Country Representative, IUCN Pakistan

Vacancy #:

7453

Unit:

Pakistan Management

Organisation:

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Location:

Pakistan Country Office, Islamabad, Pakistan

Reporting to:

Regional Director, Asia

Work percentage:

100%

Grade:

M1

Expected start date:

01 January 2026

Type of contract:

Fixed-term (up to 24 months with possibility of renewal)

Closing date:

28 November 2025

BACKGROUND

IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature, was founded in 1948 and brings together over 1,100 members (States, government agencies, NGOs and affiliates) and some 11,000 scientists and experts from 181 countries in a unique worldwide partnership. Its mission is to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable. Within the framework of global conventions IUCN has helped over 75 countries to prepare and implement national conservation and biodiversity strategies. IUCN has approximately 1,100 staff, most of whom are located in its regional and country offices while some 150 work at its Headquarters in Gland, Switzerland.

IUCN is represented in Pakistan by IUCN Pakistan Country Office with the Country Representative as its head. IUCN Pakistan assists the federal, provincial and district governments, civil society organisations, private sector and other stakeholders in promoting conservation and sustainable use of natural resources and overall sustainable development in the country.

JOB DESCRIPTION

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Country Representative has the overall responsibility of representing IUCN in Pakistan, working with the membership – both governmental and non-governmental – and with other appropriate partners. The Country Representative is the head of IUCN's operations in Pakistan under the agreement between IUCN and the government of Pakistan so has responsibility for the management of IUCN's Programme in Pakistan. S/he is also part of the management team of the Asia Regional office and represents Pakistan in the ARD.

The specific ToRs are listed below;

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

1. Programme Development and Management

2. Provide strategic leadership to the country team in developing and managing the country programme by ensuring it: a) contributes to IUCN regional and global agendas, b) is responsive to relevant national policies and stakeholder priorities, and c) mobilizes key resources and capacities in achieving target programmatic results;

3. Lead programme management staff in ensuring quality assurance for project portfolio and its full compliance with IUCN policies and standards, in the entire programming cycle from planning and implementation to monitoring and reporting.
4. Direct the analysis and monitoring of the country's environmental, political, social, and economic settings and trends to guide IUCN programme development and management; and,

5. Contribute to the development of inter-country, transboundary and regional projects and programmes under the coordination of the Head, South Asia Subregion and in collaboration with the Science and Strategy Group at the Asia Regional Office.

6. Resource Mobilization and Strategic Finance

7. Explore and identify new partnerships for mobilising resources to expand the country's project portfolio under its priority programme areas and strategic themes.

8. Manage and secure the long-term financial health of the country office and programme through sustained and diversified funding streams, along with novel business development models.
9. Lead country-level strategic financial planning, monitoring and application of relevant control and compliance measures in coordination with the Head of Regional Finance; and,

10. Serve as member of the sub-regional management team for inter-country resource mobilisation under the overall coordination of the Head, South Asia Subregion.

11. Country Representation

12. Serve as the legal and official representative for IUCN in the country and maintain smooth and strong working relations with the host government, with guidance from the Secretariat's regional and global senior leadership.

13. Ensure that Host Country Agreement and Memoranda of Understanding/Agreement are established and maintained to provide the appropriate official, legal basis for IUCN presence and operations in-country.
14. Serve as the public face of IUCN in the country and maintain high-level visibility of programmatic vision and outcomes, by articulating the Union's key messages on IUCN expertise, knowledge products and convening roles that contribute to strategic and concrete benefits for the country; and,

15. Provide policy advice to the government and key stakeholders regarding environment-related multilateral agreements, conventions and treaties which the host country has ratified and/or participated in dialogues and negotiations following the IUCN position and consultation with relevant IUCN experts.

16. Engagement with Members and Partners

17. Maintain and grow the membership base in the country, explore and identify opportunities for strategic collaboration, and liaise with the regional and global Membership Units.

18. Support the National Committees through regular dialogues and communications, as well as facilitation of members' engagement in IUCN events, activities and initiatives.
19. Nurture partnerships and programmatic linkages with relevant government agencies, the wider community of non-government stakeholders including civil society and private sectors, and members of the international community in the country; and,

20. Enhance Country office's collaboration with IUCN Members and Commissions and other IUCN constituencies at country, regional and global levels in accordance with the IUCN's "One Programme Approach

21. General Administration

22. Deploy human, financial, technical and administrative resources of the country office to effectively and efficiently achieve its programmatic targets.

23. Take direct responsibility for the country office's overall compliance with applicable corporate services policies and procedures, standards and safeguards assurance, risk management, and other oversight/control mechanisms.
24. Provide overall administrative supervision to the country team including for human resources planning, talent management and performance assessment.
25. Work with sub-regional and regional management teams for continuous improving the country office's organisational and operational arrangements vis-a-vis IUCN Asia in general.
26. Serve as an effective role model for ethical professional conduct to promote core values of integrity and trust, transparency, professionalism and accountability, equality, inclusiveness and respect for diversity; and,
27. Perform any other duties as assigned by and agreed with the Regional Director.

REQUIREMENTS

• A Masters Degree in natural resources management, sustainable development or a similar field.

• At least 10 years of progressive experience in senior management roles within similar organisations.

• A proven track record of managing adaptive organizations and handling complex operations and diverse teams with a special focus on strategic programme planning and project development.

• Excellent managerial, analytical, interpersonal, negotiating and team building skills.

• Knowledge of key conservation & development issues, government and donor networks in Pakistan and South Asia.

• Ability to work under pressure and to deal tactfully with sensitive political issues including experience of handling a cross-cultural work force in a multi cultural, multi disciplinary setting.

• Knowledge and experience with donor funded programmes and projects.

• Strong cultural awareness and sensitivity to gender issues.

• Fluency in written & spoken English and Urdu, computer literacy and willingness to travel frequently.

APPLICATIONS

Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button.

Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.

Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website:

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, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and around 16,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards.

IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples organisations and others 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 the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve people's well-being.