Monitoring Officer, World Heritage Programme

Vacancy #:	306
Unit:	World Heritage Programme
Location:	Headquarters, Gland, Switzerland
Reporting to:	World Heritage Conservation Officer
Work percentage:	100%
Function group:	P1
Expected start date:	01 February 2012
Type of contract:	Max-term (until 31 December 2013)
Closing date:	30 December 2011

BACKGROUND

IUCN is the Advisory Body for Natural and Mixed World Heritage properties under the World Heritage Convention. This role mainly involves four functions: (1) evaluating new natural and mixed properties which are proposed for inscription on the World Heritage List; (2) monitoring the state of conservation of existing natural and mixed World Heritage properties; (3) promoting a range of training and capacity building initiatives; and (4) providing guidance on the strategic implementation of the Convention. These activities are implemented in close coordination with UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre and financially supported by a contract with UNESCO, the implementation of which needs to be monitored and reported on.

The Monitoring Officer will be responsible for coordinating IUCN’s role under the World Heritage Convention of monitoring the state of conservation of natural and mixed World Heritage sites, and certain cultural landscapes as well as contribute to the World Heritage evaluation process and communication activities. Specifically he/she will be responsible for the following tasks, as part of the work of the World Heritage Programme (WHP).

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. World Heritage Monitoring and State of Conservation Reporting

1.1 Ensure the timely and high-quality production of IUCN State of Conservation Reports for the World Heritage Committee on natural and mixed World Heritage sites and selected cultural landscapes;
1.2 Organize all relevant logistical and administrative aspects of IUCN monitoring missions, including the review and finalization of mission reports, in close cooperation with the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) and other consultants, UNESCO World Heritage Centre, States Parties’ focal points and provide technical support and advice to the experts undertaking these missions;
1.3 Carry out ongoing research on the state of conservation of natural and mixed World Heritage properties, making early and regular contact with relevant experts to request information on the state of conservation of World Heritage sites, and then verifying this information through IUCN networks including WCPA, other Commissions and IUCN Global and Regional Programmes as appropriate;
1.4 On the basis of the above contribute to IUCN’s monitoring information systems, and outputs from them via web and publications;
1.5 Ensure the effective two-way flow of information on the state of conservation of World Heritage properties, including between IUCN Regional and Country Offices,W CPA, the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, IUCN members and other relevant parties;
1.6 Assist the World Heritage Programme, and IUCN Finance as required, in the production of technical and financial reports on UNESCO contracts;
1.7 Maintain and implement continual improvements to the filing and archiving systems on World Heritage properties;
1.8 Maintain and implement continual improvements to the database of key contacts for World Heritage properties and issues.

2. Communications and Networking

2.1 Contribute to content for communications materials (e.g. web stories, press releases, articles etc.) on World Heritage, writing newsletters and updating the WHP web pages and other relevant IUCN communications activities.


3. World Heritage Evaluation Process

3.1 Provide support in the World Heritage evaluation process, subject to achievement of the above priorities;
3.2 Assist the IUCN World Heritage Panel to review previous World Heritage Committee decisions and IUCN State of Conservation reports in order to prioritise activities and reporting requirements and to brief the IUCN World Heritage Panel on State of Conservation issues including technical and policy issues.

4. Other

4.1 Assist in the preparation of fundraising proposals to reinforce IUCN’s work on World Heritage;
4.2 Promote the work of the World Heritage Programme within the IUCN programme;
4.3 Other duties, related to the implementation of the annual World Heritage contracts and overall work of the World Heritage Programme, as discussed and agreed with the line manager.

REQUIREMENTS

• Required
- A degree in environmental management and/or natural resources conservation and management, and ideally a masters level qualification in a subject relevant to the position;
- At least 2 years’ relevant work experience, and ideally a longer period in a relevant field. In particular, field experience in protected areas conservation and management;
- Experience in international conservation policy and conflict resolution will be important for this position. An understanding of the World Heritage Convention would be highly beneficial;
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail;
- Ability to work independently and deliver quality products within agreed tight deadlines;
- Excellent written and spoken English and a high standard of written and spoken French essential; skills in Spanish will be highly desirable;
- A strong aptitude and ability to communicate both informally (interpersonal skills and networking) and formally (presentations),
- Ability to prepare written communications (press releases, newsletters); skills in web-based communication will be a value added to this position;
- Willingness to travel and work non-traditional hours as required;

• Desired
- Project management experience (development and implementation of work plans, financial and technical management of contracts, supervision of consultants, liaison with relevant stakeholders, etc.);
- Proven ability to work with Geographical Information Systems, spreadsheets and databases;
- Specialist experience in one or more fields of conservation relevant to the World Heritage Convention would be an advantage (e.g. Marine, Forests, Wetlands, Mountains, Climate Change);
- Experience working in a cross-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment;

SALARY

The gross annual salary for this position is in the range from CHF 80'640 to CHF 100'800, 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/