Job Specifications
Vacancy #: 7240 Unit: Ramsar Convention Secretariat Organisation: The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar) Location: Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands, Gland, Switzerland Reporting to: Senior Regional Advisor for Africa Work percentage: 100% Grade: YP Expected start date: 04 August 2025 Type of contract: Max-term (12 months with possibility of renewal) Closing date: 13 April 2025
BACKGROUND
The Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and of wetland biodiversity and services. It is the first of the modern global multilateral environmental agreements and remains the only one devoted to a specific critical ecosystem.
The Convention Secretariat has its headquarters in Gland, Switzerland, where the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) provides some administrative services for the Convention.
The Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and of wetland biodiversity and services. It is the first of the modern global multilateral environmental agreements and remains the only one devoted to a specific critical ecosystem.
The Convention’s Secretariat is headquartered in Gland, Switzerland, where the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) provides some administrative services to the Secretariat for the operations and implementation of the Convention.
The Young Professional (YP) Position Supports The Implementation Of The Convention Through Working In a Collaborative, Whole-of-Secretariat Work Style. The Position Is Structured To Provide Professional Development Opportunities, And Will Offer The Incumbent The Chance Of Gaining Direct Career Experience In Terms Of
understanding how international legal instruments support conservation and sustainable use of natural and human-made ecosystems;
understanding how different multilateral environmental agreements work in synergy, notably through the contribution of data and indicators for the implementation of global sustainable development programmes and goals;
exposure to national authorities, diplomats, scientific experts and practitioners focusing on the development and implementation of international and national policies;
Experience of working in the context of a small international team supporting 171 countries that are Contracting Parties to the Convention.
The Young Professional (YP) position is designed to provide early-career professionals (up to 35 years old) with their first professional experience in an international setting. Eligible candidates must hold a Bachelors degree or higher and have between six months and three years of work experience
Job Description
Ramsar Site designation and information updates
Evaluate data sheets ("Ramsar Information Sheets") and prepare related documentation to accompany the designation process of Wetlands of International Importance (also known as Ramsar Sites) and their updates;
Provide support to Contracting Parties to enter data in RSIS (Ramsar Sites Information Service) database for new designations and updates.
Ramsar Site conservation and protection
Assist in addressing conservation and sustainable use issues of individual wetland sites primarily in the applicable region(s) of the Convention and in particular assist with the procedure concerning adverse changes in the ecological character of Ramsar Sites (Article 3.2 of the Convention);
Promote use of the mechanisms for conservation and sustainable use of wetlands that have been developed under the Convention, especially the technical guidelines related to the work on Ramsar Information Sheets, and the development of management tools.
Support to Contracting Parties
Maintain routine contacts with governments that are Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands as well as non-Contracting Parties, as well as with NGOs and international partner organisations and other relevant organisations and stakeholders;
Contribute to the preparation of regional meetings, annual meetings of the Standing Committee and the triennial Conference of the Contracting Parties.
Policy processes
Compile, analyse and draft information on technical and policy issues related to wetland conservation and sustainable use, in the context of the approved Workplan of the Secretariat, which refers to the Strategic Plan 2016-2024, the work plan of the Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP) and decisions taken by the Governing Bodies of the Convention (documents available on the Convention Web site)
Project Implementation
Monitor project implementation and provide project oversight as assigned (where applicable);
Ensure project reports are completed and meet grant requirements.
Other
Complete routine administrative work such as preparing correspondence, updating databases and providing translation.
This job description contains the main duties and responsibilities for this position. However, in the Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands, staff members are expected 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 Human Resources.
Requirements
University degree (preferably a post-graduate degree) in a subject relevant to wetland conservation and sustainable use, such as geography, biology, hydrology, marine sciences, natural resources management, land use planning, economics, or anthropology/sociology;
At least 6 months relevant professional work experience in field work in wetland related subjects;
Work experience or familiarity with work in the Africa region is essential;
Ability to work in English is essential for this position;
Facility to work in the other Convention languages (French and/or Spanish) is a clear asset;
Well-developed computer skills and an ability to work effectively and efficiently in a proprietary database (RSIS). Experience with CRM platforms such as Salesforce or CiviCRM or equivalent is an advantage;
A demonstrated commitment to nature conservation and sustainable use issues;
Experience working in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment;
Awareness and understanding of cultural diversity and gender issues and commitment to incorporate these in their work and in the relations with the Convention on Wetlands constituencies.
SALARY
The gross annual salary for this position is CHF 60'000. While this is an indicative amount effective as of the current date, changes may occur as per IUCN's compensation practices without prior notice. The same applies to other organisations hosted by IUCN.
APPLICATIONS
Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management Sy...
About the Company
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is the world's oldest and largest global environmental organisation that has been finding pragmatic solutions to the most pressing environmental and development challenges.
Working with over 100 members covering 24 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa, we demonstrate unique leadership in the region by providing credible and trusted knowledge, convening and building partnerships for action, sustaining global-to-local and local-to-global reach, and influencing po...
Know more