Programme Officer – Wildlife Use And Trade

Position Overview

Application Deadline: 19 October 2025

Starting Date: 01 January 2026

Contract Type: Fixed-term, 24 months

Work Percentage: 100%

Hours per Week: Full-time

Salary: £34,891 – £40,000 p.a.

Education Required: University degree (postgraduate preferred) in conservation science or related discipline

Experience Required: At least 5 years in wildlife use and trade, biodiversity indicators, or related conservation policy

Description

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is seeking a Programme Officer – Wildlife Use and Trade to join its Biodiversity Assessment and Knowledge Unit in Cambridge, UK. The role will focus on advancing the development, application, and promotion of wildlife use and trade indicators, improving global monitoring systems, and supporting implementation of CITES and CBD frameworks.

This position will play a vital role in shaping global policy and ensuring IUCN’s scientific contributions are rigorous, relevant, and actionable for decision-making processes.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of a GEF-funded project on wildlife use and trade indicators and data mobilisation.
• Coordinate with international partners, governments, and MEA Secretariats (CITES, CBD, CMS, SDGs).
• Develop and disseminate methodologies, technical guidance, and innovative tools (AI, data algorithms).
• Assist IUCN’s input to CITES meetings, CPW, and the GEF Global Wildlife Program.
• Contribute to sustainable trade policy, biodiversity strategies, and conservation action.
• Support fundraising and portfolio development around wildlife trade indicators and conservation projects.
• Conduct risk assessments related to wildlife trade, zoonotic diseases, and biosecurity.
• Manage multiple work streams, budgets, and reporting with IUCN teams and partners.

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant university degree; postgraduate qualification preferred.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in wildlife trade, biodiversity policy, or conservation.
• Knowledge of biodiversity indicator frameworks (CBD, SDGs, CITES).
• Strong technical background in data collection and analysis.
• Proficiency in R, Python, or GIS; familiarity with databases such as Species+ or CITES Trade Database desirable.
• Experience engaging stakeholders, facilitating workshops, and building capacity.
• Excellent communication skills, able to translate science into policy.
• Willingness to travel internationally.
• Fluency in English; Spanish and/or French an advantage.
• Must have legal right to work in the United Kingdom.

Preferred Qualifications

• Project management and fundraising experience.
• Familiarity with inclusive, participatory approaches to indicator development.
• Experience with zoonotic disease and biosecurity assessments.
• Proven record of representing organisations in international conservation fora.

Additional Notes

• Fixed-term, 24-month appointment.
• Salary range: £34,891 – £40,000 p.a.
• Flexible and diverse work environment within the world’s largest environmental network.
• All candidates must have the right to work in the UK; no visa sponsorship available.

How to Apply

Apply online via the IUCN HR Management System:

Vacancy closes 19 October 2025, midnight Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 DST).