Junior Officer – Nature Restoration

Organisation: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Location: European Regional Office, Bonn, Germany

Reporting to: Regional Coordinator, Nature Restoration

Work percentage: 100%

Grade: A3

Expected start date: 19 May 2025

Type of contract: Fixed-term (24 months)

Closing date: 04 May 2025

BACKGROUND

IUCN is the world’s oldest and largest global environmental network - a democratic membership union with more than 1,400 government and NGO member organizations, and almost 15,000 volunteer scientists in more than 160 countries. IUCN’s work is supported by more than 1,000 professional staff in 45 offices and hundreds of partners in public, NGO and private sectors around the world. Its headquarters are based in Gland, Switzerland.

The IUCN European Regional Office (EURO) provides vital linkages for IUCN Members, National Committees, Commissions and the Secretariat to governments, EU institutions, NGOs, scientists, practitioners, the private sector and other stakeholders to accelerate the implementation of the European Green Deal, the EU 2030 Biodiversity Strategy and related national and regional biodiversity plans. It provides knowledge and advises decision makers to improve conservation policy and action, connect and engage.

IUCN EURO is looking for a highly motivated Junior Officer – Nature Restoration to join our Programme and Policy team. This position will support IUCN’s work on nature restoration in Europe. The Junior Conservation Officer will work in close collaboration with his/her supervisor and other IUCN staff, especially of the IUCN European Regional Office, supporting the implementation of the policy and programme work of the office and the broader EUCANA Hub.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Under the supervision of the Regional Coordinator, Nature Restoration, and in close collaboration with staff in the Programme and Policy team and the European Regional Office, the Junior Officer – Nature Restoration will support the implementation of relevant projects and contribute to the overall activity of the team. Specifically, the position will entail:

1. Support and follow the implementation of key projects, including those related to nature restoration and others.
2. Draft reports, briefings, policy papers and other documents.
3. Support the organization of discussions with external stakeholders.
4. Support in the organization of meetings and events.
5. Supporting the development of new project proposals.
6. Support in tasks related to the development, implementation and monitoring of the IUCN regional priorities.
7. Provision of notes from relevant events and meetings attended as required by his/her supervisor.
8. Provide a range of administrative support functions on a day-to-day basis transversal to several projects, including internal processes, reporting, monitoring, logistic tasks etc.

The above job description contains the main duties and responsibilities for this position. However, in a small organisation such as IUCN, 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. Where any task becomes a regular part of an employee's responsibilities, the job description will be changed in consultation with the employee and relevant colleagues.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Affinity with the vision and mission of IUCN.
2. University degree in a subject relevant to the tasks to be performed.
3. Previous experience with EU nature conservation and restoration policies, and a good understanding of the functioning of the European Union and its institutions. Knowledge of socio-economic aspects of nature conservation is a strong asset.
4. Complete fluency in the English language, including excellent demonstrated English writing and editing skills.
5. Sound understanding of information technology, with experience in applying Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) as a minimum skill set.
6. Detail- and outcome-oriented; organization, multitasking, and problem-solving skills.
7. Ability to work independently and on multiple tasks simultaneously.
8. Ability to meet tight deadlines without compromising the quality of outputs.
9. Highly motivated to learn and develop new skills, keen to bring in own ideas.
10. A team player with a strong interest to work in an international environment.
11. EU National or holder of a German work permit.

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.