Blue Nature Alliance GEF Technical Manager

Conservation International (CI), the Pew Charitable Trusts (Pew), the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and other private partners have joined together to launch the Blue Nature Alliance (the Alliance) with the aim to catalyze actions to conserve 18 million square kilometers of ocean (approximately 5 percent of the global ocean) to safeguard global ocean biodiversity, build resilience to climate change, promote human wellbeing, and enhance ecosystem connectivity and function. The Blue Nature Alliance aims to invest in approximately 40-60 ocean conservation areas globally by 2025. The Blue Nature Alliance GEF Technical Manager will be part of a fast-paced, collaborative, and dynamic team that aims to make outsized impact for the ocean. The position will report to the Blue Nature Alliance Technical Director within the Center for Oceans at Conservation International.

The GEF donor council has approved the Blue Nature Alliance as a significant part of the GEF-7 International Waters work program. The Project Preparation Grant (PPG) phase began in December 2019 and will continue through December 2020. Project implementation is planned to start in January 2021 and continue for 5 years. With guidance from the the Blue Nature Alliance Technical Director, the GEF Technical Manager will be responsible for managing the PPG phase, including overseeing the development of the full Project Document package. During project implementation, s/he will be responsible for managing the implementation of the GEF grant issued to the Blue Nature Alliance. This will include project tracking and reporting, engagement with GEF learning networks (including IW and LME Learn Networks) on behalf of the Blue Nature Alliance, drafting and disseminating lessons learned, developing and maintaining a knowledge management system, and ensuring project compliance with GEF standards and safeguards. 

S/he will additionally provide technical support to the Blue Nature Alliance as needed. This may include supporting site scoping for sites eligible for GEF funding, managing Blue Nature Alliance data, supporting monitoring and evaluation for the initiative, developing and implementing safeguard policies, and providing capacity building support to implementing partners.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Technical Support

With direction from the Technical Director, the GEF Technical Manager will provide technical support to the Blue Nature Alliance as needed. Specific responsibilities will vary depending on the adapting needs of Alliance and the skillset and experience of the GEF Project Manager. Responsibilities may include:

• Supporting site scoping for sites eligible for GEF funding
• Managing implementation of site strategies for sites funded with GEF funding
• Managing Blue Nature Alliance data and supporting monitoring and evaluation
• Developing and implementing safeguard policies
• Providing capacity building support to implementing partners

GEF Project Management

With guidance from the Blue Nature Alliance Technical Director, the GEF Technical Manager will be responsible for managing the Project Preparation Grant and the Project Grant from the GEF to the Blue Nature Alliance, including:

• Overseeing the development of the full Project Document package during PPG grant, which may include directing a contractor to write the Project Document
• Tracking and reporting on the programmatic and financial progress of the project
• Ensuring project compliance with GEF standards and safeguards 
• Supporting the Technical Director in maintaining strong relationships with the CI-GEF Agency and GEF staff

Knowledge Management and Learning 

The GEF Technical Manager will be responsible for developing and maintaining a GEF-compliant knowledge management and learning system, including:

• Engaging with GEF learning networks (including IW and LME Learn Networks) on behalf of the Blue Nature Alliance
• Drafting and disseminating lessons learned
• Developing and maintaining a knowledge management system for internal and external audiences

WORKING CONDITIONS

• The position requires up to 15% international travel.
• Preferred location is CI’s office in Arlington, VA or Honolulu, HI but flexibility is available to work from another CI office globally.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 5+ years of experience managing complex conservation and/or international development projects.
• Bachelors degree and demonstrated technical proficiency in international environmental policy, marine science, or related field
• Experience and proven track record of success working with public funders, including preparation of grant documents and programmatic and financial reporting. Specific experience managing GEF projects preferred.
• Technical understanding of marine conservation and specifically Marine Protected Areas
• Familiarity with GEF Safeguard Policies
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Solid attention to detail.

Preferred

• Graduate degree and demonstrated technical proficiency in international environmental policy, marine science, or related field
• Passion for nature and the ocean     
• Experience working or living internationally
• Ability to manage and analyze large spatial datasets, with proficiency in spreadsheet and GIS software
• Expertise in GEF Safeguard Policies
• Experience in knowledge management and capacity building
• Proficiency and experience working with Microsoft Office collaboration tools across
• Fluency in French, Portuguese, Spanish, or other languages
• Ability to function well in a multicultural, diverse, and fast-paced work team environment.
• Demonstrated understanding of the cultural context and challenges of working in diverse geographic regions, including in developing countries and remote small island states.
• Comfortable managing multiple duties and adapting to changing priorities.
• Ability to work under general supervision and take initiative to solve problems under supervisor direction.
• Positive attitude and ability to overcome obstacles to achieve ambitious targets.

Please submit resume and cover letter

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.

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