Junior Professional

Vacancy #: 6870 Unit: Ocean Organisation: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Location: Headquarters, Gland, Switzerland Reporting to: Senior Programme Manager – Ocean Team Work percentage: 100% Grade: YP Expected start date: 01 August 2024 Type of contract: Max-term (12 months with possibility of renewal) Closing date: 27 June 2024 BACKGROUND The Junior Professional positions offer an exciting opportunity to gain experience working with IUCN, the leading global organisation on nature conservation. The Junior Professional (JP) will work with the IUCN Ocean Team on Blue Natural Capital (BNC). The JP will help ensure close cooperation with national and sub-national partners to support on the ground project implementation. Coastal and marine ecosystems provide invaluable resources and livelihoods to local communities including tradable products, an abundance of seafood, and tourism revenue. They improve water quality and act as a buffer to storm surges. Blue carbon, are notably efficient at removing carbon from the atmosphere but are sources of significant carbon emissions if destroyed, they are also vital refuges for biodiversity and a key component of a healthy ocean. The JP will join the Ocean team, under the IUCN Centre for Conservation Action. They will support the implementation of the Team’s project portfolio and programme. They will be based in IUCN’s Headquarters in Switzerland but will be no stranger to the work on the ground. The JP will be exposed to the world of protected and conserved marine and coastal areas and field work, by engaging closely with our headquarters-based core team and regional staff located in our 50 regional and country offices, with the IUCN Commissions and IUCN Member organisations, and other stakeholders and partners. The Ocean Team works across multiple countries and geographical zones, by implementing projects and engaging directly with local and regional actors to deliver real impact on the ground. Our key areas of work include practical support and engagement with local partners and agencies, grant-making, certification and standards for conservation outcomes, knowledge management and capacity development. These functions supported by our policy, communications and community engagement. JOB DESCRIPTION This position is designed to provide professional development opportunities to young professionals; it will offer the incumbent the opportunity to gain career experience in an environmental international organisation. The Junior Professional will be part of the Ocean Team and will interact with the IUCN Programme Teams, Regional Offices, and key external partners. They will be assigned to projects and initiatives of the Team for assignments of shorter or longer term. Specific duties and responsibilities • Support international scientific publications and their promotion.
• Support the implementation of IUCN projects through specific and dedicated tasks.
• Assist with programmatic activities that support the implementation of the Ocean team strategy.
• Support team leads in delivering on IUCN internal procedures associated with project implementation.
• Support the collation of a case studies and capturing best practices.
• Contribute to publications’ development.
• Support and lead on tasks related to website design, content management and maintenance, projects and initiatives specific websites.
• Help deliver Ocean Team events (including virtual events: meetings and webinars).
• Support the delivery of the Ocean Team communications strategy, in close collaboration with the Ocean communications focal-point and other communicators across IUCN. Motivation letter We want to hear your interests and career aspirations in relation to the work the Ocean Team implements. Make sure you include these considerations in your cover letter. The above job description contains the main duties and responsibilities for this position. However, in a small 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 a staff member’s responsibilities, the job description will be changed in consultation with the manager, the staff member and the Human Resources Management Group. Anyone of the three may initiate the consultation. REQUIREMENTS • Young professional with minimum 2 years’ experience in nature conservation or related field.
• Bachelor degree or equivalent in, or a very good understanding of, natural resources management, sustainable development, and/or communications. A Masters level qualification is preferred.
• Willingness to learn and to bring their skills to a multicultural and high-achieving team.
• Some working/volunteering experience in a relevant field, preferably on conservation, environment protection, natural resource management or communications.
• Excellent level in spoken and written English. Knowledge of another language, especially French and/or Spanish, is desirable.
• Proven ability to interact with individuals of diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, and sensitivity to gender and cultural diversity.
• Excellent planning and organising skills, with good attention to detail.
• Availability to address requests effectively and in a timely manner.
• Adheres to IUCN’s core values of transparency, inclusiveness, professionalism and accountability.
• Ability in writing of technical and formal documentation, including knowledge and communication products.
• Computer literate in standard software applications; proficient in the use of Office applications and web-based management systems. SALARY The gross annual salary for this position is CHF 60'000, subject to deductions for social security contributions and second-pillar pension, and before tax. While this is an indicative amount effective as of the current date, changes may occur as per IUCN's compensation practices without prior notice. The same applies to other organisations hosted by IUCN.
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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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.