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Director - IUCN Washington, D.C. Office

Expected start date:01 May 2013
Type of contract:Fixed-term (until 30 April 2015)
Closing date:06 January 2013

BACKGROUND

The IUCN Washington, D.C. Office is an out-posted IUCN Headquarters unit providing global services to the organization and is a key link to US Member organizations, Commission members, the U.S. member of Council, partners and donors. The Office has five primary functions:

i. Convening of IUCN Members and partners for policy influencing and collaboration around the IUCN Programme.
ii. Influencing US institutions on their policies and work that impact biodiversity conservation
iii. Fundraising and grant management of funds for the delivery of the IUCN Programme
iv. Providing a platform for operations for staff from Global Programmes
v. Supporting existing and new IUCN Members and IUCN Commissions in the U.S.

In addition, in close collaboration with IUCN Headquarters and the Regions, the Office collaborates with and contributes to the influencing of multilateral institutions based in the US such as the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), UN Bodies and the international programmes of US foundations.

The Director of the IUCN Washington, D.C. Office (herein referred to as the Director) represents the IUCN Secretariat and provides leadership and guidance for all activities undertaken by the Secretariat in the US. The Director is also responsible for links with IUCN’s Members and Commission members in the US.

The Director of the IUCN Washington, D.C. Office reports to the Director General of IUCN.

The contract offered for this position is for two years (renewable).
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Representation

• Represent IUCN on behalf of the Director General in respect of the Secretariat’s activities in the US;
• Promote IUCN’s mission and presence within the US, in particular with IUCN’s State, Government and NGO Members and partners, so as to further IUCN’s mission;
• Identify new partners from scientific and academic institutions, to collaborate with IUCN in the delivery of its Programme and mission,
• Seek and support partnerships with other organizations; for programmatic, fundraising and/or membership purposes.

Membership

• Purposefully grow the IUCN membership in the US;
• Work with Members and Commission Members in the US to involve them more actively in delivery of the IUCN Programme thereby ensuring membership retention;
• As appropriate, seek opportunities to work in closer collaboration with IUCN Members and Commission members in Canada and the Caribbean.

Fundraising

• Develop and implement a diversified fundraising strategy with regard to US-based donors and donor institutions, in close collaboration with the Strategic Partnerships Unit in Headquarters;
• Serve as an ex officio member of the Board of Directors of IUCN-US, the 501c3 charitable organization that supports IUCN and other organizations with similar missions; also work to ensure that grants and contributions to IUCN-US are re-granted, in keeping with applicable requirements, to further the common missions of IUCN-US and partner organizations.

Policy influencing

• Influence US policies and institutions and support the influencing of multilateral organizations in the US on processes that are directly relevant to IUCN’s mission and Programme.

Governance

• Support IUCN’s Regional Councillor from the US in his or her work related to the IUCN Council;
• In order to promote cooperation with neighboring countries and regions, liaise with IUCN’s Regional Councillors from Canada and the Caribbean as well as with the IUCN National Committee in Canada and the IUCN Office for Meso America and the Caribbean Initiative.

Management

• Oversee recruitment and administration of IUCN staff in the Washington D.C. Office, including performance assessment, annual work plans, and evolving employment conditions consistent with IUCN policies;
• Provide guidance and oversee the support to out-posted staff located in the US from other components of the Secretariat in close collaboration with their respective line managers;
• Manage the budget of the IUCN Office in Washington DC;
• Actively participate in IUCN’s senior management structure and participate as a member of the Senior Management Advisory Team (SMAT);
• Provide administrative support to IUCN’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations and to IUCN’s engagement with multilateral organizations based in the US.
REQUIREMENTS

• Post graduate/advanced degree, preferably in subject related to conservation and sustainable development.

• At least 15 years’ professional experience in the environmental policy field, including management of conservation/sustainable development programmes, of which a minimum of 5 years shall be at the international level.

• Broad knowledge of the United States, its environment challenges, government institutions, actors and politics.

• Extensive knowledge of global conservation and sustainable development policy issues.

• Experience in strategic management and leadership of networks as well as fund-raising.

• Ability to lead and motivate a diverse and multi-cultural team within a complex, decentralized organization.

• Broad experience in managing financial and human resources.

• Ability and experience in conflict management and mediation.

• Good negotiation, public speaking and networking skills.

• Adequate knowledge and skills in the use of relevant computer programmes.

• Excellent command of spoken and written English is required. Good knowledge of Spanish and/or French will be an asset.

• Willingness to travel.  
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/