Manager, High Seas Program

Manager, High Seas Program

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Brazil (remote), Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico or Peru

The Manager, High Seas Program will work with the High Seas Program Lead to build and manage a program of work at Conservation International (CI) focused on the equitable conservation of biodiversity and cultural heritage in areas beyond national jurisdiction. A primary focus of the Manager, High Seas Program will be to provide management, technical, and programmatic support for the Coral Reefs of the High Seas Coalition, a global alliance of partners convened by Conservation International that aims to protect coral reefs in the High Seas.

The Coral Reefs of the High Seas Coalition seeks to generate the science, strategic communication, and political support that is necessary to catalyze action in specific priority areas of the high seas. It does this by convening experts and organizations focused on the conservation that previously worked in isolation. Currently, the Coalition is working on a campaign to support the protection of the Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges, two seamount chains in the southeastern Pacific, and is scoping work in other biologically significant high seas areas.

The Manager will work across CI, together with governments, international organizations, and partners to manage strategies to promote high seas marine protected areas and conservation actions. S/he will also support high seas position development and briefings for the UN BBNJ Treaty negotiations, and international and regional bodies; manage daily relations with external stakeholders and ensure relevant information is disseminated and serves to engage decision-makers and favorably influence CI’s policy and high seas conservation goals. The Manager will report on partner engagement, implementation of strategies, and policy implementation efforts. S/he will support fundraising efforts to help secure funding for high seas conservation initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITIES

With guidance from the High Seas Program Lead, contribute to the management of all aspects of the project life cycle including project planning, fundraising, work plans, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting on deliverables and project status.

Manage projects to promote conservation actions in prioritized high seas sites with emphasis in Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges, including through project management and internal coordination as well as external partner engagement.

Support research and briefings development for the UN BBNJ Treaty negotiations and high seas priority sites to promote CI’s policy positions for ocean conservation.

Coordinate communications within the Coral Reef of the High Seas Coalition, including planning monthly meetings with key Coalition members to plan upcoming activities and track progress made, lead planning and execution of annual meetings with broader coalition members, keeping broader coalition membership engaged through regular communication, and maintaining all coalition documents, contacts, and calendar of events

Develop regular progress reports on coalition activities, including reports to donors and annual reports to coalition membership.

Manage subgrants and contracts for coalition partners and activities

Manage external communications for the Coral Reef of the High Seas Coalition, including working with coalition members and CI editorial team to craft key messages, maintaining curated communication assets, working with CI communications team to craft press releases and media pitches, coordinating production of videos, factsheets, and story maps, and maintain Coalition’s social media accounts.

As appropriate, coordinate and contribute to the development of science articles that highlight the importance of conserving priority regions on the high seas and coordinate and contribute to the development of abstracts and presentations at relevant conferences.

Organize meetings, keep meeting notes, and follow up actions accordingly to ensure deliverables on time.

Collaborate effectively with teammates on the Center for Oceans and across other divisions and support team planning and strategy development.

Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Potential travel to project sites, including expeditions, and other office locations.

Comfortable working out of doors for extended periods.

Ability to work extended hours and travel as needed.

This position follows a hybrid work structure, working some days from the office and some remotely. Guidance will be shared during the interview process.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, ocean diplomacy, marine biology, or a related field.

4-6 years of experience in developing and managing non-profit public policy initiatives and marine conservation projects.

Excellent technical and analytical skills.

Experience in engaging a variety of external partners and stakeholders in governments, bilateral and multilateral institutions, development organizations, and NGOs.

Experience in negotiations and/or country policy development

Strong organization, project management, prioritization skills, and attention to detail.

Excellent time management skills and ability to adapt in a fast-paced, changing environment.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Fluency in written and spoken English. Knowledge of a second language is an asset.

Ability to work both independently and as part of a dispersed team.

Proven ability to work in a culturally diverse environment.

Professionalism and diplomacy to engage and communicate with governments, policymakers, CI colleagues, and partners.

Willingness to take initiative and proactively identify solutions.

Preferred

Advanced degree.

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility-committed employer. We are proud to have a diverse, global workforce where employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, position requirements, business needs, market conditions, merit, and other legitimate nondiscriminatory factors.

As a science-based organization, CI follows CDC recommendations for COVID-19 and other vaccines. Accordingly, for the health and safety of our employees, their families, and our community, subject to applicable local law, all Conservation International staff are expected to be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, vaccination is no longer a mandate or condition of employment and employees are not required to provide proof of vaccination. This means we will not require an individual to be vaccinated to enter a CI office, attend CI events or travel on CI-related trips. This applies for our community partners as well. This vaccine expectation applies to all team members working remotely, in a hybrid work arrangement, and on-site. Job applicants are NOT required to state their COVID-19 vaccine status in their application.