Vacancy #: 7289 Unit: Oceania Programme Coordination Unit Organisation: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Location: Oceania Regional Office, Suva, Fiji Reporting to: Protected and Conserved Areas Programme Coordinator Work percentage: 100% Grade: P2 Expected start date: 01 July 2025 Type of contract: Fixed-term (24 months) Closing date: 22 May 2025 BACKGROUND The COLOURS Project, under the Protected and Conserved Areas (PCA) Programme at the IUCN Oceania Regional Office, aims to strengthen advocacy, outreach, and communication efforts to enhance the management effectiveness of protected and conserved areas across the Pacific region. The Project Advocacy and Outreach Officer will support the development and implementation of targeted communication strategies, knowledge products, policy messaging, and stakeholder engagement efforts to promote conservation actions aligned with global biodiversity commitments, such as the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). JOB DESCRIPTION Scope of Work
1. Project Management (20%)
• Provide support as required through targeted inputs with respect to project development, implementation, reporting, and other monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities.
• Coordinate consultant, commission, and partner inputs to ensure alignment with project outcomes.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive communications plan to increase awareness and engagement around protected and conserved areas in the Pacific.
• Provide technical support to the development of knowledge products, publications, and advocacy materials for protected and conserved areas.
• Lead the development of communication strategies that highlight the impact of conservation projects and the role of Indigenous and local communities in biodiversity conservation.
• Support the design, content development, and dissemination of awareness campaigns on protected area management and governance.
• Develop and maintain a database of key stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, donors, and conservation partners.
2. Centre Support and Resource Mobilisation (10%)
• Provide technical advice and inputs to internal and external partners, including donors and consultants, on topics related to PCA knowledge, tools, and policy messaging.
• Contribute to the review and refinement of knowledge products, reports, and tools to ensure consistency with IUCN’s approach to protected and conserved area management.
• Identify potential funding opportunities and assist in drafting funding proposals and concept notes for advocacy and outreach initiatives.
• Support donor reporting and communications to enhance visibility and credibility of the COLOURS Project and the PCA Programme.
3. Knowledge Development, Communication, and Training (60%)
• Develop Terms of Reference (ToR) for knowledge outputs related to PCA policy, governance, and advocacy.
• Lead the development, dissemination, and communication of knowledge products and tools related to protected and conserved areas.
• Support the design and delivery of virtual and in-person capacity-building initiatives, workshops, and technical webinars for stakeholders in the Pacific region.
• Collaborate with IUCN regional and global teams to ensure consistency in communication and knowledge-sharing strategies.
4. Support for Networking and Coordination (10%)
• Establish effective internal information-sharing mechanisms to strengthen coordination between IUCN’s thematic programmes and offices working on PCA.
• Facilitate internal working groups and discussions on advocacy and outreach for protected area governance.
• Represent IUCN at assigned stakeholder meetings, regional dialogues, and international policy forums, promoting the COLOURS Project and its objectives.
• Strengthen partnerships with government agencies, local communities, international organizations, and civil society groups to amplify conservation efforts in the Pacific region.
Competencies
1. Enthusiastic Commitment and Vision
• A strong commitment to nature conservation, protected areas management, and sustainable development.
• Ability to leverage digital and virtual platforms to amplify conservation advocacy and outreach efforts.
2. Integrity, Maturity, and Trust
• Unimpeachable integrity and professionalism in communication and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated commitment to high-performance standards, accountability, and transparency in program implementation.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.
3. Professional Competencies
• Willingness to continuously learn and grow professionally through constructive feedback.
• Commitment to upholding IUCN’s core values of integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism.
• Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex conservation concepts into accessible messaging for different audiences.
4. Commitment to Accountable and High-Quality Delivery
• Strong work ethic and adherence to institutional procedures and quality standards.
• A proactive approach to project implementation, ensuring timely and impactful delivery of communication strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to tangible and equitable conservation outcomes.
5. Sound Judgment and Decision-Making
• Experience in identifying and analyzing key conservation and advocacy issues in complex settings.
• Ability to make informed decisions based on data, stakeholder insights, and institutional priorities.
• Capacity to anticipate and mitigate reputational and policy risks associated with conservation advocacy efforts.
Reporting & Supervision
The Project Advocacy and Outreach Officer will report to the PCA Programme Coordinator at IUCN Oceania Regional Office and will work closely with the COLOURS Project team, communication specialists, and external partners.
Contract Duration and Location
This is a full-time position based at the IUCN Oceania Regional Office, with potential travel requirements to Pacific Island countries for project implementation, stakeholder engagement, and capacity-building activities. REQUIREMENTS • Qualifications and Experience
• A university degree (Master’s preferred) in Environmental Science, Communications, Public Policy, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of experience in advocacy, outreach, or communication roles, preferably in the conservation sector.
• Strong background in developing and implementing communication strategies and engagement plans.
• Experience working with regional and international conservation organizations, donors, and policymakers.
• Proficiency in digital communication tools, social media management, and multimedia content creation.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate workshops, develop knowledge products, and manage stakeholder relationships. 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.
Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: https://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/
About IUCN
IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together.
Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and around 16,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards.
IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples organisations and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.
Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve people’s well-being.
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