Location
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Hours
Full Time
Salary
£34,891 to £40,000 per annum
About the Role
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a global union of governments and non-governmental organisations dedicated to conserving nature's integrity and diversity while ensuring equitable and ecologically sustainable use of natural resources. This role focuses on sustainable wildlife use and trade, including assessing trade impacts on wild species, supporting TRAFFIC projects, and contributing scientific evidence to The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The Programme Officer will support the Biodiversity Assessment and Knowledge Team by overseeing delivery and implementation of a GEF-funded project developing wildlife use and trade indicators and data mobilisation algorithms. Working closely with conservation institutions, IUCN members, and international stakeholders, the role ensures effective project execution to increase access to robust sustainability indicators and digital data for decision-making.
Key responsibilities include managing multiple work streams such as identifying priority indicators, developing methodologies and technical guidance to address gaps in Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) and national biodiversity strategies, and supporting CITES project coordination. The role also involves project design, management, reporting, and budget liaison.
The Programme Officer will contribute to international wildlife trade policy by supporting IUCN input into CITES meetings and intersessional activities, linking species use and trade with global strategies like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and representing IUCN in partnerships such as the Collaborative Partnership on Sustainable Wildlife Management (CPW) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Global Wildlife Program Steering Committee.
Additional duties include supporting IUCN Commissions and Regional Offices on sustainable use and trade conservation work, assisting in project portfolio development and fundraising, addressing illegal and unsustainable trade, and contributing to risk assessments related to wildlife trade and zoonotic disease emergence.
Experience
At least five years of relevant work experience in wildlife use and trade. Demonstrated knowledge of biodiversity indicator frameworks such as the CBD Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, UN Sustainable Development Goals (Goals 14 & 15), and CITES Strategic Vision 2021-2030. Strong technical skills in data collection, management, and analysis. Experience with analytical tools like R, Python, or GIS software and familiarity with biodiversity/trade databases (e.g., Species+, CITES Trade Database) is desirable. Proven experience in stakeholder engagement, including facilitating workshops and capacity-building activities. Project management experience is an advantage.
About you
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex scientific data into policy-relevant outputs. Ability to work cooperatively and diplomatically with diverse cultures and viewpoints. Willingness to travel internationally and work to strict deadlines. Passionate about conservation. Fluency in English is required; proficiency in Spanish and/or French is an advantage. Familiarity with standard word processing, data management, and presentation software.
Qualifications
A relevant university degree is required, with a preference for a post-graduate qualification in conservation science or a related discipline. Legal right to work in the United Kingdom is mandatory; IUCN cannot sponsor work visas for this position.
