Head, Conservation Management Assurance Team

The Head of the IUCN Conservation Management Assurance Team is responsible for developing and delivering new and innovative conservation assurance schemes based on and verified by the application of IUCN standards. As the leader of a Team in the Centre for Science and Data, the Head is expected to cooperate with the other global teams in the Centre to contribute to and deliver the Centre’s Business Plan, and with all other global teams in the other three Centres to deliver a coherent and aligned thematic programme of activities.

The Head is the coordinator of IUCN’s global work on Conservation Management Assurance, developing new and innovative conservation assurance schemes in partnership with established certification agencies. The post holder will maintain a well-defined strategic focus supported by a sustainable project portfolio that draws on the capacities of the other Centres, and is executed globally together with the regions, Commissions and Members. The Head is responsible for the project pipeline that secures the resources to maintain staff capacity, and for efficient and effective management of projects and partnerships led by the team in accordance with the relevant contracts and agreements, including technical and financial reporting.

The Head is responsible for planning, budgeting and financial management that achieves full cost recovery, and generates surplus revenues that supports the overall management of the Centre, and allows for innovative investment in portfolio growth and income.

The Head is responsible for the recruitment, management and supervision of all staff to carry out their assigned duties, and to development the team and the individual staff to reach their potential through mentorship and support.

The Head is also responsible for upholding IUCN policies, maintaining a current awareness of relevant policies for Assurance schemes, at the international and regional level, contributing towards IUCN’s policy positions on relevant subjects, and ensuring that the project portfolio is instrumental in making the case for relevant policies and translating public policy into public funding and conservation outcomes. The Head coordinates the work on conservation assurance for the Union, supporting and representing the Director General, IUCN Members and liaising with the relevant IUCN Commissions.

Please note that the position location can be Gland, Switzerland or Bonn, Germany or Cambridge, UK depending on the candidate’s preference. Also note that the salary included in the current posting is for the position to be based in Switzerland. Compensation details for each location are discussed at interview stage.