Director, IUCN Global Ocean and Regenerative Blue Economy Team
Vacancy #: 7465
Unit: Ocean
Organization: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Location: Headquarters, Gland, Switzerland
Reporting to: Director, IUCN Centre for Conservation Action
Work percentage: 100%
Grade: M2
Expected start date: 01 November 2026
Type of contract: Max-term (up to 24 months with possibility of renewal)
Closing date: 15 January 2026
Background
The work of the IUCN Global Ocean and Regenerative Blue Economy Team (“Global Ocean Team”) focuses on ensuring scaled‑up conservation outcomes for the ocean, including through effective area‑based conservation measures, aiming to conserve all ocean and coastal areas of particular importance for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services, and to mainstream the protection and restoration of biodiversity into nature‑positive social and economic development trajectories. The Team also aims to address threats and pressures to conservation and societal well‑being in the ocean and polar realms, including from climate change, marine plastic pollution, extractive industries, and ocean acidification, and to develop and promote feasible solutions, supported by scientific knowledge.
A strong focus is on achieving the IUCN transformative outcome for a regenerative blue economy, taking account of sustainable resource use including fisheries and non‑consumptive uses, and ensuring environmental and economic circularity concerning existing and new uses of the ocean. The Global Ocean Team brings an expanding portfolio of projects and initiatives to address the main objectives of IUCN’s Nature 2030 Programme, including IUCN’s Programme 2026‑2029, to achieve policy, public funding and implementation of the global agenda to conserve the world’s ocean.
Job Description
As the leader of IUCN Global Ocean Team, the Director is responsible for implementation of the IUCN Programme in respect of the Ocean and the achievement of relevant programmatic outputs through developing, planning, aligning and implementing the Ocean Team’s overall multi‑year operations and business plan. A key element of this strategic leadership role is the establishment of integrated and effective annual workplans, budgets and workforce plans and ensuring that all staff clearly understand and are accountable for their role in delivery. The Director will pursue effective programme management and coordination, in collaboration with Centres, Teams and ocean focal points in regional offices and IUCN Commissions.
The Director is part of the IUCN Ocean senior coordination group involving Director Centre for Conservation Action, Director Centre for Policy and Law, Director IUCN Global Ocean Policy and other senior managers. In addition, work will be closely integrated with programmes concerned with scaling up conservation on land and freshwater, especially through effective area‑based conservation measures in the ocean, coastal zones and polar regions.
The Director is responsible for developing IUCN’s overall ocean conservation strategy, building and maintaining a financially and technically sustainable project portfolio, managing projects and partnerships, recruiting and supervising all staff, ensuring adherence to project design and reporting, and applying all IUCN policies on planning, budgeting and financial management. The Director will also support greater integration with the Protected, Conserved and Heritage Area Teams, lead joint programmes of work, and influence the global ocean conservation agenda beyond 2030.
Specific Functions And Deliverables
* Consult regularly with the Director Centre for Conservation Action, the Director Protected, Conserved and Heritage Areas, the Centre Cluster Manager, and the Deputy Director General on IUCN programmatic strategy and directions.
* Work proactively with the Director, Centre for Policy and Law and the Director, IUCN Ocean Policy to support effective messaging and engagement in relevant international meetings.
* Coordinate portfolio development and resource mobilisation, managing the Ocean Team project portfolio to ensure a balanced and sustainable programme of work.
* Recruit, supervise and develop all Global Ocean Team staff.
* Ensure effective organisation and deployment of staff across project teams to deliver the programme of work.
* Undertake effective planning, budgeting and financial management for the Global Ocean Team.
* Represent IUCN where required, including coordinating IUCN delegations in international meetings.
* Provide strategic and operational leadership for closer coordination of the Global Ocean Team and integration with other Teams and Regions.
* Ensure coherent and integrated efforts on Ocean conservation across the Union.
* Foster joint development of programmes for the forthcoming International Marine Protected Area Congress (IMPAC6) in March 2027 and the IUCN World Protected and Conserved Area Congress 2027.
