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 some 18,000 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.

About the Project:

IUCN led by the Ocean Team has been engaging on the global plastic pollution agenda for 10 years, developing and implementing initiatives across the plastic life cycle in over 20 countries, including assessment and quantification methods, policy, and solutions to reducing plastic pollution. In September 2023, IUCN signed an agreement with United States Department of State to host the End Plastic Pollution International Collaborative (EPPIC). The programme will galvanize global action that builds on the momentum from the ongoing negotiations for an international, legally binding instrument to halt plastic pollution to complement actions taken by national governments and offers innovative solutions to advance plastic circularity. The Project is managed by a consortium which is led by IUCN and includes The Aspen Institute, The Ocean Foundation, and Searious Business in conjunction with the US Department of State.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Ensure EPPIC Project activities in Guatemala are implemented according to the workplan in close collaboration with the Senior Programme Manager for EPPIC, the Programme Officer for Central America and the Caribbean, and the assigned national government ministries;

2. Facilitate preparation of workshops, meetings both in- country and regional (where required), including the follow up activities, such as reporting;

3. As part of the overall workplan, facilitate coordination and integration of partner activities planned in-country by the Aspen Institute, Ocean Foundation, Searious Business and the IUCN global team. Ensure such activities are integrated appropriately into the national context.

4. Prepare and monitor contracts with consultants, review consultants’ deliverables in collaboration with the Senior Programme Manager EPPIC and the Programme Officer for Central America and the Caribbean;

5. Ensure national technical reporting to the EPPIC Project is delivered in a timely fashion to support reporting to the US Department of State;

6. Support the finance department regarding financial reporting;

7. Coordinate regular updates and communication officer activities on materials, meetings, project webpages, and events;

8. Liaise with EPPIC Project counterparts in the other regions to ensure synergies and good collaboration globally; and with the IUCN HQ Close the Plastic Tap team as needed;

9. Identify and maintain relationships with potential stakeholders including Small and Medium Enterprises, informal sector, women’s, youth and community networks, IUCN members, and partners to engage with EPPIC;

10. Promote and implement work synergies with other IUCN initiatives, IUCN members, members of IUCN commissions and other partners that are executing actions in Guatemala within the subjects of the project.

11. Carry out other technical support from time to time as required;

12. Provide regular inputs into the monitoring and evaluation matrix;

13. Actively network with national organizations to ensure project is aligned with national initiatives on plastic pollution with special emphasis on supporting engagement in public-private partnerships.

Please note: These terms of reference contain the main responsibilities and duties of this position. However, in a constantly evolving organization like IUCN, staff members are expected to show flexibility in their approach to work and be willing to undertake other tasks that are reasonably assigned to them but not part of their normal terms of reference. When a task becomes a regular part of the staff member’s responsibilities, the terms of reference should be changed in consultation with the manager, the staff member, and the Human Resources Unit. Any of the beforementioned can initiate the consultation.