Programme Implementation and Outreach Associate

IUCN Eastern and Southern Africa; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 55,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in Washington, D.C. invites applications for a Programme Implementation and Outreach Associate to support the Forest and Grasslands Team’s project implementation, outreach, and communications globally.

This is a fixed-term appointment (up to 18 months) with a start date around September 2026; the role requires a bachelor’s degree in journalism, natural resources management, forestry, conservation sciences, or related fields, plus experience

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, natural resources management, forestry, conservation sciences, sustainable development, environmental policy, or a similar field.
• 1 year of relevant experience in conservation, science communication, or project coordination.
• Demonstrated ability for scientific writing and communicating complicated technical issues to a wide range of audiences and cultures (e.g., through news articles, blogs, reports, or informational briefs) is required.
• Experience with Canva, InDesign, or other graphic design software is required.
• Experience managing social media or webpages is required.
• Experience organizing in-person and/or virtual events and workshops is required.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multicultural team environment with tight deadlines.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with proficiency in English. Proficiency or working knowledge of French, Spanish, or another language is an advantage.
• Passionate about IUCN's mission and keen interest in nature conservation and sustainable development.
• The candidate must be based in Washington, D.C., or willing to relocate at their own expense. Relocation assistance is not provided.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship, now or in the future.

Responsibilities

• Advance IUCN’s and FGT’s engagement with the Rio Conventions (UNFCCC, CBD, and UNCCD) through strategic engagement, outreach, and stakeholder dialogue.
• Support in outreach and knowledge management, updating the team and project websites, knowledge repositories, social media, and project databases.
• Support the preparation and delivery of virtual and in-person events and webinars in coordination with internal and external partners.
• Develop written and visual communications materials for internal and external audiences, including informational briefs, infographics, social media materials, and engaging presentations.
• Perform research and writing tasks to support the development of communications assets for FGT and its project portfolio.
• Support strategic visibility and outreach planning for FGT and its project portfolio.
• Support the production and distribution of informational and promotional materials to highlight project milestones and success stories for a variety of audiences.
• Facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices among project stakeholders through interactive platforms and digital means.
• Support in project coordination and delivery alongside country and regional project teams, particularly for stakeholder engagement tasks.
• Support other day-to-day operational and communications needs, in line with the GTF strategy, IUCN Programme of Work, and IUCN Vision.
• Foster and maintain partnerships with governments, project partners, IUCN country offices, IUCN Members, and other stakeholders to support project goals and objectives.
• Any other duties as agreed upon with the Global Head of the Forest and Grasslands Team.

Skills

Scientific writing

Teamwork

Social media management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, natural resources management, forestry, conservation sciences, sustainable development, environmental policy

Tools

Canva

InDesign

Job description

Vacancy #: 7671 Unit: Forest and Grasslands Organisation: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Location: North America Regional Office, Washington D.C., United States of America Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship, now or in the future. Must be able to commute to DC office. Reporting to: Head Forest and Grassland Team Work percentage: 100% Grade: A2 Expected start date: 21 September 2026 Type of contract: Fixed-term (up to 18 months with possibility of renewal) Closing date: 25 August 2026

BACKGROUND

IUCN is the world’s oldest and largest global environmental network - a democratic membership union with more than 1,000 government and NGO member organizations, and almost 11,000 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 Forest and Grasslands Team (FGT) at IUCN is responsible for developing and executing the global conservation program for forests and grasslands. This includes efforts in primary forest and native grassland conservation, ecosystem restoration on both area-based and landscape scales, and effective rangeland and drought reduction management. The team focuses on addressing threats such as climate change and large-scale deforestation by advocating for and implementing practical solutions grounded in scientific knowledge. FGT is looking to hire a Programme Implementation and Outreach Associate to support the team’s vision, objectives, and growing portfolio. We are seeking a dynamic and motivated individual who can contribute to project implementation, partnerships, and outreach activities. This role is important for strengthening the Forest and Grasslands Team’s engagement with partners, donors, and communities, helping increase the impact, visibility, and investment in IUCN’s work on forests, grasslands, rangelands, and drylands.

Job Description

Under the direct supervision of the Global Head based in Washington, D.C., and as an integral part of the Forest and Grasslands Team (FGT), the Programme Implementation and Outreach Associate will play a key role in supporting the team's work. This role provides an unparalleled opportunity to delve into ecosystem restoration, climate action, and sustainable livelihood development, gaining first-hand experience through influential environmental research and policy-making initiatives. The incumbent will help advance IUCN’s support and engagement on forest, grassland, and dryland conservation and restoration projects globally.

In Support Of The Team’s Portfolio With a Particular Focus On Contributing To Project Implementation, Outreach, Strategic Engagement, Communications, And Visibility Support, The Programme Implementation And Outreach Associate Shall Undertake The Following Specific Tasks

• Advance IUCN’s and FGT’s engagement with the Rio Conventions (UNFCCC, CBD, and UNCCD) through strategic engagement, outreach, and stakeholder dialogue.
• Support in outreach and knowledge management, updating the team and project websites, knowledge repositories, social media, and project databases.
• Support the preparation and delivery of virtual and in-person events and webinars in coordination with internal and external partners.
• Develop written and visual communications materials for internal and external audiences, including informational briefs, infographics, social media materials, and engaging presentations.
• Perform research and writing tasks to support the development of communications assets for FGT and its project portfolio.
• Support strategic visibility and outreach planning for FGT and its project portfolio.
• Support the production and distribution of informational and promotional materials to highlight project milestones and success stories for a variety of audiences.
• Facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices among project stakeholders through interactive platforms and digital means.
• Support in project coordination and delivery alongside country and regional project teams, particularly for stakeholder engagement tasks.
• Support other day-to-day operational and communications needs, in line with the GTF strategy, IUCN Programme of Work, and IUCN Vision.
• Foster and maintain partnerships with governments, project partners, IUCN country offices, IUCN Members, and other stakeholders to support project goals and objectives.
• Any other duties as agreed upon with the Global Head of the Forest and Grasslands Team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, natural resources management, forestry, conservation sciences, sustainable development, environmental policy, or a similar field.
• 1 year of relevant experience in conservation, science communication, or project coordination.
• Demonstrated ability for scientific writing and communicating complicated technical issues to a wide range of audiences and cultures (e.g., through news articles, blogs, reports, or informational briefs) is required.
• Experience with Canva, InDesign, or other graphic design software is required.
• Experience managing social media or webpages is required.
• Experience organizing in-person and/or virtual events and workshops is required.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multicultural team environment with tight deadlines.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with proficiency in English. Proficiency or working knowledge of French, Spanish, or another language is an advantage.
• Passionate about IUCN's mission and keen interest in nature conservation and sustainable development.
• The candidate must be based in Washington, D.C., or willing to relocate at their own expense. Relocation assistance is not provided.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship, now or in the future.

SALARY

The gross annual salary for this position is between USD 55'063 and USD 68'829. While this is an indicative amount effective as of the current date, changes may occur as per IUCN's compensation practices without prior notice. The same applies to other organisations hosted by IUCN.

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. www.iucn.org
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