Project Manager, BIOPAMA

Closing date:

20 July 2012

BACKGROUND

The “Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management” Programme (BIOPAMA) was launched by the European Commission in July 2011 and it is financially supported by an EU contribution from the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) Intra-ACP (Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific countries) envelope for biodiversity. This programme has two main components: one concerning protected areas which will be implemented by IUCN and the European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC) and the other dealing with Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) which will be implemented by the multi-donor funded ABS Capacity Development Initiative which is being implemented by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ). Within IUCN five Regional Programmes are involved in the implementation of BIOPAMA: (1) the Regional Programmes for Eastern and Southern Africa (ESARO), (2) Western and Central Africa (PACO), (3) the IUCN Caribbean Initiative coordinated by the Regional Programme for Meso-America, (4) the Regional Programme for Oceania and (5) the Regional Programme for Europe. Two global programmes, the Global Protected Areas Programme (GPAP), which is responsible for the implementation of BIOPAMA, and the Global Species Programme as well as two Commissions, the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) and the Species Survival Commission (SSC), are also involved in BIOPAMA’s implementation.

The Project Manager, BIOPAMA is responsible for the effective implementation of BIOPAMA including coordination, monitoring and reporting. In practice, the work will involve close liaison with the EC, project partners (JRC and GIZ) as well as with the IUCN regional and global programmes and the commissions involved in BIOPAMA’s implementation. The Project Manager, BIOPAMA will also play an integral role in the GPAP management team, advising the Director of GPAP in all aspects associated to the effective implementation of BIOPAMA. The Project Manager, BIOPAMA will report to the Director of GPAP.

DELIVERABLES

1. BIOPAMA is effectively implemented through strong coordination and leadership role.
2. Effective monitoring, reporting and communication systems in place to ensure the technical and financial management of BIOPAMA, fully in line with the EC and IUCN procedures.
3. A follow-up project (BIOPAMA Phase 2) effectively developed and negotiated to consolidate and expand results achieved by the project.

SALARY

Available funding for this position will cover a gross annual salary of around CHF 96'000, subject to deductions for social security contributions and second-pillar pension, and before tax.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Coordination and Project Management:

1. Maintain close liaison and communication with the key project partners (JRC, GIZ and UNEP-WCMC) and with the EC and the ACP Secretariat to ensure effective planning and coordination of activities.
2. Establish internal project governance and implement oversight arrangements.
3. Provide technical input and guidance to the Regional Project Coordinators and the Technical Officers of the Regional Observatories for: (a) preparation and review of annual workplan and budget; (b) technical and financial monitoring of implementation; (c) clear and timely reporting following EC procedures; (d) planning of regional workshops including attendance at some of them as required.
4. Organize and effectively implement annual meetings of the Steering Committee of BIOPAMA, in close liaison with the EC and project partners, and ensure timely preparation and distribution of minutes from the Steering Committee meetings with emphasis on key agreed actions and recommendations.
5. Maintain close liaison, through the IUCN Regional Office for Europe, with the EC and ACP Secretariat to ensure effective technical feedback and policy input to project implementation.
6. Develop and maintain a comprehensive filing system to keep updated technical and financial records and all communications on BIOPAMA’s implementation.
7. Ensure the development and negotiation of a follow-up project (BIOPAMA Phase 2) to consolidate and expand results achieved by the project.

Monitoring and Assessment:

1. Compile, review and integrate technical reports received from IUCN Global and Regional Programmes as well as IUCN Commissions to prepare annual interim reports to the EC on progress achieved in project implementation.
2. Prepare and submit the Final Technical Report with emphasis on key achievements at global and regional levels as well as lessons learned from project implementation.
3. Organize and implement technical monitoring and assessment missions to assess project implementation at the regional level as required.
4. Supervise and guide the work of the GPAP Programme Operations Officer and the IUCN Finance Group to ensure the preparation and timely submission of interim financial reports and the final financial report in line with the EC procedures and requirements.
5. Support the monitoring and evaluation of BIOPAMA’s contribution to the implementation of the IUCN 2013-2016 Programme in the context of the Biodiversity Conservation Group.

Communications and Networking:

1. Maintain effective interaction with the key project partners, the IUCN Global/Regional Programmes and IUCN Commissions involved in project implementation to ensure effective networking on achievements and lessons learned.
2. Guide overall communication activities on BIOPAMA. This work should be implemented in close consultation with the GPAP Regional Communications Network Manager and the IUCN/EC Liaison and Communications Officer and it should be guided by: (a) the EU Communications and Visibility Manual and (b) the BIOPAMA Communications Strategy.
3. Obtain relevant information from project partners and IUCN Global/Regional Programmes and IUCN Commissions involved in project implementation to update BIOPAMA’s website and produce BIOPAMA’s News.
4. Facilitate and coordinate the promotion of BIOPAMA in key international and regional events to promote high visibility, outreach and political buy-in particularly from policy and decision-makers as well as regional institutions and networks.
5. Facilitate networking focussed on problem solving, between all key experts and institutions involved in project implementation.

REQUIREMENTS

• A degree qualification in life sciences, social sciences and development studies and/or environmental management; specific technical knowledge of protected areas and policy and particularly on capacity building for protected areas issues will be preferred.

• Demonstrated project (technical and financial) management skills; particularly of large multi-institutional complex projects. Experience in working with an EC-funded project will be a plus for the candidate.

• Proven ability to operate within a results-based management framework and excellent analytical skills to deal with complex planning and implementation issues which are often required for implementing large and multiple-scale projects.

• Fluency in English, French and Spanish is essential.

• Excellent writing skills to prepare clear and comprehensive reports on project implementation.

• Demonstrated coordination, organizational and networking skills.

• Excellent team player and demonstrated ability to work in multi-institutional and multi-cultural environments.

• Ability to work under stress including producing and delivering high-quality products under tight deadlines.

• Good knowledge of IUCN, its work and that of its Commissions, partners and networks is required.

• Willingness to travel as required for project management and monitoring.

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/

Project Manager, BIOPAMA