to travel throughout the Asia region and work under pressure to meet deadlines;
  • Experience with standards and certification considered beneficial;
  • Passion for sustainable development and innovative ideas, including the appropriate application of technology for successful conservation results and impact.
  • Fluency in English (verbal/written) is essential
  • Competency in at least one Asian language considered beneficial.
  • Candidates with demonstrated international experience required.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION: 15 May 2021

Applicants are requested to apply online through the IUCN HR Management System by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the “Apply” button at:

https://hrms.iucn.org/iresy/index.cfm?event=vac.show&vacId=6635&lang=en

Only short-listed candidates will be notified

IUCN is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from qualified women and men.