IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural resources, was
founded in 1948 and brings together nearly 1,100 members (States ,government
agencies, NGOs and affiliates) and some 10,000 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 Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office covers twenty one countries in the
Horn of Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa and the Western Indian Ocean.

Under the general guidance of the Head, Constituency Support and Communications,
take the lead in developing and managing the overall communications strategy and
program for the IUCN Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO). Develop
and maintain a comprehensive integrated communication and knowledge management
program that will increase ESARO’s visibility and enhance its viability and ability to
implement its mission through professional communications.

Key Responsibilities:

Communications Program Development
1. Design and conduct a communications audit of the ESARO Program that will:
identify strengths, weaknesses and gaps in corporate communications, program
communications and knowledge management
2. Based on the findings of the communications audit, and in consultation with all
staff, develop a comprehensive Communications and Knowledge Management
Strategy for IUCN ESARO that includes corporate communications, constituency
engagement, program communications, knowledge and information management
systems and funding mechanisms for the strategy
3. Once it is approved by ESARO Management, guide the implementation and
monitoring of the IUCN ESARO Communications and Knowledge Management
Strategy and systems
4. Develop linkages with the IUCN global communications program, ensuring that
ESARO communications products, strategies and knowledge and management
systems conform with union standards; serve as the Communications focal point
for IUCN global communications
5. in liaison with the Head of Constituency and Communications, advise the
Regional Director and ESARO Management team on issues related to
communication (internal and external) and the link with strategy.

Corporate communications and constituency engagement
1. Support the Head of Constituency to develop communication tools that ensure
effective two-way communications and harmonious public relations with
members, partners, commissions and the private sector on conservation and
sustainable development issues
2. Working in liaison with the programme team, ensure that the ESARO website
and other communication products are up to date, relevant to constituents, and
reflect IUCN’s desired image and position
3. Proactively develop and maintain positive relationships with targeted news media
and deliver press materials to increase press coverage of IUCN ESARO and
conservation issues of concern to our members, partners and Commissions;
ensure regular contact with target media and appropriate response to media
requests.
4. Provide support for the development of ensure the IUCN corporate identity and
image in communications products (letterhead, PowerPoint presentations,
brochures, briefs, publications etc)

Program and internal communications
1. Through the RPCs and in liaison with program staff, gather, collate and
synthesize conservation-related information from an extensive international
network of experts, practitioners and programme/project staff and translate
complex scientific and policy information into appropriate communication
products for specific target audiences
2. Ensure that the communication products emanating from the ESARO program
and projects are up to date, professional, relevant to constituents, and reflect
IUCN’s desired image and position
3. Through the RPCs and in liaison with team leaders and country program
coordinators, provide support to the program and projects in developing
communications products for the results, finding and lessons of the program
4. Advise and assist technical staff and members in the development of
communications strategies and products
5. Supervise the management of resource centres and libraries in the IUCN offices
Resource mobilization
1. Undertake proactive and innovative approaches to produce bankable regional
Conservation Communication proposals and fund-raise for the same.
2. As assigned by the Head of Constituency and Communications, oversight and
manage the implementation of communication –related projects

Qualifications
• Postgraduate qualification in information Science, Journalism, International
Relations and/or Communication.
• Over 7 years relevant work experience at a senior level in corporate
communication, media relations and networking.
• Proven skills if fundraising, networking, negotiation, and conflict management.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and communicate in a
multicultural environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills in English.
• Working knowledge of other IUCN official languages (French and Spanish) is an
asset.
• Computer literacy.
• Ability to manage complex situations and facilitate multi-stakeholder participatory
processes

APPLICATIONS
Applicants are asked to submit their CV in English and a supporting letter of motivation along with the
names and contact details of three referees, one of whom should be a recent employer. Applications should
be submitted by e-mail before 19th June, 2009 to: IUCN Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office
Nairobi, Kenya; Tel: ++254 (020) 890605/12; Email: earohr@iucn.org . ONLY SHORTLISTED
CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED.

http://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/tors_for_regional_communications_officer.pdf