Regional Program Coordinator

Vacancy #:	243
Unit:	Mesoamerica - Regional Programme Coordination
Location:	Regional Office for Meso America and Caribbean Initiative, San José, Costa Rica
Reporting to:	Regional Director - Meso America
Work percentage:	100%
Function group:	M
Expected start date:	01 May 2011
Type of contract:	Fixed-term (until 30 April 2013)
Closing date:	25 April 2011

BACKGROUND

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is based in Gland, Switzerland, and implements the Union’s Program through several statutory and operating regions, each with a Regional Office. In 1988, it was decided to locate the Mesoamerican headquarters office in San José, Costa Rica, to promote, influence and assist the peoples of the region in the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. The Caribbean Initiative is currently under the responsibility of the IUCN Regional Office for Mesoamerica.

The responsibility of the Mesoamerican Program and Caribbean Initiative is to coordinate ORMA’s effective involvement in the implementation of the four-year program with the support of the thematic units. Global activities are also carried out jointly with other IUCN regions, as required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic coordination between the Regional Mesoamerican Program and the Caribbean Initiative and the results delivered by the thematic units. Responsibilities also include effective planning and coordination between these units, in line with ORMA’s matrix management structure.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. To lead, coordinate and innovate in close cooperation with and under the supervision of Regional Management, the development of the Program Area of the IUCN Regional Office for Mesoamerica and the Caribbean Initiative. The Coordinator is also expected to coordinate ORMA’s involvement in the implementation of the Mesoamerican Program and the Caribbean Initiative, in cooperation with other units. In particular the following tasks:
   
   • Preparation, updating and monitoring of the Mesoamerican Program and the Caribbean Initiative, as well as ORMA’s four-year Strategic Plan for PMA-IC implementation.
   • Establish and update the Program Area’s operational planning.
   • Ensure effective feedback and collaboration with IUCN’s Global Headquarters and other regional offices to advance the implementation of the four-year Program.
   • With the support of the Membership Unit, close coordination with IUCN Members and Commissions regarding the Program implementation actions undertaken by the office.
   • Coordinate the preparation of the Mesoamerican and Caribbean Initiative Program.
   • Establish and implement a monitoring and evaluation system.
   • Encourage and coordinate new project development based on high-quality proposals.
   • Coordinate, promote and communicate ORMA’s scientific research as well as other IUCN technical products.
   • Promote, innovate and undertake specific fund-raising actions to ensure the implementation of the Mesoamerican Program and the Caribbean Initiative.
   • Represent the Regional Office, as required by Regional Management, in events and seminars taking place in the region.
   • Availability to travel within and outside of the region, as deemed necessary.
   • Collaborate with other activities on Regional Management’s request.
   
   ORMA’s Thematic Unit coordinators report to the Program Coordinator, and work in close cooperation with the Communication and Membership Units. The Regional Coordinator should regularly coordinate the operational work with the support area coordinators, including active involvement in the strategic work carried out by GREG (Regional Management Group).
   
   
   

REQUIREMENTS

• Environmental expert.
• Post-graduate or advanced degree in conservation and sustainable development.
• Extensive experience in environmental management, and at least 10 years of experience in conservation management and sustainable development programs.
• Ability to undertake regional strategic planning processes.
• Ability to work with multi-cultural and inter-disciplinary teams.
• Proven team player skills to lead specific tasks.
• Results-oriented person with proven ability towards specific and measurable objectives.
• Excellent knowledge about the Central American region, México and the Caribbean.
• Excellent communication and project development and negotiation skills.
• Excellent command of oral and written Spanish and English. French is a plus.

SALARY

The gross annual salary for this position is in the range from USD 59'812 to USD 74'765.

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/

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IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, was founded in 1948 and brings together over 1,100 members (States, government agencies, NGOs and affiliates) and some 11,000 scientists and experts from 181 countries in a unique worldwide partnership. Its mission is to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable. Within the framework of global conventions IUCN has helped over 75 countries to prepare and implement national conservation and biodiversity strategies. IUCN has approximately 1,100 staff, most of whom are located in its regional and country offices while some 150 work at its Headquarters in Gland, Switzerland. IUCN is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from qualified women and men.

Regional Program Coordinator