Programme Associate-Knowledge Management and Tech4Nature

Background

The position is based at the IUCN Regional Office for Europe in Bonn, Germany. The Programme Associate would work under the formal supervision of the Senior Manager – Knowledge Management, with close coordination with the IUCN Tech4Nature Manager.

Job Description

Knowledge Management, Learning and Library Services (KMLLS) Team

IUCN has committed to advancing a systematic, strategic approach to knowledge management, coordinated by the KMLLS Team. The broader application of existing, well-established tools like PANORAMA – Solutions for a Healthy Planet – a knowledge and learning initiative in collaboration with GIZ, UNDP and other partners – will form a key part of that strategy. The KMLLS Teams is also increasingly positioning itself as a valuable partner that can deliver knowledge management and exchange for projects of other teams internally, as well as for external partners.

IUCN will implement a project titled “Facilitating regional and global knowledge sharing for NBSAP implementation”, commissioned by GIZ. This project is in turn a contribution to the GIZ-Global Project (GP) “Strengthening National Implementation of Global Biodiversity Targets”, which forms part of the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership. IUCN will facilitate international knowledge management and exchange regarding NBSAP implementation, drawing on its extensive networks, tools and expertise, as well as alignment with other related projects and initiatives. IUCN will facilitate knowledge transfer and exchange on different levels, particularly regional and global, through three interlinked work packages. The PANORAMA – Solutions for a Healthy Planet methodology will form an important backbone to all work packages.

Tech4Nature and PCA Team

The Tech4Nature partnership, launched in 2020 by IUCN and Huawei’s TECH4ALL programme, leverages innovative digital technology for conservation success in protected and conserved areas (PCAs) globally. Key achievements include the use of acoustic monitoring for Hainan Gibbons, AI-based tracking of jaguars, and advanced coral reef monitoring systems. The Tech4Nature initiative supports the effective management and equitable governance of PCAs by integrating technology such as data sensing, machine learning, AI, and big-data analytics into PCAs. The partnership supports effective conservation strategies by enabling real-time monitoring and evidence-based decision-making.

Technological innovation has the potential to provide innovative, accelerated and scalable solutions to the diverse challenges facing protected and conserved areas and those who govern and manage them. Through the Tech4Nature Initiative, IUCN is helping to provide conservationists – from local and Indigenous ranger teams to high-level policy makers – with the latest access to cutting-edge technologies to help make the best decisions for fair and effective area-based conservation.

Under Tech4Nature Phase 2, the focus is on expanding the partnership to bridge ICT innovation with biodiversity conservation. This includes launching the Tech4Nature Award under PANORAMA, which will recognise and promote successful digital technology solutions for nature conservation. The role will involve managing and implementing this Award, contributing to the broader goals of the PCA Team.

The position will ensure that the synergies between these two initiatives are fully leveraged to maximise their contributions to fair and effective area-based and species conservation, and knowledge dissemination.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Knowledge sharing for NBSAP implementation project (Knowledge Management, Learning, and Library Services Team)

• • Coordinate technical implementation of the project, in close coordination with the project manager (Senior Manager – Knowledge Management)
    • Ensure consistent liaison and coordination with GIZ, relevant IUCN global, regional and country staff and project stakeholders
    • Support contracting and reporting processes
    • Provide input on overall knowledge management and learning methodology
  • Provide technical inputs across all 3 work packages:
  • Generating Knowledge (work package 1)
    • Advise on the selection of priority learning topics through the review of NBSAPs, consultation with regional stakeholders, and facilitation of virtual workshops, in close coordination with regional colleagues
    • Coordinate the scoping and documentation of successful approaches as PANORAMA Solutions, liaising closely with solution providers in framing and drafting case studies
    • With IUCN regional offices, co-design and co-facilitate virtual write-shops and bilateral exchanges between knowledge holders and partner country stakeholders
  • International Peer-to-Peer Knowledge Exchange (work package 2)
    • With IUCN regional staff and other project team members, co-design regional knowledge exchange events
    • Provide support on facilitation, participant engagement, documentation and coordinate post-event follow-up, including the finalization and publication of new PANORAMA Solutions
  • Knowledge Dissemination and Continuous Exchange (work package 3)Ensure dissemination of newly documented PANORAMA Solutions through PANORAMA network, working closely with communications staff and partner organizations
    • Lead on the compilation of a report summarizing the project’s methodology and learning outcomes, with recommendations for scaling and replication
  • Help ensure that project implementation is informed by broader strategic development processes of the PANORAMA initiative and the IUCN approach to KM, and vice versa

Tech4Nature Award: Coordination and Implementation (Protected and Conserved Areas Team)

• • Oversee the full implementation of the Tech4Nature Award, including
    • Managing screening rounds on the PANORAMA platform, coordinating with IT service providers, and ensuring smooth technical execution.
    • Coordinate the management of the Award review process, including the recruitment and engagement of reviewers.
    • Lead the planning (and execution) of the Tech4Nature Award ceremony and the related matchmaking event, ensuring alignment with the broader communication strategy and Award objectives.
    • Communication and Outreach activities
    • Develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy for the Tech4Nature Award, including necessary content and set-up for the Award launch on the Tech4Nature website, and lead the development of Award content including newsletters, articles, and other promotional materials, in collaboration with PCA Communications Team.
    • Engage with potential partners and stakeholders to enhance the visibility and impact of the Tech4Nature Award, including exploring opportunities to present the Award at relevant national and international events.
    • Contribute to fundraising efforts for the Tech4Nature Award prize package, as well as for potential follow-up Tech4Nature Awards.
    • Develop a work plan and milestones to identify and implement follow-up phases of the Tech4Nature Award, incorporating lessons learnt from the first Tech4Nature Award.
    • Co-lead Knowledge Sharing
      • Collaborate with PANORAMA to integrate Tech4Nature Solutions and case studies into the PANORAMA platform and into a related “Solutions in Focus” publication, ensuring that successful examples of technology approaches are widely disseminated.
      • Contribute to the mapping of potential partners in the nature conservation and ICT sectors, fostering connections that enhance the reach and impact of Tech4Nature.
      • Set up and establish a Tech4Nature Community on PANORAMA

Synergy and Integration between PANORAMA and Tech4Nature

• Ensure the best use of synergies between PANORAMA and Tech4Nature by aligning knowledge management strategies and leveraging shared resources.
• Facilitate cross-project learning and collaboration, ensuring that the insights and innovations from each project benefit the other.
• Regularly communicate with project teams to identify opportunities for integration and joint activities that enhance the overall impact of both partnerships.
• Provide input on joint fundraising opportunities.
  • Include key knowledge management elements into the Tech4NBSAPs proposal (developed by the Programme Manager, Technology and Innovation, PCA Team).
  • Identify opportunities to engage potential donors to co-develop the Tech4NBSAPs proposal.
  • With guidance from line managers, explore potential donor interest by presenting the proposal to BMUV in upcoming meetings and arranging bilateral discussions with other EU based donors participating in RCF2024ENCA, and other national and regional fora.

Requirements

• At least an undergraduate degree in natural resources management or related field
• 3-4 years relevant experience in nature conservation, handling partner relations, communications/outreach and knowledge management, with specific focus on technology and innovation, as well as implementation of global policy frameworks
• Strong command of English (oral, written) required; knowledge of other language, especially French and Spanish, desirable.
• German is an asset.
• Experience working in international organizations or NGOs with an environmental focus is required
• At least 3 months international field work experience in nature conservation is a strong asset

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.