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.
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.
3. 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.