Programme Officer
IUCN SSC Human-Wildlife Conflict and Coexistence Specialist Group
May 2024
The IUCN SSC Human-Wildlife Conflict & Coexistence Specialist Group (HWCCSG) is an interdisciplinary expert-based advisory group and think tank that supports professionals, organisations and governments working on human-wildlife conflict and coexistence by providing interdisciplinary guidance, resources, and capacity building. Founded in 2016, the HWCCSG was established to foster links between policy, science, and communities, and assimilate knowledge and capacity for human-wildlife conflict and coexistence management. For information about the HWCSSG’s work please visit www.hwctf.org.
The role
As part of our ongoing work on building capacity for human-wildlife coexistence and the IUCN Guidelines on Human-Wildlife Conflict and Coexistence, we are seeking a new team member to take on the coordination of activities around the development of complementary materials to the Guidelines, the planning of training courses, and development of a network of practice. Projects and activities to be managed by the postholder will focus mainly on:
a) Outreach and engagement with a range of audiences interested in the HWCC Guidelines and associated publications products, via meetings, webinars and presentations
b) Project management of various collaborative complementary editions, knowledge products and web interfaces of the IUCN Guidelines and Case Studies
c) Coordination of a network of practice and via the HWCCSG and joint working groups
d) Coordination of the development of a strategy and business plan for a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary IUCN HWC training programme
e) Supervision of an upgrade of the HWC library, incorporating new sections and linking to other knowledge hubs, as well as translations of the website
f) Planning of the second international conference on HWCC, including location and venue options, dates, partners, budget and funders, broad programme outlines.
The candidate
We are looking for a candidate with a postgraduate degree in natural or social sciences related to biodiversity conservation and likely 6-8 years of experience working in the conservation sector. Multidisciplinary subject knowledge and understanding of the topic of human-wildlife conflict is essential for this role. The job will require excellent project management skills, strong writing and editing skills, independent working and an ability to juggle multiple activities and demands and organize workload efficiently. The candidate should also be at ease with frequent communication with collaborators, working groups and stakeholders via email or zoom/phone calls. Detailed familiarity with the IUCN HWC Guidelines, HWCCS membership, products and activities will need to be acquired in the first weeks in post. This position will require at least three days per week (60%), initially for 12 months but with the expectation of extension thereafter. The preferred start date is as soon as possible, and the work location is flexible/international. It is a desk-based role with no travel in the initial phase, although opportunities may arise, and with meetings predominantly held online. The remuneration range is between GBP 28-36,000 per annum on consultancy contract basis. Applications should include a cover letter or email and an up-to-date CV and be sent to the IUCN HWCCSG Chair at alexandra.zimmermann@ssc.iucn.org by 18 June 2024.