Case Studies

Campaign

Partnering with IUCN: Senior Appointments

Partners
International Union for Conservation of Nature
Sector
Environment & Sustainability
Location
Europe

Positioned Filled

2

Secretary General, Ramsar Convention on Wetlands & Director General IUCN

Candidates Considered

20

Individuals were initially shortlisted across both positions

About International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a global organisation dedicated to conserving nature and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources. Established in 1948, IUCN is the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, bringing together governments, non-governmental organizations, scientists, and experts.

The Union’s work focuses on a range of areas, including biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, and climate change. It is renowned for its Red List of Threatened Species, which assesses the conservation status of species worldwide. IUCN’s efforts aim to drive global conservation initiatives, support sustainable development, and advocate for environmental policies that protect natural habitats and promote resilience against environmental challenges.

Appointment of Secretary General, Ramsar Convention on Wetlands & Appointment of Director General

In 2022, Perrett Laver supported IUCN in appointting a Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands with proven expertise in environmental issues and experience in international policy dialogue, particularly with significant experience in intergovernmental negotiations, advocacy, and alliance building.

In 2023, Perrett Laver was appointed again as a partner to IUCN in the appointment of the Director General. A highly complex recruitment process involving a range of stakeholders on the IUCN Council, senior leadership, as well as external donors and partners was developed in partnership between Perrett Laver and IUCN.

 

Perrett Laver took the time to truly understand the needs, as well as the complex governance of the organisation. They built trust with the recruitment committee and kept them engaged, which is not a small feat considering the cultural diversity of the members and the number of time zones covered.

Loyse Bonjour

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Chief Human Resources Officer

Secretary General, Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

1.


High-Calibre Candidate Field

A longlist of nine individuals was taken forward which included leaders from across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean.

2.


International Appointment

Dr Musonda Mumba, a Zambian-born environmentalist with over 25 years of global experience in environmental management and sustainable development, was appointed.

Director General

1.


International Field

11 candidates were Longlisted with representation across public, private, and non-profit sectors around the world. Five candidates were shortlisted, representing Europe, Africa, and South America, especially with expertise across conservation, international development, programme leadership, research, partnerships, and governance.

2.


Prominent Appointment

After a highly competitive interview process, the successful candidate was IUCN’s Acting Director General, Dr Grethal Aguilar.

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