Ocean Programme Officer

Vacancy #:

7439

Unit:

Ocean

Organisation:

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Location:

Headquarters, Gland, Switzerland

Reporting to:

Senior Programme Manager, Ocean Governance

Work percentage:

100%

Grade:

P1

Expected start date:

01 April 2026

Type of contract:

Fixed-term (up to 24 months with possibility of renewal)

Closing date:

25 November 2025

BACKGROUND

IUCN has a long-standing and high-profile role on ocean conservation, delivered via the Ocean Team based in the IUCN Centre for Conservation Action, and involving Union wide engagement on a wide range of issues. The IUCN Ocean Team 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 seven IUCN Commissions. Its coordination role is above and beyond the policy development and thematic guidance that it undertakes to provide to assist governments, communities and NGOs alike. The Team's goal is to conserve marine and polar biodiversity by promoting, influencing and catalyzing sustainable uses and equitable sharing of resources while protecting marine and polar ecosystems.

High seas biodiversity conservation is at a pivotal stage with the adoption of the BBNJ Agreement in 2023 and its imminent entry into force. IUCN is implementing the first component of the EU Global Ocean Programme (EU GOP) on 'Enhancing capacities to respond to key global ABNJ (areas beyond national jurisdiction) biodiversity-related processes', which includes a Technical Assistance Facility.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Ocean Programme Officer will contribute to the technical evaluation work and coordination for the delivery of the EU GOP Technical Assistance Facility in line with IUCN Policies, including the following processes:

1. Assist with the implementation of the EU GOP Technical Assistance Facility in line with IUCN Policies, notably involving:
   
   o Ensure the timely processing of technical assistance requests received;
   
   o Assist with the coordination of the pool of experts (assessment, matchmaking, due diligence);
   
   o Ensure the Technical Assistance delivery;
   
   o Capture and share lessons learnt from the TA process, and suggest improvements; and
   
   o Assist with contractual arrangements where needed.

2. Contribute to the implementation of areas of intervention 2 and 3 of the EU GOP C1 as required;

o Enhancing technical capacity at regional and global level through the mapping of important areas in ABNJ for marine fauna; and

o Reinforcing regional governance of large oceanic regions.

1. Contribute to the institutional accountability and visibility in terms of high seas conservation:
   
   o Contribute to EU GOP C1 programme reporting to meet the Monitoring and Evaluation requirements;
   
   o Ensure visibility of the work on IUCN website, Engage platform, etc.;

o Participate in capacity building and awareness raising events, and participate in other fora as required; and

o Coordinate with other IUCN teams as necessary.

The above job description contains the main duties and responsibilities for this position. However, staff members are expected to show flexibility in their approach to work and be willing to undertake other tasks that are reasonably allocated to them but which are not part of their regular job description.

REQUIREMENTS

• Required: A degree in marine biology, nature conservation, environmental management and/or natural resources conservation, ocean governance and management or other relevant fields, and ideally a masters level qualification in a subject relevant to the position;

• Required: Knowledge of the BBNJ Agreement and other ABNJ biodiversity-related ocean processes;

• Required: Exceptional organizational skills and ability to coordinate others to deliver timely project results, contract deliverables, effective supervision of consultants, liaison with relevant stakeholders, etc.;

• Required: Ability to work independently, strong technical understanding of nature conservation and deliver quality products within agreed tight deadlines;

• Required: Excellent written and spoken English. A high standard of written and spoken French and/or Spanish (official IUCN languages) is a strong advantage;

• Required: A strong aptitude and ability to communicate both informally and formally. (Well-developed presentation, interpersonal and networking skills);

• Required: Ability to prepare high quality written communications depending on the respective audiences (correspondence, briefs etc.), with attention to detail;

• Required: Willingness to travel and work flexibility if required (subject to agreement with line manager and in line with IUCN policies);

• Desired: Experience working in a scientific, cross-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment;

• Desired: Experience and understanding of technical assistance processes

SALARY

The gross annual salary for this position is between CHF 86'330 and CHF 107'913, 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 around 16,000 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.