Vacancy #: 7405 Unit: ESARO - Water Programme Organisation: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Location: Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office, Nairobi, Kenya Reporting to: Regional Programme Coordinator / Country Representative, IUCN Tanzania Work percentage: 100% Grade: SP Expected start date: 01 December 2025 Type of contract: Fixed-term (24 months) Closing date: 15 October 2025 BACKGROUND THE POSITION WILL BE BASED IN NAIROBI, WITH FREQUENT TRAVELS TO THE TWO PROJECT LANDSCAPES AND THE COUNTRIES SHARING THE TWO BASINS.
BACKGROUND
IUCN and UNEP-DHI will jointly implement the Climate Resilient Eastern African Transboundary Water Management for Environmental Sustainability (CREATES) project, which will operate in two transboundary river basins – Sio-Malaba-Malakisi and Mara – shared by Kenya, Uganda, and support selected regional water organisations over the period 2025 to 2030. Each of these two implementing partners will hire a Team Leader (TL) who will jointly have the overall responsibility of the project - project A (UNEP-DHI) and project B (IUCN) and provide leadership to the Project Management Unit (PMU) that will ensure the smooth and successful delivery of the project activities and outputs. Each Team Leader will be employed respectively by IUCN and UNEP-DHI and functionally report as per the reporting arrangements in the two organisations and jointly reports to the Project Steering Committee that will provide oversight and guidance.
The project will be delivered through a Project Management Unit (PMU) based in Nairobi, Kenya, with key basin staff based at local level (NELSAP SMM and Mara Offices in Kakamega and Musoma respectively). The TLs will manage the PMU on a day-to-day basis will be responsible for the short-term experts and project staff, both local and international, that will be contracted by the project. JOB DESCRIPTION SPECIFIC DUTIES;
Project Management;
Coordinating and managing the programme according to the agreed and approved work plans, in close collaboration with the Project A Team Leader
Co-leading the Programme Management Unit and leading the personnel undertaking work defined in team for Project A
Ensure compliance with the relevant processes at the reporting organisation
Provide technical oversight of all project activities related to Project B, whilst coordinating with Project A to ensure efficient Programme delivery overall
Work closely with the Basin Coordinators (BC), Strategic Advisors and project staff to ensure all project activities follow the laws and regulations of the respective countries for such activities
Prepare annual work plans, including procurement plans
Oversee the sub-contracting of project activities and consultancy deliverables
Oversee project budget and work plans
Identify and prepare for additional funding
Responsible for financial and narrative reports aligned with Danida guidelines
Oversee the development of monitoring and evaluation plans and report on the progress of the project against annual work plans and project indicators, and identify issues that need urgent attention by the Programme Steering Committee (PSC)
Lead on preparing, conducting and reporting on meetings of the PSC and the Programme Advisory Panel
Provide written reports on the overall project delivery, including by country, covering issues such as project activities, outputs and outcome delivery, project budget and staffing
Strategic Partnerships and Implementing Partners;
Maintain the relationship between IUCN, BCs and UNEP-DHI staff in Nairobi and Danish diplomatic missions in relevant countries to ensure efficient delivery of all project activities.
Maintain linkages with other related regional and national projects and identify opportunities for partnership, technical collaboration and knowledge exchange with other agencies, organizations and donors.
Responsible for identification of and establishing strategic partnerships with key stakeholders related to Project B
Foster and maintain strong partnerships with stakeholders, including government agencies, regional intergovernmental entities, civil society organizations, research institutions etc.
Technical advice and support to project implementation activities;
Provide direct technical expertise on transboundary water management, IWRM and NbS.
Work closely with the technical lead person, who is responsible for the technical implementation of the activities, to ensure that the technical implementation is aligned with the overall objective of the project and the key stakeholders
External relations and resource mobilisation;
Represent the project in external and internal IUCN meetings, at national and regional levels, as needed.
Identify and act on co-finance opportunities.
Represent the project in external and internal meetings, at national and regional levels, as needed
Support networking with key development partners, national institutions and NGOs to support project implementation and portfolio expansion.
Keep abreast of development needs and Programme opportunities in the landscape including those in line with implementing partners priorities and programmatic principles
Staff management and development;
Manage performance of all PMU staff and supervise project implementation with the BCs and Strategic Advisors in Kenya, and (other countries).
Compliance with the staff processes and follow-up as per the procedures at the reporting organisation
Representation;
Network and liaise with all the partners and potential partners, developing and maintaining partnerships and strong relationships across all sectors (including the private sector).
Maintain good working relationships with development partners, non-state actors, private sector, community leadership and visiting donor teams
Represent IUCN on issues at strategic, political and technical meetings, seminars and other events and processes as may be required from time to time
Additional responsibilities;
Undertake any other tasks as may be assigned by and mutually agreed with the line manager.
Support the preparation and dissemination of technical reports, case studies, policy briefs, and communication materials related to water, NbS, restoration and climate resilience REQUIREMENTS • COMPETENCIES:
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 provides a tolerant, positive and supportive working environment that fosters respect for diversity, demonstrates the ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment and maintains effective working relations with people of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds.
Professionalism: Promote the organization’s interests, objectives and values diligently and professionally.
Accountability: Takes responsibility for individual and collective actions, promotes the IUCN One Programme approach
Initiative: Demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing challenges. Encourages creative thinking and innovative solutions to overcome obstacles and improve project outcomes.
Functional competencies
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
Ability to identify issues, analyse and participate in the resolution of issues/problems.
Ability to conduct data collection using various methods.
Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), database applications, spreadsheets, 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.
REQUIREMENTS;
Education;
Post Graduate Degree in Environmental Management, Social Science and Management, International Water Law, or comparable studies.
Professional experience;
Demonstrated knowledge in the areas of integrated water resources management, Nature Based Solutions (NbS) for water, and transboundary water management
At least 10 years of relevant regional experience managing a project team and implementing projects related to IWRM, NbS and climate change adaptation in developing countries
Experience of living and working in developing countries, especially in Eastern Africa
Working experience with IUCN, UNEP, River Basin Organisations and national governments is an advantage
Experience of reporting to a board, steering committee and international donors
Respect for gender and age differences and diversity in culture, race, religion and sexual orientation.
Excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrated ability to engage with local stakeholders and communities, including patience, diplomacy, willingness to listen, respect for colleagues and ability to work as part of a team.
Proven track record in the management of international and multi-stakeholder projects, particularly those funded by bilateral donors, or multilateral environmental funds.
Experience in coordinating with consultants, sub-grantees, and external partners, including national authorities and civil society organizations.
Technical Skills;
Solid understanding of restoration ecology, climate resilience, and the use of NbS in water resources management.
Capacity to lead project development, technical reporting, budgeting, and contract management.
Familiarity with IUCN tools and standards (e.g., NbS Global Standard, Restoration Barometer, Red List of Ecosystems) is an asset.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills;
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English are essential. Working knowledge of Kiswahili is highly desirable.
Strong networking, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work across sectors and cultures
Other Skills and Attributes;
Ability to work independently and proactively, while collaborating in a multicultural, multidisciplinary team.
Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Strong commitment to conservation and sustainable development values.
Willingness and ability to travel. 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.
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