Programme Officer

Location: Headquarters, Gland, Switzerland Reporting to: Director - Global Marine and Polar Programme Work percentage: 100% Function group: P2 Expected start date: 01 February 2012 Type of contract: Max-term (until 31 January 2017) Closing date: 10 November 2011 BACKGROUND Business has joined forces with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to better understand the conservation needs of western Pacific gray whales. The purpose of this broad engagement is to help ensure the survival and recovery of this critically endangered population. The total population is estimated at about 130 individuals, with only 25-35 reproductive females. Little is yet known about its breeding grounds or migration routes but it has been established that the main feeding grounds lie off north-eastern Sakhalin Island, in the Russian Far East. Particular concerns have been raised about the potential impacts of offshore oil and gas exploration and production on the Sakhalin Shelf. Therefore, since 2004, IUCN has worked with Sakhalin Energy Investment Company (Sakhalin Energy) in order to provide advice and recommendations on how that company can minimize risks and mitigate impacts associated with its Sakhalin II operations on the whales and their habitat. An important element of this broad initiative is the Western Gray Whale Advisory Panel (WGWAP), a long-term independent scientific advisory panel convened by IUCN in October 2006. This Panel has helped Sakhalin Energy establish the acoustic monitoring and mitigation programme for western gray whales during the 4-D Seismic Survey and demonstrated the value of this kind of interactive relationship with the oil and gas industry as a way of delivering better conservation outcomes. In part because of the WGWAP process, a better understanding of the biology and status of western gray whales is helping to shape industrial development on and near Sakhalin and a constructive dialogue with the many stakeholders has been established. Sakhalin Energy is a consortium of companies including the following shareholders: Gazprom 50%, Shell Sakhalin Holdings B.V. (Shell) 27.5%, Mitsui Sakhalin Holdings B.V. (Mitsui) 12.5% and Diamond Gas Sakhalin, (Mitsubishi) 10%. The WGWAP is an independent advisory body of scientists, with an overall goal of providing objective, independent, scientific advice on the conservation and recovery of the western gray whale population. Its main roles and responsibilities are to: - Advise on whether the Contracting Companies’ studies, assessments and proposed mitigation plans (i) take account of the best available scientific knowledge, (ii) identify information gaps, and (iii) interpret both existing knowledge and information gaps in a manner that reflects precaution; - Provide objective scientific, technical and operational recommendations it believes are necessary or useful for conserving the WGW population; - Review all relevant information on the WGW population; - Seek any additional information that it may require for making effective recommendations; - Assess whether the studies, assessments and proposed mitigation plans are adequate to ensure that proposed activities will not have significant impacts on the WGW population; - Review (i) the effectiveness of existing mitigation measures as determined from associated monitoring programme results, and (ii) the likely effectiveness of proposed mitigation measures; provide recommendations regarding modifications, alternatives or the development of new measures; - Review existing and proposed research and monitoring programmes or propose separate research that it considers important and relevant, and provide recommendations and advice as necessary or useful. IUCN is now seeking to appoint a new Programme Officer to coordinate the work of the WGWAP as the dialogue continues with extended commitments from Sakhalin Energy. The Programme Officer will perform a vital function with respect to the WGWAP and the numerous stakeholders involved, including private sector companies, governments, lending institutions, and civil society. The Programme Officer will need to communicate in a professional manner with these stakeholders and ensure that all relevant activities are consistent with contractual agreements and IUCN policies. This is a high-profile IUCN initiative and the Programme Officer will need the integrity, professionalism and skills to perform at this level. The Programme Officer will primarily perform three interlinked functions: i) manage project activities, finances and deliverables under relevant contracts; ii) provide secretariat support to the WGWAP; and iii) contribute to overall Global Marine and Polar Programme planning and reporting activities. SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Project Management a) Manage the IUCN interaction with Sakhalin Energy and others on all matters relating to contractual obligations; b) Serve as the focal point for all IUCN component programmes, regional and country offices, and Commissions involved in the WGWAP process; c) Develop and supervise implementation of annual work plans; d) Manage the technical and scientific expertise required; e) In consultation with the panel chair, manage the rotation and replacement of panel members; f) Develop annual budgets and track financial resources; g) Supervise contracts for consultants, panel members and others; h) Co-ordinate, review, contribute to and publish project reports; i) Monitor WGWAP performance and effectiveness and manage WGWAP evaluations; j) Monitor compliance of WGWAP activities with the WGWAP TOR; and k) Supervise the implementation of the Communications Strategy, in collaboration with the Logistics and Communications Officer. Secretariat to WGWAP a) Coordinate interactions of WGWAP with IUCN, Sakhalin Energy and other stakeholders (NGOs, governments, development banks, other companies etc.), preserving the independence of WGWAP; b) Organize and attend WGWAP meetings and other events related to the WGWAP activities; c) Support WGWAP relationship with key stakeholders in accordance with WGWAP TOR; d) Manage, in consultation with the panel chair and the company, conflict of interest issues related to panel members; e) Manage information flow between WGWAP, Sakhalin Energy and other key stakeholders; f) Dispatch the agenda and background documents of upcoming meetings in a timely manner; g) Keep track of all relevant correspondence, recommendations and other meetings (e.g. IWG/MNR, IWC etc.); h) Manage the observers’ participation and involvement in the WGWAP process. Contribute to Global Marine and Polar Programme activities a) Prepare and submit regular WGWAP progress reports, and contribute to the periodic and annual reports of the overall Global Marine and Polar Programme, other Programmes and the Commissions; b) Contribute WGWAP-related aspects to the development of the Global Marine and Polar Programme’s annual work plans, and annual budget preparation and review REQUIREMENTS Required Skills • MBA or Master’s degree in international studies, natural sciences or the environmental field. • A strong understanding and background in nature conservation issues as related to the private sector. • A minimum of 10 years' work experience, preferably with at least two years in the private sector. • Demonstrated project management experience (develop and implement work plans, prepare and supervise budgets, supervise consultants, periodic reporting, liaise with relevant stakeholders, etc.). • Written and spoken fluency in English. • A strong aptitude and ability to communicate both informally (interpersonal skills) and formally (presentations). • Experience working internationally or in a cross-cultural environment. • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. • Willingness to travel and occasionally work non-traditional hours (e.g. for international conference calls, weekend meetings). Additional Skills In addition to the requirements above, the following skills and attributes would be highly advantageous: • Language ability – especially French or Russian. • Working knowledge of Arctic and boreal marine ecosystems and the threats posed to them by human activities (e.g. oil and gas exploration and production, fishing, shipping, port infrastructure, industrial, agricultural and municipal discharges). • Familiarity with activities of PAME and CAFF Working Groups of Arctic Council. • Knowledge and experience of fishery by-catch issues, especially with regard to marine mammals. • Working knowledge of marine biology and conservation. SALARY The gross annual salary for this position is in the range from CHF 96'160 to CHF 120'200, subject to deductions for social security contributions and second-pillar pension, and before tax. 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). Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: http://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/ IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, was founded in 1948 and brings together over 1,100 members (States, government agencies, NGOs and affiliates) and some 11,000 scientists and experts from 181 countries in a unique worldwide partnership. Its mission is to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable. Within the framework of global conventions IUCN has helped over 75 countries to prepare and implement national conservation and biodiversity strategies. IUCN has approximately 1,100 staff, most of whom are located in its regional and country offices while some 150 work at its Headquarters in Gland, Switzerland. IUCN is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from qualified women and men.