Job Description

Vacancy #:	7515
Unit:	ESARO -Drylands Resilience Programme(DRP)
Organisation:	International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Location:	Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office, Nairobi, Kenya
Reporting to:	Country Representative, Kenya / Regional Head, Land Systems
Work percentage:	100%
Grade:	P1
Expected start date:	01 April 2026
Type of contract:	Fixed-term (up to 24 months)
Closing date:	26 February 2026

BACKGROUND

THIS IS A LOCAL POSITION

BACKGROUND:

IUCN’s Kenya Country Programme supports priorities defined under Kenya's National Development Plan, National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, National Climate Change Strategy, Agriculture and Water Sector Development Strategies and Marine and Fisheries Action Plans, Blue Economy Policies and Strategies, IUCN 20-year vision (2026-2045), IUCN programme 2026-2029 as well as relevant multi-lateral environmental agreements. Our 2026-2030 strategic goals include sustainable land and landscapes management, conservation of critical natural habitats, Integrated water resources management, capacity building for climate change adaptation and mitigation, sustainable urban resilience and coastal and ocean resilience (COR) building.
IUCN’s ESARO Land Systems Programme supports governments and communities in the region to implement their priorities related to climate change adaptation and mitigation, sustainable land and landscape management, conservation of critical natural habitats, urban resilience and regenerative agriculture practices. Our support also extends to regional development bodies such as the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community, assisting them in operationalizing their various development frameworks and strategies. Following the adoption of IUCN’s 20-year vision (2026–2045) and the four-year programme of work (2026–2029) at the World Conservation Congress last year, we are currently finalizing the review of our programme strategy for 2026–2030. This process aims to ensure alignment with IUCN’s institutional priorities as well as emerging regional needs and priorities.

To ensure the effective and efficient delivery of Kenya and Regional Land Systems Programme strategies, we are seeking a young, dynamic, technically strong, and collaborative individual to work closely with the Kenya Country Team and Regional Land Systems Programme team to support the daily coordination of programme operations. The ideal candidate will have excellent organizational and programme management skills, with the ability to work autonomously and across functions while remaining flexible and responsive to changing priorities. Strong and consistent communication skills—both verbal and written—are essential, together with a demonstrated commitment to collaboration and teamwork. This role requires a results-oriented professional who works with purpose and reliability and is able to consistently meet deadlines.

The Programme Officer-Coordination is a local position at the Kenya Country Office and will be based in Nairobi with travels across the country and the region.

JOB DESCRIPTION

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Programme coordination, implementation support, documentation and reporting;
Prepare communication materials such as briefs, concept notes, and updates,
Organize internal coordination meetings, take minutes and track implementation of agreed actions,
Provide management support to manage teamwork, coordinate projects, and ensure consistent technical and administrative support across the team,
Track project timelines and deliverables, proactively identifying and addressing risks or potential delays,
Compile programme reports, activity summaries and presentations.

Leadership support;
Manage calendars across multiple time zones and participants
Strategically prioritizing and scheduling a high volume of appointments, meetings, and travel,
Partner with teams across the organization to ensure the country representative, regional head of land systems programme and office are well prepared for upcoming engagements, including coordinating meeting agendas, pre-reads and other relevant materials,
Prepare agendas, materials and follow-ups for leadership meetings and key decisions.

Events and meetings management;
Coordinate high-level meetings and events involving internal teams and partners,
Manage team meeting logistics, take and synthesize meeting notes and track follow-up on action items,
Provide communication support to ensure timely responses to inquiries, including prioritizing correspondence for the Country representative and other senior staff.
Lead logistics, planning, and coordination for internal and external events, conferences, retreats, and presentations—handling participant arrangements, materials preparation, and real-time problem solving.

Other responsibilities;
Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

REQUIREMENTS

• POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education;
A degree in an appropriate field related to natural resource management and conservation, Landscape/Wildlife/Forest/rangeland, Marine ecology, climate change, environment, governance, or related fields;
Computer literacy in relation to office applications (word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint) use of internet and online communication tools;

Work Experience;
An outstanding, hands-on, highly motivated, autonomous, innovative, solution-oriented, results-driven and resourceful individual with at least 5 years of proven experience.
Expertise in natural resources management;
Up-to-date knowledge on the nexus between nature conservation, livelihood, climate change and governance;
Basic understanding of project/programme design and management processes;
Strong organizational, time-management skills, ability to multitask and prioritize;
Computer literacy in relation to office applications (word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint) use of internet and online communication tools;
Demonstrated ability to work under pressure managing competing demands and complex situations and deliver satisfactory and timely results;
Must be a strong team player with proven communication and diplomacy skills and ability to work effectively with multicultural and multidisciplinary teams displaying sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Committed to continuous learning and proactive and mature attitude towards self-development.

Language requirement;
Excellent verbal and communication skills in English and Swahili is essential;

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, multiethnic 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 for individual and collective actions, promotes the IUCN One Programme approach.

Functional competencies;
Adheres to IUCN core values of Transparency, Inclusiveness, Professionalism and Accountability;
Strong interpersonal, management and coordination skills and experience;
Ability to manage complex situations;
Be willing to undertake frequent travel and interact with different stakeholders from diverse cultures.

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.

www.iucn.org
https://twitter.com/IUCN