Programme Assistant, South Africa

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Programme Assistant, South Africa Vacancy #: 7578 Unit: South Africa Country Office Organisation: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Location: South Africa Country Office, Pretoria, South Africa Reporting to: Country Representative, South Africa Work percentage: 100% Grade: A3 Expected start date: 01 May 2026 Type of contract: Fixed-term (up to 24 months) Closing date: 24 April 2026 BACKGROUND PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A LOCAL POSITION FOR S. AFRICA NATIONALS OR THOSE WITH THE RIGHT TO WORK IN S.AFRICA

BACKGROUND:

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), through its South Africa Country Office, is seeking to appoint an experienced Programme Assistant to support the implementation of national and regional projects that contributes to broader management of Southern African natural resources (biodiversity, water, land, climate) and environmental initiatives. The position will strengthen coordination between national and regional partners, ensuring that South Africa’s actions align with regional frameworks and commitments under the UNFCCC, CBD, UNCCD, RAMSAR, IUCN programmes, and related multilateral development partners and environmental agreements.

The Programme Assistant will be a nationally recruited professional, managed by the IUCN South Africa Country Office and reporting jointly to IUCN. The position will be based at the IUCN South Africa Country Office, under the supervision of IUCN to support the implementation of the GEF8 project, and will provide technical, coordination, and administrative support to ensure smooth and effective project implementation.

The Programme Assistant will be responsible for the day-to-day coordination and support of project activities, ensuring the effective delivery of outputs and achievement of outcomes in accordance with GEF guidelines, national priorities, the project’s results framework, and the policies of the implementing and executing agencies. The incumbent will serve as a key liaison between the executing agency, implementing agency, Technical Advisory Committee, and the Project Steering Committee (PSC). The Programme Assistant will also serve as the focal point for provincial coordination, engagements, and project implementation.

In addition, the Programme Assistant will contribute to national and regional resource mobilization efforts, support the implementation of other GEF Southern Africa regional initiatives and partnerships, and help secure complementary funding while promoting the implementation of IUCN’s Programme of work, Regional and National Frameworks and tools relevant to support sustainable development and nature positive approaches JOB DESCRIPTION SPECIFIC DUTIES:

Provide overall technical leadership and ensure high-quality delivery of all project components and outputs.
Coordinate alignment with national and regional programmes, initiatives, and restoration projects.
Coordinate and manage small grants programme for effective implementation of the national and regional initiatives.
Coordinate with implementing partners, government agencies, and regional service providers for effective collaboration and knowledge exchange on Natural Resources.
Plan, implement, and monitor project outcomes, outputs, and activities in line with approved frameworks, work plans, and budgets.
Support resource mobilization efforts and promote the application of Nature-based Solutions, Ecosystem-based Adaptation, Sustainable Land Management, Great Green Wall, International Waters and Wetlands Management.
Support and oversee implementation of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework and lead knowledge management and reporting processes.
Facilitate project reviews and evaluations, including Mid-Term and Terminal Evaluations, and ensure timely submission of reports.
Provide strategic financial oversight, ensuring proper expenditure management, compliance, and value for money.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Project Coordination, Management and Technical Leadership;
Ensure project activities are aligned with GEF results-based management frameworks and the Theory of Change.
Facilitate coordination among implementing partners, government agencies, and stakeholders to ensure coherent implementation and reporting.
Ensure integration of cross-cutting priorities, including gender equality, youth engagement, social inclusion, and climate resilience.
Ensure the technical quality and relevance of project interventions to national and regional priorities.
Represent IUCN in various platforms such as the Ramsar Convention, CBD, and UNCCD.

Resource Mobilization and Partnerships;
Represent IUCN in relevant national, regional, and thematic platforms to strengthen visibility, build partnerships, and share lessons learned.
Support other GEF initiatives in the region through technical inputs and knowledge sharing.
Strengthen multi-stakeholder platforms to promote knowledge sharing, policy coherence, and joint planning.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, and Knowledge Management;
Ensure effective dissemination of knowledge products and project results at national, regional, and global levels.
Support capacity building of project staff and partners on M&E and knowledge management systems.
Ensure consistency and quality in data collection, analysis, and reporting to support adaptive management and continuous learning.

Financial and Administrative Oversight;
Provide Monitor financial performance regularly to ensure cost-efficiency, value for money, and timely identification of variances or financial risks.
Ensure financial management aligns with GEF, IUCN, and implementing/executing agency policies and procedures.

Outputs Expected;
Develops, implements, monitors and evaluates assigned programme/projects.
Provides thorough, well-reasoned written contributions, e.g., background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
Develops and maintains effective working relationships.
Promulgate coherent policies, and consistent adherence to these by clients. Efficient use of resources. REQUIREMENTS • POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education;
Completed master’s degree in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.

Work Experience;
5 years’ experience in managing and implementing natural resource or environmental programmes.
Demonstrated experience working with UN agencies or similar organizations.
Proven experience in results-based project management, including development and oversight of logical frameworks and theories of change.
Experience in institutional coordination and implementing sustainable resource management interventions.
Experience working with governments, regional organizations (e.g., SADC), and international partners.

Language Proficiency;
Excellent command of English (including good writing and communication skills)
Core Competencies;
Transparency: Able to build trust and contribute to informed and responsible decision making by carrying out the work of IUCN in a transparent manner; provides clear guidance to ensure that objectives and desired measurable results are understood by members of the team.
Inclusiveness: Understands and accepts cultural diversity, and provide a tolerant, positive and supportive working environment that fosters respect for diversity, demonstrates ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds.
Professionalism: Promote the organization’s interests, objectives and values in a diligent and professional manner.
Accountability: Takes responsibility of individual and collective actions, promotes the IUCN One Programme approach.

Functional competencies;
Project Management and Coordination: Plans, implements, and monitors multi-country projects using results-based management principles.
Technical Expertise: Provides technical leadership in eg SLM, wetlands, water resources, climate adaptation, and Nature-based Solutions.
Partnership Development: Builds and maintains strategic partnerships with governments, regional bodies, and stakeholders.
Financial and Administrative Management: Ensures sound budgeting, expenditure control, and compliance with donor procedures.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Knowledge Management: Leads performance tracking, learning, and knowledge sharing across the region.
Leadership and Team Management: Guides and motivates project teams to deliver high-quality results efficiently.
Communication and Representation: Communicates effectively, ensuring project visibility and engagement with partners. 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.

Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: https://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/

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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