* Develop and maintain a high‑quality project portfolio of projects and income streams aligned with IUCN’s programme of work.
* Contribute to fundraising, coordinate project proposals and manage project preparation teams.
* Maintain high quality relationships with project donors, ensuring expectations and reporting are met.
* Apply IUCN Project Guidelines and Standards and Project Appraisal and Approval procedures.
* Establish a sound monitoring and evaluation framework for ocean conservation impact in line with corporate M&E requirements.
* Promote collaboration with other IUCN Centres and Regions and Assist with the integration of annual deliverables, budgets and workforce planning.
* Identify, mitigate and manage risks to the Ocean Programme outputs.
* Directly manage the Ocean Team on a daily basis, including recruiting, directing and deploying staff and allocating financial resources.
* Build, manage and motivate the team’s staff, ensuring a cohesive and collegial approach.
* Ensure all staff understand the vision, operational plans and accountability procedures.
* Identify, encourage and nurture talent while addressing any behaviours that diminish effectiveness.
* Oversee financial management, including budgeting, TMS allocation and procurement in line with IUCN guidelines.
* Prepare annual work plans and budgets.
* Ensure all contracted projects are delivered according to agreed procedures and protocols.
* Contribute to and participate in the Centre for Conservation Action, reinforcing an institutional commitment to transparent and accountable management.
Competencies
* Enthusiastic commitment and inspirational leadership.
* Commitment to nature conservation and sustainable use.
* Ability to provide inspiration and strategic direction.
* Demonstrated leadership abilities, high integrity and effective communication.
* Extensive and diverse professional networks.
* Proven ability to manage and lead diverse teams.
* Experience developing and leading improvement and change initiatives.
* Ability to plan and act, focusing staff on priorities.
* Experience in staff selection, coaching and appraisal.
* Senior management experience with self‑awareness and proactive management of strengths and weaknesses.
* Experience in organisational, financial and personnel management.
* Commitment to embrace and co‑own institutional change processes.
* Experience maintaining expert networks in politically and culturally sensitive contexts.
* Positive work environment facilitating collaboration and information sharing.
* Expertise and advanced degree in areas relevant to the Global Ocean Team.
* Good understanding of world affairs and multilateral environmental agreements.
* Excellent networking and representation skills.
* Strong communication and presentation skills.
* Commitment to core values of integrity, respect for diversity and professionalism as per IUCN Code of Conduct.
* Sound judgement and decision making, including risk assessment.
* Experience in identifying key issues and consulting, gathering, analysing information before proposing actions.
Requirements
* At least 10 years of experience designing, leading and managing initiatives, large international events, programmes and projects aimed at conserving biodiversity, especially in ocean conservation.
* At least 10 years of experience leading and managing diverse, multi‑stakeholder partnerships and networks involving government agencies, NGOs, international organisations, development agencies and scientific bodies.
* Strong technical knowledge of ocean conservation issues worldwide and the main international policies affecting ocean conservation.
* Track record in successfully fundraising from a variety of donors.
* Demonstrated capacity to design projects according to the latest project appraisal standards (experience with GEF, European Commission or other multilateral funding mechanisms an asset).
* Experience in grant‑making and contracting third parties to deliver activities.
* Strong network and recognised standing within the ocean conservation community of practice, preferably with a focus on action in the field.
* Experience working across a range of geographic and cultural settings.
* Track record in effective team and staff management and development, ensuring staff well‑being.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English (ability to communicate complex issues to a wide range of audiences). A second language (French, Spanish) is highly desirable.
* Ability to travel frequently.
Salary
The gross annual salary for this position is between CHF 155'063 and CHF 193'829, subject to deductions for social security contributions and second‑pillar pension, and before tax. While this is an indicative amount effective as of the current date, changes may occur as per IUCN’s compensation practices without prior notice.
Applications
Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date of 15 January 2026. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time). Only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.
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, with over 1,400 member organisations and around 16,000 experts. IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders 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 traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve people’s well‑being.
Meta Information
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Business Development and Sales
Industries
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