Senior Program Officer, Ecosystem Restoration & Health

IUCN Eastern and Southern Africa; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 99,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

The Senior Program Officer at IUCN will provide technical expertise and lead project delivery across ecosystem restoration, drylands, rangelands, and sustainable land management. The role emphasizes land degradation neutrality, nature-based solutions, and climate resilience, with donor-funded program management and strong collaboration with regional and country offices.

The position requires advanced ecological and management skills, experience with international funding mechanisms, and the

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree in ecology, forestry, environmental sciences or a closely related field.
• 6–8 years of relevant professional experience in ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation or sustainable land management.
• Experience with international donors or multi-lateral environmental funds (GEF/GC F would be advantageous).

Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance on restoration, land degradation neutrality and sustainable land management.
• Manage and oversee multiple projects across forest and grassland restoration portfolios.
• Coordinate with regional and country offices, partners and consultants.
• Ensure donor requirements, reporting, budgets and workplans are delivered on time.
• Integrate safeguards, gender equality and stakeholder participation into project work.
• Contribute to knowledge products, policy guidance and capacity development.
• Represent IUCN in technical forums and partnership-building activities.

Skills

Project management

English proficiency

Multidisciplinary collaboration

International travel

Education

Advanced degree in ecology/forestry/environmental sciences

Job description

The Senior Program Officer at IUCN will provide technical expertise and lead project delivery across ecosystem restoration, drylands, rangelands, and sustainable land management. The role emphasizes land degradation neutrality, nature-based solutions, and climate resilience, with donor-funded program management and strong collaboration with regional and country offices.

The position requires advanced ecological and management skills, experience with international funding mechanisms, and the