Basin Coordinator, CREATES at IUCN, Dar es Salaam September 2025

Vacancy #: 7404
Unit: ESARO – Water Programme
Organisation: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Location: Tanzania Project Office, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
Reporting to: Regional Programme Coordinator / Country Representative, IUCN Tanzania
Work percentage: 100%
Grade: P2
Expected start date: 01 November 2025
Type of contract: Fixed-term (24 months)
Closing date: 13 October 2025
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND

The Basin Coordinator, CREATES will be employed by IUCN but shall support activities managed by both IUCN and UNEP-DHI as required and agreed with the Team Leaders.

IUCN and UNEP-DHI will jointly implement the Climate Resilient Eastern African Transboundary Water Management for Environmental Sustainability (CREATES) project, which will operate in Sio-Malaba-Malakisi (SMM) and Mara transboundary river basins in East Africa (Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania) and support selected regional water organisations over the period 2025 to 2030. Under direct supervision of the Team Leaders (TLs), the Basin Coordinators will work closely with key basin authorities and stakeholders including local, national and regional entities to ensure the smooth and successful delivery of the project in the basin,

CREATES project will be delivered through a Project Management Unit (PMU) based in Nairobi, Kenya with key basin staff based at the NELSAP basin offices (for SMM – Kakamega and for Mara – Musoma). The Team Leaders will manage the PMU on a day-to-day basis.
JOB DESCRIPTION
SPECIFIC DUTIES;

Project Management;
Facilitate the preparation of detailed work plans, budgets and schedules for project activities implementation in collaboration with partners and stakeholders and under the guidance of the Team Leaders.
Carry out processes related to inception, contracting and start-up of activities including establishment of indicators, benchmarks, work plans and inception workshops.
Coordinate and monitor, under guidance from the Team Leaders, the administration of project budgets and work plans according to approved external contracts and internal agreements, work plans, internal procedures and policies, and donor requirements.
Manage project consultancy assignments and contracts, monitor progress, and coordinate all activities.
Coordinate among various stakeholders at community, sub-basin, national, and regional levels.
Supervisor of all river basin management (RBM) staff in case there are staff at the RBM office.
Lead the project’s field level workshops and similar events.
Ensure timely, high-quality delivery of project outputs and full compliance with donor requirements and IUCN’s internal procedures

Technical Direction and Capacity building;
Provide technical support for restoration planning, ecosystem-based adaptation, and nature-based solutions, ensuring alignment with IUCN’s tools and standards.
Prepare Terms of Reference and procurement documents for water management infrastructure works and services – preparations of bidding documents, BoQs, Technical drawings, Engineering designs, Technical Evaluations of bidding documents), for example, the irrigation scheme, water supply construction works
Supervise and assure the quality of the works and services provided by sub-contractors.
Assess and support the implementation of nature-based solutions that contribute to ecosystem restoration, climate change adaptation and management, as well as provide opportunities for transboundary cooperation between communities – e.g. implementation of catchment management plans, and wetland investment plans.
Develop and apply a set of guiding criteria for the selection of water management infrastructure drawing on the principles of Nature-based solutions
Work with communities to select the most appropriate physical water management infrastructure
Sensitize local communities in collaboration with Local Government Authorities, County Governments, and Basin Water agencies on conservation and protection of the environment to ensure water resources in the sub-basin continue to provide envisaged service to the present as well as future generations.
Develop policy-relevant materials to communicate the relevant information arising from CREATES to stakeholders.
Facilitate technical training in Information Management Systems and Decision Support Systems for water resources management.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Communications and Knowledge Management;
In coordination with M&E Officer, develop and apply the projects monitoring instruments and systems. Contribute to the development and timely submission of all required project reports
Undertake regular visits to project sites, evaluate programmatic outputs, and impacts both quantitatively and in terms of quality implementation.
Document case studies, best practices and lessons learned and develop communication materials for dissemination to target audiences.
Ensure Project activities sustainability in collaboration with project beneficiaries and authorities. Participate in the Project annual, semi-annual and quarterly PMU and Steering Committee governance meetings and make presentations on project performance, among others.

Fundraising and project development;
Support the identification of new funding opportunities and in the preparation of concept notes, project proposals, and partnership agreements to scale-out project activities in the water sector restoration and NbS portfolio.
Support networking with key development partners, national institutions and NGOs to support project implementation and portfolio expansion.
Keep abreast of development needs and Programme opportunities in the landscape including those in line with implementing partners priorities and programmatic principles.

Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building;
Foster and maintain strong partnerships with stakeholders, including government agencies, regional intergovernmental entities, civil society organizations, research institutions etc.
Design and deliver capacity-building activities and provide technical support to project partners and stakeholders.
Contribute to the coordination and facilitation of regional platforms, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and community-of-practice events on NbS and ecosystem restoration.

Representation;
Network and liaise with all the partners and potential partners, developing and maintaining partnerships and strong relationships across all sectors (including the private sector).
Maintain good working relationships with development partners, non-state actors, private sector, community leadership and visiting donor teams
Represent IUCN on issues at strategic, political and technical meetings, seminars and other events and processes as may be required from time to time.

