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Head, IUCN Global Ocean Team

Vacancy #:
7167
Unit:
Ocean
Organisation:
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Location:
Headquarters, Gland, Switzerland
or one of IUCN regional offices (Washington DC, Bonn, Cambridge, Brussels).
Local salary scales apply.
Reporting to:

Director, IUCN Centre for Conservation Action

Work percentage:
100%
Grade:
M1
Expected start date:
01 June 2025
Type of contract:
Max-term (24 months with possibility of renewal)
Closing date:
30 April 2025
BACKGROUND
The work of the IUCN Global Ocean Team focuses on ensuring effective conservation of the ocean, including through effective area-based conservation measures to conserve all ocean areas of particular importance for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services. It focusses on addressing the threats to conservation and societal well-being in the ocean and polar realms, including climate change, marine plastic pollution, extractive industries, and ocean acidification, developing and promoting feasible solutions, supported by scientific knowledge. The Ocean Team brings together an expanding portfolio of projects and initiatives to address the main objectives of IUCN's Nature 2030 Programme, and in the medium-term IUCN's Programme 2026-2029 to achieve policy, public funding and implementation of the global agenda to conserve the world's ocean.
JOB DESCRIPTION

The Head of the IUCN Global Ocean Team is responsible for developing and implementing the Ocean Team’s overall Strategy and Business Plan through effective programme management and coordination, in collaboration with Centres and Teams as well as ocean focal points in regional offices and IUCN Commissions. The Head is part of the IUCN Ocean senior coordination group involving Director Centre for Conservation Action, Director Centre for Policy and Law, and Director, Global Ocean Policy. The differentiated management and operational role allows for the Head IUCN Global Ocean Team to focus on Ocean Team strategy, management and project portfolio priorities, while the Director, Global Ocean Policy focuses on ocean policy, external partnerships without direct management or operational responsibilities.

The Head is responsible for developing IUCN’s overall ocean conservation strategy in conjunction with the other programme Centres, and the Regions. The Head is principally responsible for building and maintaining a financial and technically sustainable project portfolio that secures the resources to maintain and develop the Ocean Team’s capacity. The Head undertakes the efficient and effective management of projects and partnerships led by the Team in accordance with the relevant contracts and agreements, including technical and financial reporting.
The Head is fully responsible for the recruitment, organization, direct and indirect management and supervision of all staff in the Ocean Team to carry out their assigned duties, and to develop the team and the individual staff to reach their potential through mentorship and support, in accordance with IUCN’s conditions of service and all human resources policies and procedures.
The Head is accountable for adherence to project design, preparation and approval procedures and for updating and maintaining the project portal including indicators and results required for monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
The Head is also responsible for applying all of IUCN’s policies and guidelines on planning, budgeting and financial management that achieve full cost recovery, and generates surplus revenues that supports the overall management of the Team and Centre, and allows for innovative investment in portfolio growth and income.
SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS AND DELIVERABLES

The duties and responsibilities of the Head Global Ocean Team include the following areas of accountability:

• Consulting periodically and deploying the advice of the Director, Global Ocean Policy and Director Centre for Conservation Action on global ocean policy, strategy and directions to grow and sustain the activities of the Ocean Team for maximum leverage and impact on ocean conservation goals and priorities.
• Coordinating portfolio development and resource mobilisation to support the Ocean Team and managing the Ocean Team project portfolio to ensure a balanced and sustainable programme of work.
• Taking full responsibility for the recruitment, supervision and development of all Ocean Team staff, all of whom report through their line managers to the Head Global Ocean Team.
• Ensuring the effective organisation and deployment of staff across project teams to deliver the Ocean Team programme of work across the project portfolio.
• Undertaking effective planning, budgeting and financial management for the Global Ocean Team in accordance with all relevant policies and procedures.
• Represent IUCN where required, including taking responsibility for the coordination of IUCN delegations in international meetings, where assigned by the Director Centre for Policy and Law.

• With the regular (bimonthly) advice and support of the Centre Director, develop and maintain a high-quality, programmatically aligned portfolio of projects and income streams that is sufficient to deliver IUCN’s programme of work on Ocean conservation.
• With regular (monthly) advice and support of the Director, Global Ocean Policy, ensure that IUCN’s Global Ocean Team is aligned with and responsive to global ocean trends, and that projects include policy components to support the work of the Director, Global Ocean Policy.
• Contribute towards fundraising, including through coordinating the preparation of project proposals and through assignment and management of project preparation teams.
• Maintain high quality relationships with project donors ensuring that donor expectations and requirements, including all aspects of reporting and communications, are fully met.
• Ensure the application of IUCN Project Guidelines and Standards (PGS) and Project Appraisal and Approval (PAAS) procedures.
• Establish a sound monitoring and evaluation framework for ocean conservation impact in IUCN, in line with IUCN M&E corporate requirements.
• In the implementation of the project portfolio, promote collaboration with other IUCN Centres and Regions, and with IUCN Commissions to source expert advice and technical expertise.

