Programme Assistant – South Africa

About the role

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is looking for an experienced Programme Assistant to support the implementation of national and regional environmental projects in South Africa. Based in Pretoria, the role will contribute to the delivery of the GEF8 project and other IUCN‑led initiatives across biodiversity, agriculture, water, land and climate sectors.

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and ensure high‑quality delivery of all project components and outputs.
• Coordinate alignment of project activities with national and regional programmes, restoration initiatives and multilateral agreements (UNFCCC, CBD, UNCCD, RAMSAR).
• Manage the small‑grants programme to support national and regional implementation.
• Serve as the main liaison between the executing agency, implementing agency, Technical Advisory Committee and Project Steering Committee.
• Act as focal point for provincial coordination, stakeholder engagement and on‑the‑ground project implementation.
• Support resource mobilisation, partnership development and the pursuit of complementary funding.

Required profile

• Nationally recruited professional with the right to work in South Africa.
• Proven experience in coordinating environmental or conservation programmes.
• Familiarity with GEF guidelines and regional environmental frameworks.
• Strong ability to work with multiple partners at national and regional levels.

Required skills