Scientific Coordinator — International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) (Nairobi)

Scientific Coordinator

Job Description

The Scientific Coordinator is a pivotal role within the IUCN Science Team, responsible for supporting the execution of a diverse portfolio of conservation projects. The primary focus of this position is to facilitate stakeholder engagement, manage complex project timelines, and integrate IUCN Standard Knowledge Products—such as the Red List of Threatened Species and STAR—into global and regional conservation efforts. Reporting to the Science Team leadership, the coordinator ensures that scientific data is effectively mobilized to drive nature-positive outcomes across governments, businesses, and non-governmental organizations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate technical workshops and meetings with external stakeholders to calibrate STAR analyses for specific conservation sites.
• Manage project lifecycles by tracking timelines, coordinating reporting cycles, and maintaining comprehensive project documentation and minutes.
• Serve as a strategic liaison between technical experts, such as IUCN SSC Members, and end-users to ensure smooth communication and system integration.
• Coordinate the mobilization and application of data against global standards, including the World Database of Key Biodiversity Areas and Protected Areas.
• Support the dissemination of scientific results through the preparation of presentations and peer-reviewed publications for international conferences and journals.
• Assist the finance team with budget-related matters and ensure all project outputs align with regional data mobilization goals in Africa.

Qualifications & Experience

• MA or MSc degree (or higher) in a conservation-related scientific field with a demonstrated interest in conservation science.
• Proficiency in both English and French is required for international coordination.
• Strong project management skills with a proven ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects involving diverse partners.
• Technical comfort working with biodiversity data tools such as the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT).
• Familiarity with Nature Positive frameworks and global conservation targets like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, particularly in scientific facilitation and documentation.

Method of Application

Apply via: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) on hrms.iucn.org