• Directly manage the Ocean Team on a daily basis, recruiting, directing and deploying staff and consultants, and mobilization and allocation of financial resources to support staff.
• Build, manage and motivate the team’s staff, working to ensure a cohesive and collegial approach both in relation to the ocean conservation action work and in relation to the CCA as a whole.
• Ensure that all Ocean Team staff members have a clear understanding of the vision and values, as well as the operational plans, their own role in delivering these plans, how these relate to the role of other colleagues and the necessary accountability and risk management procedures.
• Identify, encourage and nurture talent while at the same time proactively addressing any behaviours that diminish the effectiveness and well-being of the Ocean Team.

• Oversee the management of the finances (including budgeting, TMS allocation, etc) of the Ocean Team in association with the Global Programme Operations Unit (GPOU).
• Prepare annual work plans and budgets.
• Undertake procurement in accordance with IUCN Delegation of Authority.
• Ensure that all contracted projects are delivered according to established procedures and protocols and following IUCN guidelines (legal, procurement, financial etc).
• Proactively contribute to and participate in the Centre for Conservation Action with particular emphasis on contributing to and reinforcing an institution-wide commitment to transparent and accountable management, innovative cooperation and team-based delivery.

The above job description contains the main duties and responsibilities for this position. However, 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

• At least 10 years of experience of designing, leading and managing initiatives, large international events, programmes and projects aimed at conserving biodiversity, in particular in ocean conservation.
• At least 10 years of experience of proven capacity and skills in leading and managing diverse, multi-stakeholder partnerships and networks involving government agencies, NGOs, international organizations, development agencies, and scientific and technical bodies.
• A strong technical knowledge on ocean conservation issues worldwide and the main international policies affecting ocean conservation.
• A track record in successfully fundraising from a variety of donors.
• Demonstrated capacity to successfully design projects according to the latest project appraisal standards. Previous working experience of the GEF, the European Commission or other multilateral funding mechanism would be an additional asset.
• Experience in grant-making and in contracting third parties to deliver on activities.
• A strong network with, and recognized standing among, an ocean conservation community of practice, preferably with a focus on action in the field.
• Experience in working across a range of geographic and cultural settings.
• Experience and a demonstrable track record in staff management and development.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, including ability to communicate complex issues to a wide range of audiences. A second language (French, Spanish) is highly desirable.
• Ability to travel frequently.

COMPETENCIES

• A commitment to nature conservation and sustainable use.
• Ability to provide inspiration and strategic direction.

• High level of integrity as evidenced by behaviour, communication style and way of handling ambiguous or difficult situations.
• Extensive and diverse professional networks.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and lead the work of the Secretariat with diverse skills, personalities, and backgrounds.
• Proven ability to effectively delegate, empower and motivate staff and others.
• Experience developing teams and individuals and effectively leading improvement and change.
• Clear commitment to fostering a culture of high performance and accountability, demonstrated in the ability to manage by results, differentiate performance and assertively give feedback and take decisive action when necessary.
• Demonstrated ability to both plan and act, keeping the staff focused on priorities.
• Demonstrated experience in the selection, coaching and appraisal of staff.
• Demonstrated experience building teams diverse in gender, nationality and background to achieve business results.

• A well-developed sense of managerial self-awareness with an ability to proactively manage individual strengths and weaknesses (including one’s own) and understand how these influence the team’s performance.
• Demonstrated experience and achievements in organizational, financial and personnel management, and in decision-making.
• A commitment to embrace and co-own institutional change processes.
• Proven experience in maintaining and nurturing expert networks with demonstrated ability to handle politically and culturally sensitive issues.
• Maintain a positive work environment that facilitates collaboration and information sharing and is conducive to attracting, retaining, and motivating diverse talent.

• Expertise and an advanced degree in one or more areas of focus for the Ocean Team to ensure good technical guidance and direction-setting for both the Ocean Team and IUCN.
• Good understanding of world affairs and experience with the workings of Multilateral Environmental Agreements and governmental and non-governmental institutions.
• Excellent networking and representation skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills in all settings, both public and internally including with interpersonal communications among staff.
• Ability and commitment to act in accordance with the core values of integrity, respect for diversity and professionalism as spelled out in IUCN’s Code of Conduct and Professional Ethics.

• Ability to anticipate, assess and manage risk.
• Experience in identifying key issues in a complex situation, and consulting, gathering, and analyzing relevant information before proposing and implementing decisive actions or recommendations.
• Well-organized and logical in thought and action.

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:
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.
www.iucn.org