Programme Officer, Species Conservation Action

The International Union for Conservation of Nature is seeking a Programme Officer to manage the Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme (ITHCP) in Gland, Switzerland. This senior, full-time role focuses on grant administration, project coordination, and strategic partnerships.

The role exists to drive the successful execution of the Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme (ITHCP) while supporting broader species conservation efforts. The incumbent will coordinate with internal IUCN units, external partners, and members to ensure project goals are met and to develop new collaborative opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily administrative tasks for ITHCP grants, aligning with IUCN and donor protocols alongside the Senior Programme Officer.
• Develop operational guidelines, templates, and project management tools to enhance project workflows.
• Provide guidance and support to grantees throughout the entire project lifecycle.
• Track grant progress by reviewing reports, conducting field missions, and drafting mission summaries in coordination with leadership.
• Collect data on grant impact to inform the ITHCP monitoring framework and other tracking systems.
• Assist in organizing capacity-building activities, such as trainings, workshops, webinars, and knowledge-sharing sessions.
• Create communication materials that highlight ITHCP achievements and lessons learned.
• Handle administrative duties including contract preparation, amendments, internal agreements, expense claims, and payment processing.
• Manage procurement activities, ensuring policy compliance and preparing requests for proposals, evaluation reports, and related documentation.
• Coordinate with the Global Programme Operations Unit regarding ITHCP finances and audits.
• Maintain current data in project portals and ensure proper filing of all documentation in designated databases.
• Prepare semi-annual technical and financial reports for donors.
• Identify partnership opportunities and support fundraising initiatives for IUCN Species Conservation Action.
• Represent IUCN at relevant international events.
• Collaborate with teams across the Centre for Conservation Action, other IUCN Centres, and regional/country offices.

Requirements

• Master's degree in biodiversity conservation, wildlife biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or a related discipline.
• At least five years of professional experience in biodiversity conservation, particularly involving on-the-ground activities.
• International professional experience, preferably with direct involvement in conservation projects or fieldwork in Asia.
• Understanding of key species conservation policies and associated challenges.
• Proven experience in grant-making or project management, including planning, implementation, reporting, and monitoring.
• Experience designing and implementing activities to build the capacity of civil society organizations.
• Background in supporting administrative, contracting, and procurement processes.
• Excellent spoken and written English proficiency.
• Computer literacy with MS Office packages.
• Strong organizational and networking skills.
• Solution-oriented mindset with a creative approach to problem-solving.
• Demonstrated critical thinking, analysis, and strategic planning abilities.
• Ability to translate ideas from concept to implementation.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills with strong attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and presentation capabilities.
• Ability to manage varied workloads and flexible hours.
• Capacity to work effectively under time pressure and extended hours.
• Willingness to travel internationally as needed, sometimes at short notice.
• Team-oriented attitude with the ability to work independently.
• Proven ability to collaborate with multi-disciplinary groups, including governments, experts, civil society, and local communities.
• High-level ability to work in a multi-cultural, international organization, applying standards of respect, tolerance, and support.

Nice to have

• Proficiency in spatial mapping tools and data management software.
• Fundraising experience.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation.
• Good knowledge of IUCN standards and knowledge tools for species conservation.
• Knowledge of other languages.

About the company

The International Union for Conservation of Nature operates as a multi-cultural, international organization. The role requires a demonstrated high-level ability to work in such an environment, applying high standards of respect, tolerance, and support required.

• Emphasis on working in a multi-cultural, international organization.
• Application of high standards of respect, tolerance, and support.