IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) is looking for a Senior Technical Officer - Biodiversity and Climate (GEF and GCF)

Organization: IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)

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

Grade: P2

Vacancy #: 7615

Contract: Max-term (up to 24 months, renewable)

Start date: 1 August 2026

Application deadline: 25 June 2026

Reports to: Director, Multilateral Finance Unit

Background

The Multilateral Finance Unit (MFU) operates within IUCN Corporate Services, leading strategic engagement with the GEF (partner since 2014) and GCF (accredited since 2016). Together these funds represent over one third of the IUCN project portfolio. The unit handles pipeline development guidance, portfolio oversight, and compliance with fund requirements. The selected officer will provide technical oversight across both portfolios, ensuring project quality and integrity.

Key Duties

• Technical review and QA — Review project documents (concept notes, funding proposals, work plans); validate theories of change and results frameworks; ensure integration of climate–biodiversity nexus approaches.
• GEF/GCF compliance — Verify alignment with fund policies, safeguards, gender requirements, and fiduciary standards; support CEO Endorsements and Funding Proposals.
• Advisory support — Advise on mitigation, adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and cross-cutting themes including gender and social inclusion.
• Portfolio analysis — Identify trends and gaps; inform senior management on performance and risk.
• Knowledge management — Synthesize lessons learned; develop guidance products; build partner capacity.
• Representation — Engage GEF/GCF Secretariats and technical panels; represent IUCN in relevant forums.

Requirements

• Education: Master's degree or higher in climate change, environmental science, biodiversity, natural resource management, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum 8 years in climate/biodiversity/environmental programming; demonstrated GEF or GCF (or comparable fund) experience.
• Technical skills: Project appraisal, results-based management, environmental and social safeguards, quality assurance.
• Languages: Excellent English required; French or Spanish highly preferable.
• Competencies: Strong analytical, drafting, stakeholder engagement, strategic thinking, and independent judgment skills.

While we do our best in sharing high quality job postings, Jobs in Geneva can't guarantee or be made responsible for the content in the postings (e.g. specified deadlines or links).