Additional;
Support the preparation and dissemination of technical reports, case studies, policy briefs, and communication materials related to water, NbS, restoration and climate resilience
Undertake any other tasks as may be assigned by and mutually agreed with the line manager.
REQUIREMENTS
• REQUIREMENTS:

Education background;
Graduate Degree in water resources management (hydrology or hydraulics), integrated water resources management (IWRM), civil engineering, environmental management, or comparable studies.

Professional experience;
Demonstrated knowledge in the areas of Integrated Water Resources Management, Nature-based Solutions for water, transboundary water management, climate change adaptation
At least 8 years of relevant regional experience with relevant project work and implementing projects related to IWRM, NbS and climate change adaptation
Experience with Information Management Systems and Decision Support Systems for water resources management is an advantage
Practical experience in supervision and quality assurance of water management infrastructure works
Experience of living and working in developing countries, especially in Africa
Working experience with IUCN, UNEP, River Basin Organisations and national governments is an advantage.
Respect for gender and age differences and diversity in culture, race, religion and sexual orientation.
Excellent interpersonal skills demonstrated ability to engage with local stakeholders and communities, including patience, diplomacy, willingness to listen, respect for colleagues and ability to work as part of a team.
Proven track record in the management of international and multi-stakeholder projects, particularly those funded by bilateral donors, or multilateral environmental funds.
Experience in coordinating with consultants, sub-grantees, and external partners, including national authorities and civil society organizations.

Technical Skills;
Solid understanding of restoration ecology, climate resilience, and the use of NbS in water resources management.
Capacity to lead project development, technical reporting, budgeting, and contract management.
Familiarity with IUCN tools and standards (e.g., NbS Global Standard, Restoration Barometer, Red List of Ecosystems) is an asset.

Language Skills;
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English are essential. Working knowledge of Kiswahili is highly desirable and knowledge of the local languages is considered a strong asset.
Strong networking, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work across sectors and cultures

Other Skills and Attributes;
Ability to work independently and proactively, while collaborating in a multicultural, multidisciplinary team.
Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Strong commitment to conservation and sustainable development values.
Willingness and ability to travel

COMPETENCIES:
Core Competencies;
Transparency: Able to build trust and contribute to informed and responsible decision-making by carrying out the work of IUCN in a transparent manner; provides clear guidance to ensure that objectives and desired measurable results are understood by members of the team.
Inclusiveness: Understands and accepts cultural diversity, and provides a tolerant, positive and supportive working environment that fosters respect for diversity, demonstrates the ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment and maintains effective working relations with people of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds.
Professionalism: Promote the organization’s interests, objectives and values diligently and professionally.
Accountability: Takes responsibility for individual and collective actions, promotes the IUCN One Programme approach.
Initiative: Demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing challenges. Encourages creative thinking and innovative solutions to overcome obstacles and improve project outcomes.

Functional competencies;
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
Ability to identify issues, analyse and participate in the resolution of issues/problems.
Ability to conduct data collection using various methods.
Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), database applications, spreadsheets, and graphics presentations.
Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases.
Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities.
Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
REQUIREMENTS;

Education background;
Graduate Degree in water resources management (hydrology or hydraulics), integrated water resources management (IWRM), civil engineering, environmental management, or comparable studies.

Professional experience;
Demonstrated knowledge in the areas of Integrated Water Resources Management, Nature-based Solutions for water, transboundary water management, climate change adaptation
At least 8 years of relevant regional experience with relevant project work and implementing projects related to IWRM, NbS and climate change adaptation
Experience with Information Management Systems and Decision Support Systems for water resources management is an advantage
Practical experience in supervision and quality assurance of water management infrastructure works
Experience of living and working in developing countries, especially in Africa
Working experience with IUCN, UNEP, River Basin Organisations and national governments is an advantage.
Respect for gender and age differences and diversity in culture, race, religion and sexual orientation.
Excellent interpersonal skills demonstrated ability to engage with local stakeholders and communities, including patience, diplomacy, willingness to listen, respect for colleagues and ability to work as part of a team.
Proven track record in the management of international and multi-stakeholder projects, particularly those funded by bilateral donors, or multilateral environmental funds.
Experience in coordinating with consultants, sub-grantees, and external partners, including national authorities and civil society organizations.

Technical Skills;
Solid understanding of restoration ecology, climate resilience, and the use of NbS in water resources management.
Capacity to lead project development, technical reporting, budgeting, and contract management.
Familiarity with IUCN tools and standards (e.g., NbS Global Standard, Restoration Barometer, Red List of Ecosystems) is an asset.

Language Skills;
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English are essential. Working knowledge of Kiswahili is highly desirable and knowledge of the local languages is considered a strong asset.
Strong networking, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work across sectors and cultures

Other Skills and Attributes;
Ability to work independently and proactively, while collaborating in a multicultural, multidisciplinary team.
Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Strong commitment to conservation and sustainable development values.
Willingness and ability to travel
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: https://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/

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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.

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