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VIP Manager
Vacancy #: 7116 Unit: Global Convenings and Events Organisation: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Location: Headquarters, Gland, Switzerland Reporting to: Director, Global Convenings and Events / Congress Director Work percentage: 100% Grade: P2 Expected start date: 01 February 2025 Type of contract: Max-term (12 months) Closing date: 05 January 2025 BACKGROUND Every 4 years, the World Conservation Congress brings together several thousand participants for a 7-day event, including 3.5 day for IUCN Members’ Assembly, preceded by a 3.5 days Forum with several hundred events open to the general public.
The Congress also includes an exhibit hall open to the general public, allowing exhibitors to showcase their research, innovations and other work to the broadest Congress audience. At previous Congresses, the exhibition was between 10-11’000m2, featuring up to 150 small, medium and large stands. In addition, several central open presentation areas, or “central stages” accommodating up to 150 people are included in the Exhibition Zone.
The next edition of the IUCN World Conservation Congress will take place in Abu Dhabi from 9 to 15 October 2025. JOB DESCRIPTION The VIP Manager will coordinate and guide the design, planning and development of all VIP-related aspects for IUCN’s World Conservation Congress.
The duties involved in providing services and arrangement for VVIPs and VIPs at the upcoming IUCN World Conservation Congress, including but not limited to:
- Supporting the selection process for VIPs to be invited, from developing templates to tracking.
- Liaising with the Host Country (United Arab Emirates) authorities to ensure smooth management of VIPs, both national and international.
- Responding to requests for transportation, accommodation, and other logistical arrangements for VIPs
- Organizing placement and ushering, in coordination with the UAE authorities, of VIPs, both speakers and invitees.
- Managing a team of 5 internally recruited staff on site to manage the VIP flows and the VIP lounge
- Contributing to the adequate management of any crisis or unforeseen events in liaison with the Convenings Manager.
- Preparing meetings and site visits linked to event planning and participating in said meetings or visits.
- If and when time permits, provide support to the Convenings Manager and Director of Global Convenings and Events Unit in other areas as necessary.
The above TORs contain the main responsibilities and duties of this position. However, in an ever evolving organisation such as IUCN staff members are expected to show flexibility in their approach to work and be willing to undertake other tasks that are reasonably allocated to them but which are not part of their regular TORs. Where any task becomes a regular part of staff member’s responsibilities, the TORs should be changed in consultation between the line manager, the staff member and the HR Unit. Any one of the three may initiate the consultation. REQUIREMENTS • 9+ years of working experience, ideally in managing VIPs for events similar in size and complexity to the IUCN World Conservation Congress preferably with international associations or organisations.
• Excellent knowledge of travel and accommodation for VIPs.
• Ability to work with complex evaluation and risk assessments matrix.
• Ability to work hands-on and to handle a large number of aspects simultaneously and prioritise efficiently.
• Fluency in English required; fluency in Arabic will be a distinctive plus. Knowledge of Spanish and/or French, desirable.
• Attention to detail and ability to work under pressure
• Willingness to travel regularly and availability for on site presence 2 weeks prior to the event.
• Team player with can-do attitude and ability to build effective relationships with people of all levels and business areas. SALARY The gross annual salary for this position is between CHF 100'355 and CHF 125'444, subject to deductions for social security contributions and second-pillar pension, and before tax. While this is an indicative amount effective as of the current date, changes may occur as per IUCN's compensation practices without prior notice. The same applies to other organisations hosted by IUCN.
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.
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About IUCN
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.
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.*
