Water Management and Governance officer

Vacancy #:
7011


Unit:
Nature Conservation and Food System


Organisation:
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)


Location:
Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation, Malaga, Spain


Reporting to:
Nature Conservation and Food System Programme Manager


Work percentage:
100%


Grade:
P1


Expected start date:
01 November 2024


Type of contract:
Indefinite


Closing date:
27 November 2024 (extended)


BACKGROUND
Are You Passionate About Water and Conservation? Ready to Make a Difference in the Mediterranean? The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) was founded in 1948 and brings together over 1,400 members (States, government agencies, NGOs and affiliates) and some 16,000 scientists and experts from over 160 countries in a unique worldwide partnership. Its mission is to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable. IUCN has approximately 1,000 staff, most of whom are in its regional and country offices, and at its Headquarters in Gland, Switzerland. IUCN is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from qualified women and men. The IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation is dedicated to promoting the sustainable management and conservation of water resources and associated ecosystems in the Mediterranean region. With the overarching goal of ensuring that freshwater systems support biodiversity and human needs by 2030, IUCN focuses on promoting good water governance, implementing Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to climate change, monitoring and protecting freshwater biodiversity, and increasing investment in ecosystems.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The successful applicant will be involved in developing the water project portfolio at IUCN MED and in implementing water governance and water management projects in alignment with the organization's goals and objectives. The water officer will contribute to promoting good water governance, advancing Nature-based Solutions, monitoring and protecting freshwater biodiversity, and advocating for increased investment in freshwater ecosystems in different key sectors such as agriculture, tourism and energy.
Under the direct supervision of the Nature Conservation and Food System manager, the Project officer will support IUCN’s work in the Mediterranean, with a specific focus on:

Develop and implement the water related portfolio in the Mediterranean in collaboration with the thematic lines managers at IUCN Med and the main members and stakeholders in the region.
Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to promote good water governance practices and advocate for sustainable water management policies. Link to different economic sectors with an especial focus on agriculture.
Facilitate the uptake and implementation of IUCN knowledge products and Standards into water projects and ecosystems.
Oversee and strategically guide monitoring and assessment activities on freshwater biodiversity.
Contribute to the development and implementation of projects related to sustainable agriculture practices, promoting integrated approaches to land and water management, and fostering synergies between water conservation and agricultural sustainability initiatives.
Develop and maintain partnerships with relevant organizations, government agencies, and local communities to enhance water conservation efforts.
Participate in fundraising efforts and identify opportunities with regional and international donors and organisations to increase investment in freshwater ecosystem conservation projects in the Mediterranean.
Organize capacity building activities for IUCN members and partners from administration and civil society organisations working on freshwater ecosystems conservation projects.
Other Support to the implementation of the Mediterranean Programme (estimated dedication 10-20%).

Other Tasks

Support other departments of the Centre in addressing emerging issues, including event organisation, preparation of contracts and relations with members and partners.
Undertake any other task/emerging issues at the request of the line manager.

Benefits

Comprehensive health insurance covering employee, spouse and children.
Flexible working hours: 39 hours per week (35 hours during July and August) there is flexibility on check-in and check-out as long as the core central hours from 09:30 to 16:00 are respected.
Opportunities for international travel expanding your global experience.
Teleworking Policy: Regular remote work is permitted for up to 50% of contractual hours with the requirement of working in the office for at least two days within that timeframe.

REQUIREMENTS

A degree (MSc) in environmental science, water resources management, ecology, or related field.
A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in project management, in the field of water management and conservation.
Strong understanding of water governance principles, and freshwater biodiversity conservation.
Proven track record in fundraising and proposal development for water-related conservation projects.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders effectively.
Fluency in written and spoken English and French. Knowledge of other Mediterranean Languages such as Arabic and Spanish are very desirable.
Good knowledge of water challenges in the Mediterranean and the main donors and stakeholders in the region.
Proven ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
Availability to travel frequently.

SALARY
The minimum gross annual salary for this position is EUR 40'480. 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. 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: IUCN Job Opportunities
About IUCNIUCN 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
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