Unit:
European Regional Office Restoration
Organisation:
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Location:
European Regional Office, Bonn, Germany
Reporting to:
Senior Programme Manager European Regional Office
Expected start date:
01 September 2026
Type of contract:
Fixed-term (up to 12 months with possibility of renewal)
Closing date:
19 July 2026
BACKGROUND
IUCN is the world’s oldest and largest global environmental network - a democratic membership union with more than 1,400 government and NGO member organizations, and almost 15,000 volunteer scientists in more than 160 countries. IUCN’s work is supported by more than 1,000 professional staff in 45 offices and hundreds of partners in public, NGO and private sectors around the world. Its headquarters are based in Gland, Switzerland.
The IUCN European Regional Office (EURO) provides vital linkages for IUCN Members, National Committees, Commissions and the Secretariat to governments, EU institutions, NGOs, scientists, practitioners, the private sector and other stakeholders to accelerate the implementation of the European Green Deal, the EU 2030 Biodiversity Strategy and related national and regional biodiversity plans. It provides knowledge and advises decision makers to improve conservation policy and action, connect and engage.
IUCN EURO is looking for a highly motivated Nature Restoration Officer to join our Programme and Policy team. This position will support IUCN’s work on nature restoration in Europe. The Officer will work in close collaboration with his/her supervisor, and other IUCN staff especially of the IUCN European Regional Office, supporting the implementation of the policy and programme work of the office. This will include a wide range of tasks within the project portfolio and in the implementation of the IUCN programme.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Under the supervision of the Senior Programme Manager, European Regional Office and in close collaboration with staff in the Programme and Policy team and the European Regional Office, the Nature Restoration Officer will support the implementation of relevant projects and contribute to the overall activity of the team. Specifically, the position will entail:
- Support the implementation of the European Nature Restoration project portfolio, with a particular focus on the EU Nature Restoration Regulation and the monitoring of National Restoration Plans.
- Ensure high-quality project planning, delivery, and reporting, including the preparation of work plans, service contracts, budgets, and donor reports.
- Monitor project implementation to ensure timely delivery of outputs and achievement of intended outcomes.
- Contribute to fundraising efforts by identifying funding opportunities, liaising with donors, and developing new project ideas aligned with strategic priorities.
- Develop communication materials and content for both specialist and non-specialist audiences, including web stories, presentations, brochures, and webinars.
- Build and maintain effective collaboration with IUCN Members, partners, and experts across Europe, and represent IUCN at external meetings and events as required.
- Provide guidance and support to junior team members, fostering effective teamwork and capacity development.
- Oversee day-to-day project operations, including logistics and the organization of meetings, workshops, and events.
- Carry out other relevant tasks on request and in agreement with the line manager.
The above job description contains the main duties and responsibilities for this position. However, in a small organisation such as IUCN, staff members are expected to show flexibility in their approach to work and be willing 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 relevant colleagues.
SALARY
The gross annual salary for this position is in the range from EUR 60.000 to EUR 70.000 (depending on skills, experiences and IUCN equity analysis) subject to deductions for social security contributions and health insurance, and before tax.
REQUIREMENTS
Affinity with the vision and mission of IUCN.
University degree in a subject relevant to the tasks to be performed.
At least five years of work experience in the development and management of all phases of the project management lifecycle in the field of nature conservation, sustainable development or a related area of work.
Knowledge of EU nature conservation and restoration policies, and a good understanding of the functioning of the European Union and its institutions. Knowledge of socio-economic aspects of nature conservation is a strong asset, and familiarity with IUCN species and area-based conservation standards and knowledge products.
Sound administrative/coordination skills, including contract administration, logistical coordination and event preparation, travel planning and management of agendas, budget monitoring and reporting
Complete fluency in the English language, including excellent demonstrated English writing and editing skills.
Sound understanding of information technology, with experience in applying Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) as a minimum skill set.
Detail- and outcome-oriented; organization, multitasking, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently and on multiple tasks simultaneously.
Ability to meet tight deadlines without compromising the quality of outputs.
Highly motivated to learn and develop new skills, keen to bring in own ideas.
A team player with a strong interest to work in an international environment.
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.
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