Overview
Senior Programme Officer, SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) Jobs in Pretoria Metropolitan Area at IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law
Title: Senior Programme Officer, SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs)
Company: IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law
Location: Pretoria Metropolitan Area
Major Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Team Leader, working in close collaboration with the SADC TFCA FF Project Management Unit (PMU), the Senior Programme Officer will lead day-to-day management and coordination of the WRMT including administration of the training grants in liaison with SADC Member States, NGOs, National NRM Training Institutions, SADC Secretariat and donors.
Specific Duties
Specific duties will include:
Implementation of the Training Facilities and Programmes for Wildlife Managers and Rangers in the SADC region:
Support the Team Leader and the PMU in assessing training needs for SADC TFCAs and develop training priorities and strategies aligned with SADC priorities and regional and global best practices
Lead preparation, implementation and monitoring of work plans and budgets for the WMRT
Provide technical support to applicants in formulating proposals for training in TFCAs
Lead appraisal, scoring and selection of training proposals, in close liaison with other PMU members
Oversee contracting, implementation and monitoring of training grants, including review of progress reports
Contribute to the design of training tools and curricula development, including overseeing procurement of external experts and services to support implementation of the training programme
Implementation Of The SADC TFCA Financing Facility Project
Support the Project Management Unit with day-to-day grant management tasks related to the main facility including design of calls for proposals, review of project proposals and managing grant contracts.
General Responsibilities
Oversee technical and financial reporting on the WMRT in accordance with donor contractual reporting requirements;
Assisting the Team Leader in monitoring grants and portfolio performance according to monitoring guidelines, in liaison with IUCN ESARO Regional M&E Manager;
Liaison with the ESMS Officer on relevant activities – risk screening of proposals, and mainstreaming rights-based approaches in training programmes.
Organise field visits and spot checks on the ground to support grantees, capacity build and to monitor compliance;
Work closely with the Team Leader, to leverage additional funding support for the Facilities, including preparing presentations and proposals to donors and other stakeholders;
Assist with coordinating with other grant-making mechanisms in the region to build on complementarities and synergies;
In line with relevant communications strategies, help to communicate project results through the IUCN website and SADC TFCA portal, (in the form of articles, news stories, publications, etc.);
Provide administrative and logistical support to project implementation including the organization of workshops, meetings and consultations;
Ensure the collection, collation, and reporting of all project data and documents, and be responsible for the submission of technical progress reports, as well as all weekly and monthly reports according to the agreed formats and deadlines;
Attending the Project Steering Committee (PSC) meetings, helping to prepare and deliver presentations and reports for the same
Attend relevant regional and global meetings e.g. TFCA network as required and delegated by Team Leader
Other Responsibilities
Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time, provided that they complement, and do not impact negatively, on the main duties above.
REQUIREMENTS
- POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
Education;
An advanced degree in a relevant discipline, such as, natural resources management and biodiversity conservation, environmental policy and management, development studies or related fields, from a recognized university.
Work Experience;
At least 7 years of relevant biodiversity conservation and natural resources management experience, programme management or grant management experience is required at regional or international level
Extensive experience in managing grant programmes and/ or project management for large donor funded projects
Solid knowledge of biodiversity conservation, especially area-based conservation, and relevant competencies required in nature conservation
Practical experience in implementation of nature conservation projects in the field, training and capacity building in line with national policies
Demonstrated experience with organising meetings, workshops and training
Demonstrated experience working with donors, donor reporting requirements, disbursing grants and working with grantees
Demonstrated experience in monitoring and evaluating projects is an advantage
Experience in interacting confidently with diverse stakeholders including with governments, NGOs and local communities
Specific knowledge and experience with transboundary conservation, particularly the SADC TFCA context would be an added advantage
Excellent reporting skills and writing skills.
Language Proficiency;
Fluency in written and spoken English. Portuguese would be a distinct advantage.
Core Competencies;
Transparency: Able to build trust and contribute to informed and responsible decision making by carrying out the work of IUCN in a transparent manner; provides clear guidance to ensure that objectives and desired measurable results are understood by members of the team.
Inclusiveness: Understands and accepts cultural diversity, and provide a tolerant, positive and supportive working environment that fosters respect for diversity, demonstrates ability to work in a multicultural, multi ethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds.
Professionalism: Promote the organization’s interests, objectives and values in a diligent and professional manner.
Accountability: Takes responsibility of individual and collective actions, promotes the IUCN One Programme approach.
Functional competencies;
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods.
Excellent analytical skills for the review and assessments of project proposals.
Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), database applications, spreadsheet and graphics presentations
Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases.
Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities.
Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. 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.
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