Vacancy #: 7249 Unit: Nature-based Solutions (NbS) Organisation: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Location: Headquarters, Gland, Switzerland Reporting to: Head, Nature-Based Solutions Work percentage: 100% Grade: P2 Expected start date: 01 August 2025 Type of contract: Fixed-term (24 months with possibility of renewal) Closing date: 27 June 2025 BACKGROUND The Senior Programme Officer โNature based Solution will play a critical role in advancing the mission of the Nature-based Solutions (NbS) Centre at IUCN. This position will focus on developing and implementing nature based solution projects, support policy and economic analyses, and engaging with private sector and financial institutions to scale up investment in NbS. The role is pivotal in integrating NbS into global and regional development contexts to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and socio-economic challenges. JOB DESCRIPTION 1. Policy Analytics and Development
โข Lead the development and dissemination of policy analysis related to NbS, ensuring alignment with international frameworks such as the Rio Conventions (UNFCCC, CBD, UNCCD).
โข Develop evidence-based policy briefs, white papers, and strategic recommendations to influence policymakers at national, regional, and global levels.
โข Monitor and assess emerging policy trends and regulatory frameworks relevant to NbS and provide strategic guidance to the NbS Centre and partners.
โข Support comprehensive economic analyses to quantify the socio-economic and environmental benefits of NbS in diverse development contexts.
โข Lead the development of tools and methodologies to assess the cost-effectiveness and return on investment of NbS interventions.
โข Engage with research institutions and academic partners to generate robust data and case studies showcasing the economic value of NbS.
2. Private Sector and Financial Engagement
โข Build and nurture strategic partnerships with private sector stakeholders, financial institutions, and investors to mobilize resources for NbS.
โข Design innovative financing mechanisms and investment models to increase private sector involvement in NbS.
โข Facilitate dialogues, workshops, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance understanding and commitment to NbS within the finance and private sectors.
3. Programme Management and Collaboration
โข Under the leadership of Head of NbS Team, lead portfolio coordination and management
โข Lead the development and implementation of NbS-related projects, ensuring timely delivery of outputs and outcomes.
โข Coordinate with IUCN regional and global teams to ensure synergies and integration of policy and economic workstreams.
โข Represent IUCN at high-level events, conferences, and forums to advocate for NbS.
4. Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing
โข Develop training materials and deliver capacity-building workshops for stakeholders on policy and economic aspects of NbS.
โข Promote knowledge sharing and learning by contributing to the development of knowledge products, tools, and online platforms.
Key Relationships
โข Internal: Collaborate closely with the Director of the NbS Centre, regional offices, and thematic programme teams.
โข External: Engage with policymakers, private sector representatives, financial institutions, research organizations, and other stakeholders. REQUIREMENTS โข Qualifications and Experience
โข Advanced degree in Environmental Economics, Business Administration (MBA), or a related field.
โข At least 7-10 years of professional experience in environmental economics, policy development, or working with the finance or private sector.
โข Proven expertise in developing and applying economic and financial analyses in the context of natural resources, climate change, or biodiversity.
โข Demonstrated experience engaging with private sector actors, financial institutions, and investors.
โข Experience working within international development organizations, NGOs, or multilateral institutions.
โข Familiarity with global environmental policies, frameworks, and conventions, particularly those relevant to NbS.
โข Knowledge of innovative financing mechanisms such as green bonds, blended finance, and carbon markets.
โข Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with proficiency in economic modeling and data analysis.
โข Excellent writing and communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality policy briefs and reports.
โข Proficiency in relevant software and tools for economic and financial analysis.
โข Strong leadership and teamwork abilities, with experience managing cross-functional teams.
โข Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills with a results-oriented approach. SALARY The gross annual salary for this position is between CHF 100'355 and CHF 125'444, 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.
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 worldโs 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 peopleโs well-being.
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