Vacancy #: 7477 Unit: Forest and Grasslands Organisation: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Location: European Regional Office, Bonn, Germany Reporting to: Senior Programme Officer- Forest and Grasslands Work percentage: 100% Grade: A3 Expected start date: 01 February 2026 Type of contract: Fixed-term (up to 6 months) Closing date: 13 January 2026 BACKGROUND The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it. With a unique membership of governments, civil society organisations, and experts, IUCN provides knowledge, tools, and platforms for building sustainable solutions to global environmental challenges.
The Forest and Grassland Team (FGT) is based within IUCN’s Centre for Conservation Action (CCA), which drives IUCN’s programmatic work on nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. The CCA is responsible for implementing large-scale initiatives across ecosystems, species, protected areas, and biodiversity policy, ensuring that conservation action aligns with global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
As part of the CCA, the FGT leads IUCN’s work on forests, grasslands, and rangelands worldwide. The team develops and implements the Union’s global programme on ecosystem conservation and restoration, including:
• Primary forest and native grassland conservation,
• Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) and ecosystem restoration at multiple scales
• Rangeland and dryland management
Through scientific knowledge, innovative tools, and multi-stakeholder partnerships, the FGT addresses urgent challenges, including deforestation, land degradation, and climate change. It works with governments, civil society, local communities, and the private sector to deliver practical, equitable, and scalable solutions that conserve biodiversity while enhancing human well-being. JOB DESCRIPTION SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Project Coordination and Administration
• Provide day-to-day administrative and coordination support for ongoing programmes and initiatives.
• Maintain project trackers, calendars, filing systems, and databases to ensure smooth coordination across multiple regions and partners.
• Support the preparation, organization, and follow-up of meetings, workshops, and steering committees (agenda setting, invitations, logistics, minutes, action tracking).
• Assist with budget monitoring, procurement, and contract administration in line with IUCN policies and procedures.
• Support reporting processes, ensuring compliance with internal and external requirements.
2. Stakeholder engagement
• Liaise with regional offices, project teams, and partners to collect and compile updates, ensuring consistent messaging.
• Contribute to the documentation of lessons learned, case studies, and success stories to inform knowledge sharing and visibility.
3. Technical and Research Support
• Collate, edit, and format technical inputs from teams and partners for reports, proposals, and knowledge products.
• Support desk-based research, data compilation, and preparation of summaries or briefs on programme-related themes.
• Contribute to monitoring and evaluation processes, including the consolidation of project indicators and gender-disaggregated data.
4. General Support
• Provide administrative and coordination assistance to the Forest and Grassland Team in Bonn and contribute to cross-unit activities when needed.
• Flexibly take on other tasks that arise during the planning, launch, and implementation of programmes.
The job description above outlines the main duties and responsibilities for this position. However, in an organisation such as IUCN, staff members are expected to show flexibility in their approach to work and be willing to undertake other tasks that are reasonably allocated to them but which are not part of their regular job description. Where any task becomes a regular part of an employee's responsibilities, the job description will be changed in consultation with the employee and the Human Resources Management Group. REQUIREMENTS • Bachelor’s degree in environmental, social sciences, geography, statistics, international development, project management, or another relevant field. A Master’s degree is an advantage.
• 3-4 years of relevant work experience in project administration, coordination, or donor-funded programme support will be an advantage.
• Experience with budget monitoring, reporting, and contract/procurement processes is a strong asset.
• Familiarity with international conservation and development programmes is desirable.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and collaborative platforms (SharePoint, Teams, or equivalent).
• Good writing and editing skills, with experience drafting reports, correspondence, or communication materials.
• Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation practices and/or gender mainstreaming is an advantage.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet competing deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural and interdisciplinary team environment.
• High degree of adaptability, initiative, and motivation to support evolving programme needs.
• Fluency in English required; working proficiency in French or Spanish is an advantage. 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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