Programme Officer

Vacancy #:
- 7293- Unit:
- Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation- Organisation:
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)- Location:
- Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation, Malaga, Spain- Reporting to:
- Programme Manager - Ecosystem Resilience and Spatial Planning- Work percentage:
- 100%- Grade:
- P1- Expected start date:
- 09 June 2025- Type of contract:
- Indefinite- Closing date:
- 21 June 2025 BACKGROUND

Are you passionate about ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, and sustainable landscapes? Would you like to work with diverse Mediterranean ecosystems and contribute to nature-based solutions for climate adaptation?

The IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation (IUCN Med) was established in 2001 in Málaga, Spain, to bridge gaps between science, policy, management, and action in order to conserve nature and accelerate the transition towards sustainable development in the Mediterranean. IUCN Med is responsible for implementing the North Africa and Mediterranean Programmes of IUCN, which aim to address biodiversity loss and climate change impacts. It is structured around six strategic lines, including the Ecosystem Resilience and Spatial Planning (ER&SP) strategic line. IUCN Med operates under a matrix structure, promoting interaction between teams within IUCN Med, across IUCN Headquarters, and within the EUCANA Hub (Europe, Central Asia, and North Africa).

The ER&SP strategic line aims to safeguard and enhance ecosystem multifunctionality and integrity by promoting biodiversity conservation, integrating nature-based solutions (NbS) into spatial planning, encouraging changes in practices, and influencing decision-making. It primarily covers terrestrial and coastal ecosystems, with special focus areas including protected areas, forests, and urban landscapes. It is responsible for:
Area-based conservation, including governance, planning, and management of Protected and Conserved Areas, and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs);
Mainstreaming Nature-based Solutions, particularly ecosystem restoration approaches, in terrestrial and coastal ecosystems, with a strong emphasis on forests;
Informing sectoral policies and practices, especially in urban planning, tourism, climate and forestry sectors.

As part of its growing portfolio, IUCN Med is expanding its focus on NbS and ecosystem restoration, with a particular emphasis on forests, drylands, and coastal areas, to support climate adaptation goals aligned with regional and global frameworks. The post offers opportunities for professional growth and increasing responsibility within the organization, particularly in leading the development of emerging NbS and restoration-focused initiatives.

**Job Description**:
Under the supervision of the Ecosystem Resilience and Spatial Planning Programme Manager, the Programme Officer - Ecosystem Resilience and Nature-based Solutions will support the effective implementation, coordination, and strategic development of IUCN Med’s growing portfolio in ecosystem management, restoration and nature-based solutions (NbS), with a strong emphasis on climate adaptation and resilience.

This role involves managing and supporting projects and initiatives across terrestrial ecosystems (particularly forests) and coastal areas, fostering regional partnerships, and contributing to both regional and global biodiversity and climate agendas. The Programme Officer is expected to bring strong technical expertise, project management capabilities, and excellent stakeholder engagement skills.

Main Responsibilities

1. Project and Technical Coordination

Lead and coordinate the technical implementation of ecosystem management, restoration and NbS projects, with a focus on Mediterranean forests and coastal ecosystems.

Oversee assigned projects, including the development of work plans, budgets, procurement processes, contracting, and technical reporting.

Provide technical support for restoration planning, ecosystem-based adaptation, and nature-based solutions, ensuring alignment with IUCN’s tools and standards.

Ensure timely, high-quality delivery of project outputs and full compliance with donor requirements and IUCN’s internal procedures.

2. Programme Development and Resource Mobilization

Support the strategic development of IUCN Med’s work on NbS, ecosystem management and restoration by identifying regional priorities, emerging opportunities, and relevant policy windows.

Assist in identifying funding opportunities and in the preparation of concept notes, project proposals, and partnership agreements to expand the restoration and NbS portfolio.

Engage with donors and international partners to develop collaborative projects across the Mediterranean region.

3. Communications and Policy

Identify and promote opportunities to mainstream biodiversity, NbS, and IUCN knowledge products into national and regional policy frameworks.

Support the preparation and dissemination of technical reports, case stud