Blue Carbon Science, Asia Pacific Field Division Director

Conservation International (CI) has been protecting nature for the benefit of all for over 30 years. Through science, policy, and partnerships, CI is helping build a healthier, more prosperous and more productive planet. 

POSITION SUMMARY

Over the last decade Conservation International has developed a comprehensive program focused on conservation and restoration of mangrove ecosystems incorporating: the value of mangroves for climate mitigation through blue carbon,  importance of mangroves for coastal climate adaptation, development of hybrid green-gray approaches for coastal resilience, importance of mangrove ecosystems for fisheries and other livelihoods, and innovative approaches for effective mangrove conservation and restoration. This work has spanned actions in science, policy and community conservation action. In particular, CI-Asia Pacific has been a leader in developing innovative financing and private sector partnership arrangements to effectively fund and scale mangrove restoration, green-gray infrastructure for coastal resilience and blue carbon policy.

Conservation International’s Asia Pacific Division is now seeking a self-motivated, creative team member to support the long-term growth and success of CI’s mangrove programs within our region. The position will provide high-level technical and project management support to CIs country programs in Asia Pacific and coordinate closely with the Blue Climate team within CIs Center for Oceans to ensure successful development and implementation of priority projects.

Projects will vary but will likely, immediately include:

• Development of blue carbon crediting projects, including site selection, feasibility analysis, project development and implementation
• Support for best practice mangrove conservation and restoration, including capacity building for CI staff and partners
• Coordination with International partners and collaborations, including the Global Mangrove Alliance, Blue Carbon Initiative and International Partnership for Blue Carbon
• Contribute to and collaborate on regional partnerships with Universities and research institutions linked to large-scale mangrove projects related to nature-based solutions to climate change
• Development of coastal green-gray infrastructure projects that utilize mangroves as coastal protection for vulnerable communities.

The Director will embody a strong commitment to conservation and environmental concerns globally, particularly including the importance of healthy mangrove ecosystems for communities throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The ideal applicant will have solid working knowledge of conservation and environmental approaches and principles, especially in coastal communities. The Director will also ideally have experience working in less developed countries, including with communities, governments, academic and industry partners. Additionally, the capacity to develop strong partnerships with a broad range of institutions and individuals is essential as the Director will be a key contact for some regional partnerships with industry, leading academic institutions, government agencies and non-profits.  

The Director will coordinate with the other divisions within the Center for Oceans, Moore Center for Science, Conservation Finance, Center for Environment and Peace, Center for Environmental Leadership in Business and others across CI as well as external partners to ensure successful completion and maximum integration of marine climate change projects at Conservation International. The position would report to the Senior Director, Oceans and Climate, and also to the Senior Vice President of the Asia Pacific Field Division.

RESPONSIBILITIES

This position will be an essential team member, providing substantive technical support and thought leadership to CI’s Asia Pacific programs in implementing mangrove programs and projects. The position requires the ability to build strong working relationships with staff from across our country programs, other divisions based all over the world and a diverse range of partners including academics, conservation leaders and local communities.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Provide essential technical and program implementation support to CI's Asia Pacific country programs related to mangrove restoration, blue carbon related project development and community-based conservation activities.
• Working with CI Asia-Pacific country programs, the CI Blue Climate team, and the Conservation Finance team to design and implement blue carbon projects from site selection, feasibility assessment, project design, implementation and certification.
• Work closely with CI's Asia-Pacific country programs to develop, fund and implement a diverse portfolio of on-the-ground mangrove projects. 
• Analyzing and researching priority coastal climate issues from local to regional scale and working with country programs to develop innovative strategies to address those issues.
• Maintain and build CI's key strategic partnerships related to mangrove ecosystems including with industry leading companies, globally recognized academic institutions and a broad range of external experts and consultants.
• Leading development and dissemination of priority communication products for the Asia-Pacific programs.
• Provide input into scientific publications and support production and dissemination of scientific literature.
• Participate in fundraising efforts.

This position is based in Conservation International's Singapore office. Highly qualified candidates may also be considered for other work locations within Asia-Pacific. International travel can be expected to be 30% or more of employee time, sometimes in difficult travel conditions.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Master’s degree in coastal, marine, environmental science or related engineering.
• 5+ years of relevant work experience
• 3-5 years of project management experience, including budget management, organizing partners and delivering high quality outcomes on time
• Proven ability to work well independently and coordinate with teams remotely.
• Experience working in less developed countries.
• Knowledge of conservation and environmental priorities, approaches and strategies.
• Knowledge of climate change impacts on coastal biodiversity and vulnerable communities.
• Strong organizational and financial management skills.
• Proven ability to build and support a variety of partnerships. Experience working with private companies and/or academic institutions preferred.  
• Proven ability to lead, engage and collaborate with diverse teams and individuals across various disciplines, cultures and backgrounds to achieve shared goals.
• Proven ability to deliver results while managing competing priorities under tight deadlines.
• Outstanding written and spoken communication and presentation skills.
• Experience writing for broad variety of audiences, including academic, media, web blogs, funding proposals.

View all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International Values

We expect that all employees will embrace the values of our organization.

Passion: We are inspired by nature and cherish the diversity of life in all of its forms. 

Respect: We respect and trust each other, and we embrace our diversity of cultures, talents, and experiences.

Integrity: We act with integrity and are accountable for our actions.

Optimism: We are optimistic about the future of life on Earth and are confident that, with our partners, we will achieve unprecedented conservation results.

Courage: We tirelessly pursue our vision, taking bold action and persevering through challenges.

Teamwork: We work together, recognizing that openness, collaboration and cooperation are fundamental to achieving a healthy and prosperous world for all.

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Vets/Disabled