Senior Programme Officer, Natural Resources Management-EAC at IUCN

THIS POSITION WILL BE BASED AT THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY(EAC) ARUSHA

The East African Community (EAC), in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is addressing critical biodiversity threats such as climate change, deforestation, and illegal wildlife trade through the management of transboundary conservation areas (TBCAs). These shared ecosystems, spanning multiple countries, are vital for livelihoods and regional economies but require coordinated conservation strategies.

Despite progress with initiatives like the EAC Transboundary Conservation Areas Network, the Secretariat faces significant capacity gaps, particularly in Natural Resources Management expertise. Such skills are essential for effective monitoring, mapping, and decision-making to support the sustainable management of the region’s diverse and threatened ecosystems.

To bridge this gap, the NaturAfrica project, funded by the EU, has created a Natural Resources Specialist position seconded at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania. This position is critical to addressing a staffing gap within the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat, particularly within the Productive Sectors Directorate. By seconding a Senior Program Officer to the Tourism and Wildlife Department, the role will provide much-needed technical expertise in wildlife and environmental management, areas currently unrepresented in the department’s staffing.

Moreover, with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources left without any personnel since 2023, the Tourism and Wildlife Department has been under significant strain to fill this void on an interim basis. The Senior Program Officer's collaborative work across these two departments will ensure that essential functions related to tourism, wildlife, and environmental conservation are effectively managed, enhancing the EAC’s capacity to deliver on its commitments in these critical sectors.

JOB DESCRIPTION, DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme Implementation;

• The Senior Programme Officer, Natural Resources Management will:
• Assume overall responsibility for the timely and quality delivery of the Transboundary Conservation Areas work for the NaturAfrica project - EAC component, including supporting TBCAs assessments and monitoring, and supporting the tourism activities of the project.
• With the assistance of the EAC TBCAs Unit and IUCN experts working on the NaturAfrica project, will support the regular coordination of biodiversity conservation and tourism information update for the TBCAs,
• Support regular collection of updates of TBCAs to feed the EAC TBCAs portal In collaboration with EAC, support the dissemination of information about TBCAs through print and online media,
• Strengthen the capacity of EAC TBCAs Unit and support EAC to regularize it into the secretariat structures,
• Provide other Natural Resources Conservation and Management support to the department of Environment & Natural Resources and the department of Tourism and Wildlife Management under the Directorate of Productive Sectors of the EAC,
• Provide technical backstopping and support Programme development;
• Working closely and with the support of relevant IUCN thematic heads, provide leadership and oversight to Programmatic initiatives assigned by the line manager:
• Assist in identifying, establishing and building relationships with strategic partners (including, but not limited to EAC Secretariat and Partner States) relevant and necessary for Biodiversity ad Natural Resources Management Programme delivery and growth;
• In consultation with the IUCN team, EAC and other key stakeholders - Identify key programmatic strategic priorities relevant to the current and emerging needs around Biodiversity and Natural Resources Conservation and Management in the region;
• Support fundraising efforts through identifying and securing funding opportunities to operationalise the Biodiversity and Natural Resources Conservation and Management in the EAC, as a continuation or leverage to the NaturAfrica program;
• Work Closely with the IUCN Thematic Teams expert to ensure quality programme delivery and harmonization.
• In collaboration with EAC and upon request by the line manager, attend the IUCN thematic coordination meetings and actively contribute to the substance of the meetings.

Networking and cooperation;

• Co-operating with and ensuring regular contacts, and dialogue with relevant organizations: non-governmental bodies and persons within the EAC TBCAs environment as well as with other relevant projects or institutions in order to enhance and achieve sustainable development of the EAC TBCAs,
• Conducting public relations work and cooperation within EAC, and
• Communicating and channelling interests and aspirations of the EAC and exchanging ideas and information for the benefit of natural resources and Wildlife at large.

Knowledge management;

Facilitate functions of EAC TBCAs Network in support of EAC TBCAs Programme implementation including development of policy documents, publications and research

Any other duties;

Carry out other relevant tasks assigned by, and mutually agreed with, the line manager.

REQUIREMENTS, POSITION REQUIREMENT:

Education;

A Master’s degree in Natural Sciences, Biodiversity Conservation, Environmental studies or related fields;

Work Experience;

• Minimum 10 years of experience in biodiversity and natural resources conservation and management;
• Demonstrated experience and an in-depth understanding of East Africa Region, especially transboundary ecosystems are required.
• Experience with result based portfolio and project cycle management, monitoring and evaluation methodologies and principles and facilitation skills;
• Demonstrated experience in reporting skills;
• Ability to work effectively within a large decentralized workforce of professionals of different nationalities and to mobilize it towards common goals.

Language;

Excellent verbal and communication skills in English is a must. Working knowledge of Kiswahili is an added advantage;

Core Competencies;

• Transparency: Capable of fostering trust and supporting informed, responsible decision-making by executing IUCN's work transparently; offers clear direction to ensure team members understand objectives and achieve measurable results effectively;
• Inclusiveness: Demonstrates an understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity, creating an inclusive, positive, and supportive workplace that values and respects differences. Exhibits the ability to thrive in a multicultural and multi-ethnic setting while maintaining productive relationships with individuals from diverse national and cultural backgrounds;
• Professionalism: Represent the organization’s goals, values, and priorities with dedication and professionalism;.
• Accountability: Assumes accountability for both personal and team actions, fostering strong collaboration between IUCN and the EAC.

Functional competencies;

• Adheres to IUCN ESARO core values of Transparency, Inclusiveness, Professionalism and Accountability;
• Excellent diplomacy and negotiation skills to work with national and regional entities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a strong team player with proven communication and diplomacy with the ability to work effectively with multicultural and multidisciplinary teams with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
• Highly motivated and results-oriented individual;
• Demonstrated ability to work with limited supervision to prioritize tasking and manage workflow in a high
• pressure environment;
• Must be a proactive individual who is able to energize and motivate teams;
• Committed to continuous learning and proactive and mature attitude towards self-development;
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively within the region and beyond

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