Vacancy #: 7059 Unit: Asia - Science and Strategy Group Organisation: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Location: Asia Regional Office, Bangkok, Thailand Reporting to: Head,Programme Management Work percentage: 100% Grade: SP Expected start date: 01 December 2024 Type of contract: Fixed-term Closing date: 19 November 2024 (extended) BACKGROUND IUCN Asia’s Regional Water and Wetlands Programme tackles the three pillars of water management: i) strengthen the conservation of freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity; ii) support water governance mechanisms that are multi-level, multi-sectorial and inclusive, leading to sustainable and equitable use of water resources in the region; and iii) promote water investment decisions and planning that address the multiple values of nature and incorporate biodiversity knowledge to provide Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to pressing societal challenges in the region (e.g., climate change, food security, and water security).
The Water and Wetlands Programme supports regional initiatives on water governance, such as BRIDGE Mekong, Salween and Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna river basins, aimed at strengthening water cooperation among countries at all levels. Recently, IUCN has engaged in large-scale programmes to improve water resources management through a transboundary approach (GEF IW project) and a climate adaptation angle (GCF). Several water-related projects are being implemented under the umbrella of NbS for adaptation. At the national level, many water-related projects are being implemented to strengthen fisheries management, support the development of management plans for key ecosystems, and support species conservation.
IUCN Asia is recruiting a Regional Coordinator to coordinate and manage the Water and Wetlands Programme regionally. As a member of the Science and Strategy Group (SSG), the Regional Coordinator, Water and Wetlands, will work closely with regional water team members (Programme Officer, Water and Wetlands NbS and Programme Officer, Water and Wetlands South Asia) and technical country staff, focusing on water and wetlands as well as other key ecosystems in Asia. JOB DESCRIPTION 1. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the guidance of the Regional Director and direct supervision of the SSG’s Head of Programme Management, the Regional Coordinator serves as IUCN Asia’s focal person for the Water and Wetlands Programme and leads the growth of the regional programme and portfolio of projects, implementation of project activities, partnership building, policy engagement and capacity building.
2. SPECIFIC DUTIES:
The Regional Coordinator will be responsible for the following specific duties:
2.1. Programme Development
• Provide strategic leadership in developing and managing the regional water and wetland thematic programme.
• Map out IUCN-Asia's strategic priorities related to water and wetlands, including ecosystem protection, water governance, and NbS for water management.
• Seek new funding opportunities for water and wetlands by developing alliances with donors, Members, and partners.
• Develop new project concepts and proposals on water and wetlands, focusing on new regional initiatives and aligning with the IUCN regional and global agenda.
2.1 Programme Implementation and Portfolio Management
• Coordinate and lead the technical implementation and ensure quality control for planning, delivering, monitoring and evaluating regional water and wetland projects, including budget management and reporting.
• Coordinate and support IUCN regional staff and country programmes in developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating water and wetlands projects.
• Lead programme management staff in ensuring quality assurance for the project portfolio and its full compliance with IUCN policies and standards.
• This role includes but is not limited to:
- Act as the regional manager of the BRIDGE Mekong, Salween and Meghna regional programme on water governance projects.
- Lead the finalisation of the GCF proposal on Wetlands-based Adaptation in South and Southeast Asia, in close coordination with AFD.
- Provide technical support to finalise the PPG for the GEF IW project “Enhancing transboundary fisheries management in the Lower Mekong Basin” and support IUCN’s role as an Implementing Agency.
- Provide support to the execution of the two GEF IW programmes, “Enhancing Sustainability of the Transboundary Cambodia - Mekong River Delta Aquifer” and “Fostering Water and Environmental Security in the Ma and Neun/Ca Transboundary River Basins and Related Coastal Areas”.
- Supervise the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) for the implementation of the Adaptation Fund project, Mekong South Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Project, and provide technical inputs and guidance on the integration of NbS for water.
- Provide the Secretariat for the Indo-Burma Ramsar Regional Initiative (IBRRI) and ensure that all activities (meetings of the Steering Committee, workshops, training, field visits, fundraising, political liaison) are implemented according to plan.
2.3 Networking, Partnership Building and Communications
• Develop and support a system of water, wetlands, and Ramsar focal points in IUCN country offices and create in-house networks of thematic expertise that draw upon regional and country office staff.
• Maintain regular contact with IUCN Members and partners to build relationships and explore new areas of cooperation for the IUCN programme in general and the SSG in particular.
• Act as the Focal Point for the Ramsar Convention in Asia (Asia-Oceania staff) and represent the region at Ramsar-related events (e.g. Ramsar CoP). This includes representing the Indo-Burma Regional Ramsar Initiative (IBRRI) Secretariat during events and meetings as requested.
• Represent IUCN at regional and global water related events (e.g., World Water Forum).
• Contribute to information sharing, lesson learning and documentation of project and programme experiences.
• Engage IUCN’s Members, partners, and donors to facilitate the dissemination of learning and ensure effective participation in and leverage of resources for IUCN’s natural resource and RBA-related work in the region.
2.4 Capacity Development and Technical Support
• Stay abreast of the latest developments in water and wetlands management from within and outside IUCN and help ensure that relevant publications, tools, and best practices are made available to regional and country programme staff.
• Provide technical oversight, advice and backstopping to help promote the use of best practice approaches on water and wetlands management by IUCN staff in the region. REQUIREMENTS • Minimum master’s degree in environmental science, ecology, water resources management, or related fields.
• At least 15 years of professional experience in freshwater ecosystems management, restoration, and protection, as well as NbS for water management and governance in Asia.
• Strong experience in programme development and management.
• Strong experience in team management.
• Solid understanding of national and regional socio-political and economic contexts in Asia, particularly key drivers and barriers to freshwater ecosystems management.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of interdisciplinary, multi-cultural teams.
• Excellent strategic planning, project management and partnership development skills.
• In-depth knowledge of the Ramsar Convention is a plus.
• Strong linkages to relevant regional professional and institutional networks; previous/current affiliation with Union constituents of IUCN is an advantage.
• Effective English-language communication skills, both speaking and writing; proficiency in any Asian local languages is an asset.
• Operational skills in using the Microsoft Office suite.
• Willingness to undertake frequent domestic and international duty travel and to perform time-sensitive tasks to ensure timely delivery of assigned outputs. 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.
www.iucn.org
https://twitter.com/IUCN