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INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE
8 August 2016
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
This is to confirm that Mr. Saeed SHAMI was employed by the International Union for Conservation of
Nature (IUCN) at its Regional Office for West Asia, in Amman, Jordan, from 19 August 2009 to 30 June
2013. Saeed joined IUCN as Regional Programme Coordinator and on 14 August 2011 he also took on
the functions of Regional Director ad interim.
Mr. Shami led the strategic development and effective implementation of the IUCN Programme in West
Asia, in collaboration with IUCN Members, members of IUCN Commissions and partners. As the official
representative in the region of the Director General, he was responsible for maintaining a high and
professional corporate profile for IUCN, in the region. As Head of the Regional Office, Mr Shami was
accountable for all financial, personnel and administrative matters and was also responsible for ensuring
the financial viability of the regional programme.
This position required an accomplished and credible manager with high-level understanding of
environmental policy issues in the regional and international context. He was supported by a range of
experts but had the strategic and institutional leadership to authoritatively handle a broad spectrum of
subjects ranging from biodiversity and ecosystem-based resource management strategies and policies to
organizational management and financial planning. The position contributed to the global management of
the Union through participation in the Senior Management Advisory Team.
Mr. Shami was also responsible for ensuring coherence of regional work with IUCN's global programme.
He ensured that all organizational activities were consistently performed under the principles of equity,
fairness, inclusiveness and respect for the diversity of people.
Mr. Shami’s main responsibilities were as follows:
• Represent IUCN in the region in a manner that promotes IUCN's mission and enhances the status of
the Union among decision-making bodies, inter-governmental agencies, non-governmental
organisations and the private sector.
• Initiate and facilitate initiatives and dialogues on key issues of conservation policy based on IUCN's
regional and global priorities.
• Develop and maintain long-term fund generation strategies and nurture relations with the donor
community in the region in coordination with the Strategic Partnerships Unit in Headquarters.
• Oversee preparation, implementation, evaluation and reporting of multi-year programmes for IUCN's
work in West Asia, in line with IUCN's global programme and business model.
• Lead the operational management of all IUCN activities in the region and ensure the efficient
management of financial and human resources including development and maintenance of relevant
policies, procedures and control systems.
• Develop and maintain regular contact with governments, regional and national committees of
Members, existing and potential IUCN Members, partner organisations, Councillors, and Commission
members.
• In collaboration with regional committees, implement the IUCN Membership Strategy and develop a
membership recruitment and retention plan.
• Maintain regular contacts with Headquarters for operational and programmatic cooperation, and work
with the Mediterranean Cooperation Centre, in order to plan, develop and manage a joint programme
of work in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
• Build and nurture a coherent team within the West Asia Regional Secretariat.

2. Mr. Shami performed very well in his position and was always conscientious and reliable in performing his
work. During the last four years while at IUCN, he strengthened IUCN West Asia’s portfolio of activities in
the region in spite of some significant challenges. Mr. Shami works well under pressure, produces high-
quality work, is well organized and resourceful and motivates his staff.
We take this opportunity to thank him for all of his hard work and important contributions to our mission
and wish him every success in his future endeavours.
Sincerely,
Sajid ALI
Human Resources Manager, Global HR Services
sajid.ali@iucn.org