The Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and of 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 Convention Secretariat has its headquarters in Gland, Switzerland, where the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) provides some administrative services for the Convention.

The Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty, which provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. It was the first of the modern global multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) and remains the only MEA dedicated to the conservation of a specific critical ecosystem. Wetlands are among the most diverse and productive ecosystems. They provide essential services and supply all our fresh water. However, they continue to be degraded and converted to other uses.

The Secretariat of the Convention has its headquarters in Gland, Switzerland, where the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) provides legal status and related administrative services for the Secretariat support contracting Parties in the implementation of the Convention.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Global leadership for thematic issues

• Lead and coordinate: act as the Secretariat’s focal point for developing and implementing work on specific thematic issues. This includes topics identified in Resolutions adopted by the Conference of the Parties, aligned with the Secretariat’s workplan and the incumbent’s expertise.
• Advise and support: provide guidance to Contracting Parties on issues under the Adviser’s leadership; support related Secretariat activities in areas such as policy development, communications, and fundraising.
• Drive policy processes: take responsibility for identified policy processes, including those under Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). Define priorities, develop strategic engagement for the Secretariat, foster partnerships, and enable Contracting Party participation on matters relevant to the Convention.

<i>Current thematic focus
The position will initially focus on the following thematic issues:
- 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
Please note that thematic responsibilities may evolve over time to reflect changes in organisational priorities or adjustments in the way work is structured within the Secretariat.</i>

2. Regional duties

• Lead regional engagement: act as the primary contact point for the North America and Latin America and Caribbean regions. Work closely with relevant Secretariat colleagues to provide advice to Contracting Parties and other stakeholders on implementing the Convention, with a particular focus on wetland conservation and wise use.
• Maintain strategic relationships: develop and sustain regular contact with Administrative Authorities of Contracting Parties in the regions. Build and maintain linkages with senior officials in government ministries and agencies, and other relevant organisations.
• Promote accession: encourage and facilitate accession to the Convention by countries that are not yet Contracting Parties.
• Lead technical missions: prepare and lead technical missions, including Ramsar Advisory Missions (RAMs), to review the conservation status of Wetlands of International Importance at the request of Contracting Parties.
• Advise on Regional Initiatives: within the regions concerned, provide guidance and support for the development of Regional Initiatives approved by the Conference of the Parties under the Convention framework, and monitor their progress.
• Strengthen communications: collaborate with communications staff members to engage Contracting Parties in outreach activities and ensure lessons learned from field and policy experience are analysed and shared across Convention networks.

3. Resource mobilisation

• Drive resource mobilisation efforts: work closely with the Senior Resource Mobilisation Officer to identify potential donors and opportunities for securing financial resources.
• Develop proposals: lead or contribute to the preparation of funding proposals, focusing on sustaining Secretariat functions and addressing priorities and needs identified by the Conference of the Contracting Parties or the Standing Committee.
• Strengthen partnerships: provide advice and support to senior management and the Senior Resource Mobilisation Officer in maintaining and expanding relationships with funding organisations and partner institutions to advance resource mobilisation efforts.

4. Management

• Prepare reports and documentation: produce reports and documents for the governing bodies of the Convention and assist in organising and conducting their meetings as required.
• Represent the secretariat: act on behalf of the Secretary General and the Secretariat in regional matters and specified thematic areas, including meetings and contacts with government officials, intergovernmental organisations, convention secretariats, partner organisations, and national and international NGOs.
• Provide leadership and oversight: lead assigned operational functions, including project management and reporting.
• Supervise and develop staff members: manage staff member(s) reporting to the Senior Advisor, ensuring annual workplans are aligned with the Secretariat’s Workplan. Hold staff accountable for results and quality outputs, encourage collaboration across teams, and support professional development.
• Contribute to Senior Management: as a member of the Senior Management Team, participate in Secretariat work planning and coordinate activities with other sections to ensure efficient operations and a whole-of-Secretariat approach.

The above job description contains the main duties and responsibilities for this position. However, in the Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands, staff members are expected to undertake other tasks that are reasonably allocated to them, but which are not part of their regular job description. Where any task becomes a regular part of an employee's responsibilities, the job description will be changed in consultation with the employee and Human Resources.