IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) is looking for a Senior Programme Lead (GEF and GCF)

Organization: IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)

Location: Gland, Switzerland (Headquarters); Washington, D.C. also considered

Grade: SP

Vacancy #: 7616

Contract: Max-term (up to 24 months)

Start date: 1 July 2026

Application deadline: 25 June 2026

Background

IUCN's Multilateral Finance Unit (MFU) sits within Corporate Services and leads strategic engagement with the GEF, GCF, and other multilateral funds. IUCN has been a GEF Partner Agency since 2014 and a GCF Accredited Entity since 2016. The MFU portfolio now represents over one third of the IUCN project portfolio. The role manages quality assurance across pipeline development and portfolio performance, ensuring compliance with both funds' technical and policy requirements.

Key Duties

• Pipeline development and QA — Lead strategy for Fund engagement, develop systems and guidelines, coordinate proposal reviews, lead submissions, and build internal and partner capacity.
• Portfolio performance management — Develop monitoring systems and results-based management frameworks, supervise project implementation, identify at-risk projects, and approve mitigation plans.
• Technical and policy advisory — Track policy updates, communicate Fund requirements internally, develop results communications, and represent IUCN in relevant meetings and task forces.

Requirements

• Education: Master's degree or higher in an environment or development-related field.
• Experience: Minimum 11 years of international experience managing complex natural resource or biodiversity programmes.
• Fund knowledge: In-depth knowledge and experience successfully engaging with GEF and/or GCF.
• Technical areas: Environmental economics, ecosystem restoration, climate adaptation, water and forest management, governance.
• Other: Strong English proficiency (French or Spanish highly preferable); experience in developing countries and multicultural settings; robust international professional network; M&E background an asset.

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