GOLD+ Program 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

Conservation International (CI) is one of the implementing agencies of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the CI-GEF Project Agency. The CI-GEF Project Agency has been selected to lead the development of a GOLD+ program, in collaboration with other GEF implementing agencies. GOLD+ builds on the GEF planetGOLD program (planetgold.org) which is currently under implementation. The planetGOLD program works in partnership with governments, the private sector, and artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) communities in nine countries to significantly improve the production practices and work environment of artisanal and small-scale miners. By working to close the financing gap, supporting formalization, and connecting mining communities with mercury-free technology and formal markets, the program aims to demonstrate a pathway to cleaner and more efficient small-scale gold mining practices that benefit everyone, from mine to market.

Currently, the Program Framework Document (PFD) for GOLD+ is being developed, which includes a description for the global component of the program as well as for the proposed country-level projects. The Project Preparation Grant (PPG) phase for the GOLD+ program is expected to start in June 2020 and will have a duration of 18 months. During this phase, the detailed Program Documents will be developed. Project implementation is planned to start in December 2021 and continue for approximately five years (number of years to be confirmed).

With guidance from the Senior Director Project Development and Implementation CI-GEF Project Agency, the Director will be responsible for managing the PPG phase, including overseeing the development of the full Program Document package. S/he will work with consultants and other contributors to assure timely delivery of products. This includes collaboration with the GEF, with CI-divisions and programs, with GEF implementing agencies, and other stakeholders. After approval of the full Program Document package by the GEF (expected in December 2021), s/he will be responsible for managing the global component of the GOLD+ program as well as overseeing the implementation GOLD+ country-level projects, as needed. This includes program/project oversight, monitoring and evaluation, knowledge management, participation in the GEF GOLD+ Steering Committee and the GEF Chemicals and Waste Task Force, engagement in learning networks and exchanges, and ensuring that the program complies with GEF standards and safeguards, among others. 

This is an 18-month fixed-term position, with the possibility of extension. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

GOLD+ Program Development: With guidance from the Senior Director Project Development and Implementation, the Director will be responsible for managing the GOLD+ PPG phase until approval of the program by the GEF, including:

• Overseeing the development of the full Program Document package. This includes coordination with consultants, CI-divisions/programs, other GEF implementing agencies, and others
• Tracking and reporting on PPG phase progress
• Ensuring compliance with GEF and CI standards, policies and safeguards 
• Supporting the Senior Director in maintaining strong relationships with the CI-GEF Agency and GEF staff.

GOLD+ Program Implementation: After final approval of the Program by the GEF (expected in December 2021), with guidance from the Senior Director Project Development and Implementation, the Director will be responsible for managing the implementation of the GOLD+ Global component, as well as overseeing the implementation of the country-level projects as needed, including:

• Monitoring progress, reviewing programmatic progress reports, coordinating the review of financial reports, coordinating mid-term and final independent evaluations, perform site supervision visits to country-level projects
• Ensuring compliance with GEF and CI standards and safeguards
• Participating in the GOLD+ Steering Committee, the GEF Chemicals and Waste Task Force and other program coordination structures
• Supporting the Senior Director in maintaining strong relationships with the CI-GEF Agency and GEF staff.

Knowledge Management and Learning: The Director will oversee the development and implementation of a GEF-compliant knowledge management and learning system, including:

• Coordinating GOLD+ learning networks
• Assuring dissemination of lessons learned
• Overseeing the development of a knowledge management system for internal and external audiences

Other support to CI-GEF Project Agency: With direction from the Senior Director, the Director will additionally provide support to the project portfolio of the CI-GEF Project Agency. Specific responsibilities will vary depending on the changing needs of the agency but include:

• Overseeing the CI-GEF Project Agency’s current planetGOLD country-level project in Guyana and supporting other activities related to the planetGOLD program
• Giving support to other CI-GEF projects depending on the specific background of the Director
• Providing capacity building 

WORKING CONDITIONS

• The position requires up to 25% of international travel. This position can be based out of the CI office in Arlington, VA; however, alternate locations, including remote work, may be considered.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 7+ years of experience managing complex international conservation and/or development projects.
• MSc degree and demonstrated technical proficiency in responsible extractive industries, artisanal and small-scale gold mining, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing, evaluating, and monitoring natural resources conservation and management projects in developing countries
• Experience and proven track record of success working with public funders, including preparation of grant documents and programmatic and financial reporting.
• Strong technical understanding of – and demonstrated experience with - environmental, social, political and economic issues related to artisanal and small-scale gold mining
• Familiarity with GEF projects and policies
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Solid attention to detail.
• Experience in cross-cultural consultation and collaboration
• Demonstrated ability to work in team environments and cultivate productive partnerships across a diversity of stakeholders

Preferred

• Demonstrated experience with developing and implementing GEF projects
• Demonstrated experience with GEF safeguards
• Experience in knowledge management
• Fluency in French, Spanish, or other languages.

See 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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