Volunteer opening: Feasibility study From Ridge to Reef

Join us in shaping the future of integrated conservation through IUCN NL’s From Ridge to Reef approach.

• Location: Amsterdam (hybrid possible, within the Netherlands) 
• Duration: Minimum 6 months 
• Volunteer allowance: €250 per month 
• Start date: As soon as possible 

This volunteer role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the strategic development of an emerging global programme, that strengthens ecological resilience while supporting sustainable livelihoods, helping translate holistic conservation thinking into impactful, fundable action.

From ridge to reef 

From ridge to reef is an integrated landscape-to-seascape conservation approach. Instead of focusing on singular, coastal solutions such as marine protection areas, it recognises that ecosystems are interconnected. This means what happens in mountains or upland forests (the “ridge”) directly impacts rivers, wetlands, coastal zones, coral reefs, and marine ecosystems (the “reef”). 

The approach aims to: 

• Protect and restore ecological corridors from upland areas to coastal and marine environments; 
• Address upstream issues such as deforestation, pollution and land degradation; 
• Strengthen coastal resilience, the health of coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and marine biodiversity; 
• Integrate Indigenous peoples’ and local communities’ livelihoods, climate adaptation, and nature-based solutions. 

The assignment 

IUCN NL is looking for a motivated volunteer to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study and develop a strategic funding proposition for launching future From Ridge to Reef programmes. 

The assignment includes (in collaboration with the project manager): 

1. Feasibility study 

The study will assess the strategic, financial, and operational viability of focusing on future From Ridge to Reef programmes. At a high level, it should include: 

• Contextual analysis (i.e. relevance & frameworks); 
• Stakeholder analysis (competition & mapping donors); 
• Funding opportunities (donor priorities & possible corporate engagement); 
• Risc assessment (means needed for implementation); 
• Strategic fit (alignment IUCN NL’s focus areas and strategy); 
• Track record and positioning (documenting IUCN NL’s experience, added value, and opportunities to strengthen and position its R2R portfolio). 

2. From ridge to reef proposition 

Based on the feasibility study, in collaboration with corporate communications and fundraising, you will develop a clear value proposition focus and suggested geographical focus, including key messaging and a donor targeting strategy. 

Collaboration 

You will work closely with the: 

• Project manager responsible for Ridge to Reef 
• Fundraising team 
• Communications team 

Profile 

We are looking for someone who: 

• Has a background in environmental sciences, ecology or related fields, with understanding of socio-ecological systems and sustainable landscape approaches; 
• Has strong analytical and writing skills, with professional level English speaking and writing skills; 
• Can work independently and collect, analyze and clearly summarize complex information; 
• Experience with research for feasibility study, ocean literacy or fundraising strategies is an asset. 

What we offer 

• A unique opportunity to contribute to the development of an innovative conservation programme; 
• Insight into strategic programme development at an international conservation NGO; 
• Close collaboration with experienced colleagues in conservation project management, fundraising, and communications; 
• Building on your personal network in;   
• A volunteer allowance of €250 per month; 
• A meaningful role in strengthening nature conservation from ridge to reef. 

Interested? 

For questions regarding the vacancy, please contact Olivier Hofman: olivier.hofman@iucn.nl

For more information about the application process, please contact Eva Diekstra, HR Advisor (vacature@iucn.nl).

Applications (cover letter and CV in PDF format) should be sent by email no later than March 12th December 2024 to: IUCN NL, Attention: Olivier Hofman, Communications coordinator.