Manager, Polar Programme

Expected start date:	01 June 2012
Type of contract:	Max-term (until 31 May 2014)
Closing date:	07 April 2012

BACKGROUND

The IUCN Global Marine and Polar Programme (GMPP) is based at IUCN Headquarters in Gland, Switzerland and provides vital links for the Union and its members to all the IUCN activities that deal with marine and polar issues, including projects and initiatives of the Regional Offices and the six IUCN Commissions. Its co-ordination role is above and beyond the policy development and thematic guidance that it undertakes to provide to assist governments, communities and NGOs alike. The Programme’s goal is to conserve marine biodiversity by promoting, influencing and catalyzing sustainable uses and equitable sharing of resources while protecting marine ecosystems.

IUCN has long worked to protect and preserve the world’s Polar environment and is deeply concerned about ongoing threats to the Arctic and Antarctic ecosystems such as pollution, invasive species, harmful levels of fishing and the impacts from global climate change and ocean acidification. GMPP is exploring ways to promote marine ecosystem-based management (EbM) in the Arctic marine environment and identify measures for the protection of Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs). In the Antarctic GMPP is focusing on the development of MPA networks in the Southern Ocean and the development of an Antarctic Conservation Strategy.

The Manager, Polar Programme will report to the Director, Global Marine and Polar Programme, who is based in IUCN Headquarters in Gland, Switzerland. For administrative purposes and US constituencies, this position will report to the Director, IUCN Washington, DC Office.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate GMPP polar activities and develop and monitor GMPP intersessional and annual work plans and priorities on the Arctic and Antarctic:
o Develop intersessional plan, ensuring links with other IUCN component programs and members
o Ensure GMPP polar activities are contributing to GMPP strategy and work plans
o Work in support of the new group structure currently being implemented to refocus IUCN’s Global Programme to support the One Programme concept
o Work with relevant GMPP staff directly engaged in implementing GMPP Arctic and Antarctic projects
o Support fundraising effort of the program in collaboration with the IUCN partnership team

• Serve as IUCN liaison for partnerships and projects with the private sector on polar affairs

• Lead the management and technical implementation of GMPP Arctic projects:
o Design, organize and lead IUCN workshops on GMPP Arctic projects, including on marine transportation’s effects on selected Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs) adjacent to the Bering Strait. Prepare workshop reports
o Represent GMPP in internal and external Arctic meetings and processes as agreed with the GMPP Director

• Provide technical and management supervision for GMPP staff directly engaged in implementing GMPP Antarctic projects and priorities:
o Assist GMPP staff in developing and maintaining project implementation plans
o Provide advice on strategy, approach, and overcoming obstacles in project implementation
o Ensure high quality donor reports and project outputs
o Manage donor and partner relations as needed

• Serve as the focal point for polar activities of component programs and Commissions, particularly the following:
o World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA)
o Species Survival Commission Marine Conservation Sub-Committee (MCSC)
o Others to be developed

• Lead with fundraising activities for GMPP polar activities:
o Liaise with key donors
o Identify new sources of funding for GMPP polar projects, with an initial focus on Antarctica
o Develop and review project concept notes
o Work closely with the IUCN Strategic Partnerships Unit for funding opportunities and donor intelligence

• Represent GMPP in internal and external meetings and processes as agreed with the GMPP Director

• Other tasks as agreed with the Director, GMPP.

REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s degree in natural sciences or in an environmental field.

• A strong understanding and background in nature conservation issues, particularly polar regions.

• A minimum of 10-12 years' relevant work experience, preferably with at least five years in a senior position.

• 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. Additional languages from polar countries is an advantage.

• A strong aptitude and ability to communicate both informally (interpersonal skills) and formally (presentations).

• Experience working internationally or in a cross-cultural environment.

• Willingness to travel and occasionally work non-traditional hours (e.g. for international conference calls, weekend meetings).

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/