The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a global membership Union composed of 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.

IUCN’s Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA) is implementing a cooperation programme with the National Center for Wildlife (NCW) and other partners in Saudi Arabia. The programme aims to strengthen institutional and technical capacities for biodiversity conservation, enhance protected area management, and support the development of a well-connected and effectively managed protected areas network aligned with international standards.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

The Senior Project Officer is responsible for the effective management, implementation, coordination, and monitoring of the project implemented under the NCW–IUCN cooperation programme. The position ensures that activities are delivered in a timely and efficient manner, in line with approved workplans, contractual obligations, and IUCN standards and procedures.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Project Implementation and Monitoring:

• Planning and supervising the implementation of project activities in line with approved work plans and timelines.
• Prepare and update project work plans, procurement plans, and implementation schedules.
• Develop high-quality progress reports and ensure timely internal and donor reporting.
• Monitor project progress against agreed indicators and mitigate and manage delays or risks in coordination with the Programme Manager.
• Manage and supervise consultant deliverables, including reviewing outputs for completeness, quality and alignment with TORs and IUCN and donor standards.
• Scoping activities and drafting of consultant TORs and contracts
• Track and monitor project expenditures, forecasts and payments in coordination with the Finance Unit and Programme Manager.
• Ensure the efficient management of resources in line with IUCN standards and procedures, and in coordination with the Programme Manager/ budget holder.
• Supervise and manage the project officers and implementation team.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date project information in IUCN’s Project Portal and project management systems.

2. Coordination and Communication:

• Represent the Programme Manger in donor and partner meetings and events
• Coordinate day-to-day communication with consultants, experts, donors and project partners.
• Facilitate coordination with internal units (finance, procurement, communications) to support project implementation.
• Support the organization of technical meetings, workshops, and missions as required for project delivery.
• Participate in field missions and technical activities, as needed.
• Maintain organized project documentation and records.

3. Technical Supervision and contribution:

• Provide technical inputs to strengthen project deliverables, including protected area management plans, assessments, and reports.
• Review of consultant/expert deliverables to ensure technical alignment with IUCN standards and project objectives.
• Contribute to the development of knowledge products, summaries, and technical briefs.
• Supervise and participate in field missions to provide technical inputs and guidance related to protected area planning and relevant project activities.
• Ensure that project outputs reflect and align with relevant IUCN frameworks and tools (e.g., Green List, protected area management effectiveness approaches, systematic conservation planning).

4. Other Responsibilities:
• Ensure alignment of project activities with IUCN regional priorities and programme frameworks.
• Assist the programme manager in improving the programme's portfolio through
fundraising, proposal development and networking.
• Support the identification of lessons learned and good practices from project implementation.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the line manager.

KEY RESULTS:
• Timely implementation and delivery of project activities in line with approved workplans.
• High-quality technical and progress reports submitted as per agreed timelines.
• Accurate and up-to-date project data maintained in IUCN systems.
• Effective coordination with partners and stakeholders supporting smooth project delivery.