Programme Leader – Sports for Nature

JOB DESCRIPTION

Vacancy #:
6684

Unit:
Heritage and Culture Team

Organisation:
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Location:
Headquarters, Gland, Switzerland

Reporting to:
Head, Heritage and Culture

Work percentage:
100%

Grade:
M1

Expected start date:
01 February 2024

Type of contract:
Max-term (24 months with possibility of renewal)

Closing date:
07 January 2024

BACKGROUND

IUCN is developing a major new area of work to support global nature conservation goals through partnerships with and through sport. This work aims to mainstream support for nature across the sporting community, and, leading by example, inspire others to contribute to the global goals for biodiversity. The centre of this work is the implementation of an ambitious programme centred on the new Sports for Nature Framework launched at COP15 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Sports for Nature is a collaboration working across the IUCN Union with Sails of Change, an initiative of IUCN Patrons of Nature Dona Bertarelli and Yann Guichard, and with institutional partners in the Sports for Nature Framework: United Nations Environment Programme the International Olympic Committee and the Convention on Biological Diversity Secretariat, and with sports organisations around the world.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Programme Leader – Sports for Nature has a key strategic role to successfully lead, develop and implement the Sports for Nature initiative in the long term. As project owner, the role is responsible for 1/ effectively delivering on the vision, objectives and KPIs of the initiative 2/ maintaining and building relations with existing and future strategic partners, and 3/ representing IUCN and, where appropriate, its lead partners as thought leaders in global fora. All is delivered in the spirit of maximizing positive impact through engagement with sport.

Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership on Programme Development

• Provide strategic leadership on program development, linking sport to the achievement of nature conservation and sustainable development across IUCN's portfolio.

• Develop innovative and effective interventions and collaborations resulting in measurable impact toward a Nature Positive world.

2. Coordination of Sports for Nature Initiative

• Lead IUCN and coordinate all strategic partners' contributions to the Sports for Nature initiative.

• Ensure effective implementation and monitoring of Key Performance Indicators and governance involving all initiative partners.

• Provide effective support and engagement of Framework signatories to take action for nature.

3. Implementation of Business Plan

• Lead the implementation of an effective business plan for the Sports for Nature Initiative.

• Ensure long-term effectiveness and sustainability of the initiative, mobilizing resources from public, private, and philanthropic donors.

• Engage with IUCN's Patrons of Nature and senior leadership, including possible direct work with President, Council, and Director General.

4. Sports for Nature Partnership Leadership

• Act as the Sports for Nature partnership leader to enable effective collaborations with all initiative partners.

• Ensure open and effective communication, partnership working, and negotiation of solutions on collaborative issues.

• Focus on impacts achieved for nature conservation through sport, strategic communication, events, and branding.

5. Representation and Advocacy

• Represent and advocate for the Sports for Nature initiative in negotiations with existing and new partners.

• Participate in major events and activities associating Sport and Nature.

6. Team Management

• Manage a team of high-performing professionals delivering the Sports for Nature Framework and other sports-related activities.

• Cultivate a dynamic, effective, and committed team engaged across the Union of IUCN and with partners.

• Ensure effective supervision of consultants, interns, and/or specific IUCN expertise required.

7. Budgeting and Reporting:

• Oversee project budgets and reporting according to IUCN policies and contractual agreements.

• Maintain close and effective working relationships and provide regular updates to IUCN partners and donors through agreed governance arrangements.

8. Other Duties:

• Undertake other duties as required, commensurate with the responsibilities of the position, and the requirements of the team and Centre where it is based.

Note: This role requires flexibility in approach to work, and the incumbent may be expected to undertake tasks not explicitly outlined in the job description, subject to consultation with the employee and the Human Resources Management Group.

Competencies:

1. Enthusiastic Commitment and Vision

• Commitment to nature conservation and sustainable use.

• Ability to provide inspiration and strategic direction.

2. Leadership Abilities and Experience

• Unimpeachable integrity, effective management of diverse teams.

• Proven ability to delegate, empower, and motivate staff.

• Experience developing diverse teams and individuals.

3. Senior Management Experience

• Managerial self-awareness and experience in organizational, financial, and personnel management.

• Commitment to embrace and co-own institutional change processes.

• Ability to maintain a positive work environment.

4. Professional Competencies

• Good understanding of world affairs and experience with the workings of Multilateral Environmental Agreements and governmental and non-governmental institutions.

• Recognition for leadership and understanding of social science-related issues.

• Ability and commitment to act in accordance with the core values of integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism.

5. Sound Judgment and Decision Making

• Experience in identifying key issues in a complex situation, consulting, gathering, and analysing relevant information before proposing and implementing decisive actions or recommendations.

• Well-organized and logical in thought and action.

• Ability to anticipate, assess, and manage risk.

REQUIREMENTS

•
• Strong knowledge and experience in the sports, environmental and change management sector.

• A degree preferably at Masters level with a focus on environmental or social science, business administration or sustainability, or any other discipline that is relevant to the post. Specific qualification and experience linking sports and nature conservation will be an advantage.

• More than 15 years of experience working in an international environment, successfully coordinating global projects and/or coalitions, and managing relationships with senior management, the private sector, philanthropic partners and major donors, from both the public and private sector.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with seasoned judgment and analytical capacity, strong collaborative spirit and ability to make decisions. Responsive, clear and effective in communication with colleagues and partners at all levels.

• A team player, experienced in the creation, recruitment and supervision of high performing teams.

• Excellent strategic and programme management skills, with a proven ability to analyse complex programs and then lead, develop, execute and evaluate a range of diverse strategies to achieve clear and ambitious goals.

• Highly flexible, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities, adjust to changing circumstances, remain attentive to details and identify resources for projects, moving objectives forward.

• Communication and media savvy.

• Strong leadership and representational skills, including contributions at major international events, and negotiation of collaborations with high-profile partners.

• Affinity with the vision and mission of IUCN, and its partners, and a strong interest in and understanding of nature conservation and sustainability in sports.

• Excellent level of written and spoken English, and advanced proficiency in other languages, including French and/or Spanish is desirable.

• Excellent organisational, administrative and reporting skills; strong writing skills; and IT literacy, particularly in MS Office;

SALARY
The gross annual salary for this position is between CHF 134'355 and CHF 167'944, subject to deductions for social security contributions and second-pillar pension, and before tax. While this is an indicative amount effective as of the current date, changes may occur as per IUCN's compensation practices without prior notice. The same applies to other organisations hosted by IUCN.
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). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.

Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website:

About IUCN

IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together.

Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world's largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and some 15,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards.

IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples organisations and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.

Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve people's well-being.

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