Programme Coordinator – Central Asia

The International Union for Conservation of Nature seeks a Senior Programme Coordinator for Central Asia to oversee regional wildlife trade projects and drive strategic partnerships.

This position is designed to manage and expand TRAFFIC’s work on wildlife trade across Central Asia. The role ensures that regional projects are implemented with high quality and align with the global strategy, while also securing new funding and building strategic partnerships to position the organization as a key actor in the field.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the strategic direction and daily coordination of the Central Asia project portfolio, ensuring all activities meet quality standards and delivery goals.
• Manage project execution across multiple Central Asian nations, handling planning, risk mitigation, and adaptive implementation.
• Provide line management support to the Programme Manager for Central Asia, assisting with operational challenges and ensuring donor compliance.
• Integrate cross-cutting themes such as livelihoods, demand reduction, and enforcement capacity into all project designs.
• Lead or participate in programme-level planning, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting cycles.
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities that align with TRAFFIC’s strategic priorities in the region.
• Develop high-quality concept notes and proposals for major donors, including the EU, GEF, and bilateral agencies.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with donors, development finance institutions, and strategic partners.
• Monitor emerging policy, funding, and partnership trends in the region to adapt TRAFFIC’s approach accordingly.
• Coordinate internally to mobilize expert resources and prepare competitive funding bids.
• Contribute to the development and execution of regional advocacy strategies regarding wildlife trade.
• Engage with government bodies, regional organizations, and international frameworks such as CITES, CBD, and CMS.

Requirements

• Demonstrated expertise in resource mobilisation and securing funding for conservation projects.
• Strong background in strategic advocacy and influencing policy outcomes.
• Proven experience in high-level policy engagement with governments and international bodies.

About the company

TRAFFIC is a leading non-governmental organization dedicated to ensuring that trade in wild animals and plants is legal, sustainable, and does not threaten biodiversity or livelihoods. Its programme offices operate in priority regions to deliver targeted interventions that support both conservation goals and sustainable development.

• Focuses on global conservation efforts within the context of sustainable development.
• Operates across key regions to ensure wildlife trade contributes positively to biodiversity and local livelihoods.
• Dedicated to making trade in wild species legal and sustainable through targeted interventions.