Iucn
Background
The Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty providing the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and wetland biodiversity and services. It is the first of the modern global multilateral environmental agreements and remains the only one devoted to a specific critical ecosystem.
The Secretariat is headquartered in Gland, Switzerland, with some administrative services provided by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Job Description Specific Duties and Responsibilities
Global leadership for thematic issues
Lead and coordinate as the Secretariat’s focal point for developing and implementing work on specific thematic issues aligned with the Secretariat’s workplan.
Advise and support Contracting Parties on issues under the adviser’s leadership, including policy development, communications, and fundraising.
Drive policy processes, including those under Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). Define priorities, develop strategic engagement, foster partnerships, and enable Contracting Party participation.
Current thematic focus
Governance and mandated activities: Youth Working Group; cooperation with International Organisation Partners (IOPs)
Global policy processes: CBD; BLG
Contact point responsibilities: CBD; BLG; IPBES; EMG; UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
Regional duties
Lead regional engagement as primary contact for North America and Latin America and Caribbean regions.
Maintain strategic relationships with administrative authorities of Contracting Parties.
Promote accession to the Convention by non‑Contracting Parties.
Lead technical missions, including Ramsar Advisory Missions (RAMs).
Advise on Regional Initiatives approved by the Conference of the Parties.
Strengthen communications with communications staff to engage Contracting Parties.
Resource mobilisation
Drive resource mobilisation efforts with Senior Resource Mobilisation Officer.
Develop proposals for funding to sustain Secretariat functions.
Strengthen partnerships with funding organisations.
Management
Prepare reports and documentation for governing bodies of the Convention.
Represent the Secretariat in regional matters and specified thematic areas.
Provide leadership and oversight of operational functions.
Supervise and develop staff members reporting to the Senior Advisor.
Contribute to Senior Management Team.
The above includes main duties and responsibilities. Other tasks may be assigned as reasonable.
Requirements
Education: Postgraduate qualification in biological, political, social sciences or economics relevant to wetland conservation and wise use.
Experience & technical skills: At least 15 years across biodiversity and ecosystem‑based resource management, with special focus on wetlands, climate change, water management, and mainstreaming wetlands in SDG agenda; at least five years at international level in the Americas. Experience desirable in water resource management and climate adaptation/mitigation within policy and field contexts.
Demonstrated expertise in policy processes, technical and scientific advice at national or regional levels and in intergovernmental contexts.
Experience in global or regional MEAs or 2030 SDG agenda.
Familiarity with main regional and global institutions, NGOs, etc.
Competence in organisational, project and financial management, including resource mobilisation and staff management.
Fluency in English; Spanish proficiency desirable.
Other skills: Innovative and strategic thinking, interdisciplinary leadership, computer skills, strong interpersonal skills, multicultural competence, team building and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Salary The gross annual salary ranges from CHF 134,355 to CHF 167,944, subject to IUCN compensation practices.
Applications Applicants must apply online through the HR Management System before the closing date of 11 January 2026. Only selected applicants will be contacted.
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The Secretariat is headquartered in Gland, Switzerland, with some administrative services provided by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Job Description Specific Duties and Responsibilities
Global leadership for thematic issues
Lead and coordinate as the Secretariat’s focal point for developing and implementing work on specific thematic issues aligned with the Secretariat’s workplan.
Advise and support Contracting Parties on issues under the adviser’s leadership, including policy development, communications, and fundraising.
Drive policy processes, including those under Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). Define priorities, develop strategic engagement, foster partnerships, and enable Contracting Party participation.
Current thematic focus
Governance and mandated activities: Youth Working Group; cooperation with International Organisation Partners (IOPs)
Global policy processes: CBD; BLG
Contact point responsibilities: CBD; BLG; IPBES; EMG; UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
Regional duties
Lead regional engagement as primary contact for North America and Latin America and Caribbean regions.
Maintain strategic relationships with administrative authorities of Contracting Parties.
Promote accession to the Convention by non‑Contracting Parties.
Lead technical missions, including Ramsar Advisory Missions (RAMs).
Advise on Regional Initiatives approved by the Conference of the Parties.
Strengthen communications with communications staff to engage Contracting Parties.
Resource mobilisation
Drive resource mobilisation efforts with Senior Resource Mobilisation Officer.
Develop proposals for funding to sustain Secretariat functions.
Strengthen partnerships with funding organisations.
Management
Prepare reports and documentation for governing bodies of the Convention.
Represent the Secretariat in regional matters and specified thematic areas.
Provide leadership and oversight of operational functions.
Supervise and develop staff members reporting to the Senior Advisor.
Contribute to Senior Management Team.
The above includes main duties and responsibilities. Other tasks may be assigned as reasonable.
Requirements
Education: Postgraduate qualification in biological, political, social sciences or economics relevant to wetland conservation and wise use.
Experience & technical skills: At least 15 years across biodiversity and ecosystem‑based resource management, with special focus on wetlands, climate change, water management, and mainstreaming wetlands in SDG agenda; at least five years at international level in the Americas. Experience desirable in water resource management and climate adaptation/mitigation within policy and field contexts.
Demonstrated expertise in policy processes, technical and scientific advice at national or regional levels and in intergovernmental contexts.
Experience in global or regional MEAs or 2030 SDG agenda.
Familiarity with main regional and global institutions, NGOs, etc.
Competence in organisational, project and financial management, including resource mobilisation and staff management.
Fluency in English; Spanish proficiency desirable.
Other skills: Innovative and strategic thinking, interdisciplinary leadership, computer skills, strong interpersonal skills, multicultural competence, team building and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Salary The gross annual salary ranges from CHF 134,355 to CHF 167,944, subject to IUCN compensation practices.
Applications Applicants must apply online through the HR Management System before the closing date of 11 January 2026. Only selected applicants will be contacted.
#J-18808-Ljbffr