Programme Officer – Invasive Species (Maternity Cover)

Iucn; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading conservation organization is seeking a Programme Officer for Invasive Species to assist with IAS projects in a fixed-term position. Responsibilities include coordinating scientific deliverables, supporting policy development, and managing communications with experts. Candidates should hold an MSc or PhD in a relevant field, have two years of experience, and excellent knowledge of invasive species impacts. The role is based in Cambridge, England, with a salary range of £34,900 - £39,000.

Qualifications

• A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience on invasive alien species.
• Proven experience in the coordination of project deliverables, such as technical and scientific reports.
• Proven experience of managing sub‑contractors and coordinating technical and scientific inputs from external experts.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the implementation of invasive alien species (IAS) projects.
• Contribute towards the production of scientific and technical deliverables.
• Coordinate and support task delivery in relation to IUCN’s contract with the EC.

Skills

Excellent knowledge of invasive alien species and their impacts to biodiversity

Excellent editing and writing skills in English

High proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Teams

Education

MSc or PhD in conservation biology, invasion ecology, or related field

Tools

R or similar software

Job description

Programme Officer – Invasive Species (Maternity Cover)

Vacancy #: 7462

Unit: Biodiversity Assessment and Knowledge

Organisation: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Location: Cambridge Office, Cambridge, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Reporting to: Senior Programme Officer, Invasive Species

Work percentage: 100%

Grade: P1

Expected start date: 02 February 2026

Type of contract: Fixed-term (up to 12 months)

Closing date: 04 January 2026

BACKGROUND

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.

The salary range for this position is £34,900 - £39,000 depending on experience. Interviews for this position will be held mid - late January.

JOB DESCRIPTION

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES

Responsible for assisting in the implementation of invasive alien species (IAS) projects, and in collaborating with the IUCN Species Survival Commission Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) in their delivery of data and knowledge.

This will primarily include contributing towards, and in some cases coordinating, the production of scientific and technical deliverables in relation to IUCN’s contract with the EC for the implementation of the EU Invasive Alien Species Regulation 1143/2014. The position will also be responsible for reviewing proposals submitted to the IUCN European IAS Rapid Response Fund and for monitoring the results of funded projects.

The position will also have responsibility for other invasive alien species activities, such as supporting the development and implementation of national and global policies on IAS, the development of funding proposals and supporting additional projects as they arise.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Coordinate and support on task delivery in relation to IUCN’s contract with the EC
• Support the implementation of the EU Regulation 1143/2014 on Invasive Alien Species
• Coordinate the production of technical and scientific documents, including analysing and summarising large amounts of data
• Establish and manage communications with sub‑contractors and other external experts in order to produce the tasks/deliverables requested by the EC
• Lead the organisation of workshops (online and/or in person), as required
• Represent IUCN at meetings with the EC, and other stakeholders (e.g. at conferences, workshops) and be responsible for note taking, if required
• Support, or lead on, any other task activities required in order for IUCN to produce the deliverables requested by the EC
• Support the implementation of the IUCN European IAS Rapid Response Fund
• Undertake the review of proposals submitted to the fund
• Support the monitoring of funded projects
• Support in communications, capacity building and other activities as required
• Support the development and implementation of an IUCN Union‑wide invasive alien species strategy
• Support the development of funding proposals, including through engagement with IUCN Regions
• Support the implementation of other projects (e.g. on the development of national IAS strategies) by leading on the delivery of specific project tasks or components
• Support IUCN secretariat role in the implementation of the Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa
• Support the production of technical reports and scientific papers as required
• Search for and identify funding opportunities and support the development of proposals
• Support engagement with IUCN Regional Offices or knowledge products to identify, develop and implement invasive species projects
• Support activities of the IUCN SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG), in particular in relation to GISD and GRIIS
• Support IUCN policy work on IAS, such as on the Convention on Biological Diversity & the UN 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development
• Keep IUCN’s webpage on IAS up‑to‑date
• Represent IUCN at meetings and conferences, and report back on these meetings
• Support all other aspects of IUCN’s work on invasive species, in general, as required

REQUIREMENTS

• Education
  A higher degree (MSc or PhD) in conservation biology, invasion ecology, or related field.
• Work Experience
  A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience on invasive alien species.
  Proven experience in the coordination of project deliverables, such as technical and scientific reports, ideally on invasive alien species with relevance to the EU IAS Regulation.
  Proven experience of managing sub‑contractors and coordinating technical and scientific inputs from external experts.
  Proven experience in organising events and/or workshops with a considerable number of participants (> 30).
• Skills/knowledge
  Excellent knowledge of invasive alien species and their impacts to biodiversity.
  Excellent knowledge of the EU Invasive Alien Species Regulation 1143/2014.
  Good knowledge of the IUCN EICAT Standard.
  Excellent editing and writing skills in English.
  Excellent attention to detail.
  High proficiency in the use of computer software, particularly MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Microsoft Teams. Data analysis skills using R or similar software are an advantage.
• Competencies/Behaviours
  Ability to work both independently and as part of a team and to deliver quality products within agreed tight deadlines.
  Excellent organisational skills, with a strong ability to communicate both informally and formally.
  Excellent communication skills.
  Willingness to travel and work flexibility, if required.
• Languages
  Excellent written and spoken English.
• Supervisory responsibilities
  Potential line management of MPhil student placements, and PhD secondments on occasion.
  Management of sub‑contractors, supervision of project implementing partners.
• Candidates must have the right to live and work in the UK.

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.

About IUCN

IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non‑governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together.

Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and around 16,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards.

IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples organisations and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.

Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve people’s well‑being.

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