Director - Global Information Systems Group
Location: Gland, Switzerland
Vacancy #7662. Unit: Global Information Systems Group. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer. Work percentage: 100%. Grade M2. Expected start date: 01 April 2027. Type of contract: Max-term (up to 36 months). Switzerland is the preferred location; alternatives in countries where IUCN has a registered office can be considered for particularly highly qualified candidates (the advertised salary range is specific to Switzerland only).
BACKGROUND: IUCN is a membership Union composed of both government and civil society organisations, created in 1948, now the world's largest and most diverse environmental network with more than 1,600 Member organisations and around 18,000 experts. IUCN's Programme 2026–2029 places digital transformation, data stewardship and technology-enabled collaboration at the heart of the organisation's ambition. IUCN is hiring its new Director, Global Information Systems to lead the organisation's Information Technology and Digital Transformation function, serving as the principal technology executive accountable to the Director General.
JOB DESCRIPTION: The Director, GISG sets and executes the strategic vision for information technology, data governance and digital innovation across the IUCN Secretariat, leading a global IT function covering systems architecture, cybersecurity, data management, digital platforms and user-facing technology services. Main areas: (A) IT Strategy and Governance — develop and implement a multi-year IT and Digital Transformation Strategy, establish IT governance frameworks including policies, standards, risk management and compliance with Swiss law, GDPR and IUCN data-protection obligations; advise the Director General and Executive Board; lead IUCN's data governance framework; align IT strategy with financial planning and IT budget. (B) Infrastructure, Systems and Cybersecurity — oversee global IT infrastructure including cloud services, networks and hosted platforms; lead the cybersecurity function (threat detection, incident response, staff awareness); ensure resilience of mission-critical systems (Financial, HR, Project Portal, Member/Commission/Library portals, IUCN website); manage enterprise application lifecycle and vendor management; maintain business continuity and disaster recovery plans. (C) Digital Transformation and Innovation — provide technical leadership for Project Harmony and other organisation-wide transformation initiatives; drive adoption of modern collaboration tools, workflow automation and AI-enabled solutions; develop digital services for Members, Commissions, donors and partners (IUCN Engage, Union Portal); champion ethical use of AI and machine learning in species assessments, biodiversity monitoring and global reporting; foster digital literacy across the Secretariat. (D) Team Leadership and Management — lead the IT and Digital Transformation team at headquarters and in regional offices; recruit, develop and retain a diverse technology workforce; set objectives and appraisal processes; foster an inclusive, collaborative environment. (E) Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement — manage relationships with technology vendors, cloud providers and open-source communities; represent IUCN in technology and data-governance forums including inter-agency UN working groups; collaborate with donor-funded technology projects; engage with IUCN Membership and Commissions.
REQUIREMENTS: Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in information technology, of which at least 7 years in a senior leadership role (CIO, CTO, IT Director) in an international or large-scale organisation. Proven track record of leading enterprise-wide digital transformation programmes including cloud migration, ERP implementation or platform modernisation. Demonstrated experience in cybersecurity governance, risk management and data protection compliance in an international context. Experience in international organisations, UN agencies, intergovernmental bodies or large NGOs is a strong asset. Experience managing diverse, geographically dispersed technology teams. Experience with conservation data systems, biodiversity informatics or environmental science platforms is an advantage. Track record in strategic budget planning and IT financial management, including cost recovery models. Experience in design and implementation of AI-driven systems is an advantage.
COMPETENCIES: Strategic leadership; managerial excellence with high integrity and transparency; technical authority in enterprise IT architecture, cloud computing, cybersecurity and modern software development practices, data governance frameworks and emerging technologies (AI, IoT, Earth observation, blockchain); excellent verbal and written communication in English, with fluency in French or Spanish a strong asset; genuine commitment to nature conservation, sustainable development and IUCN's values.
SALARY: Gross annual salary between CHF 155,063 and CHF 193,829, subject to deductions for social security contributions and second-pillar pension, and before tax.
Closing date: 21 September 2026
Closing date: 2026-09-21
HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants are requested to apply online through the IUCN 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 DST). Only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.
https://hrms.iucn.org/iresy/index.cfm?event=vac.show&vacId=11750&lang=en