Oceans and Climate Manager

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 10 years, CI has developed a comprehensive Blue Climate program spanning over 20 countries dedicated to identifying and addressing science and policy priorities for oceans and climate globally. The Blue Climate program at CI works closely with our field programs across the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Africa to design and implement innovative approaches to (1) ecosystem based climate adaptation solutions that improve coastal and marine communities well-being while also conserving ecosystems and biodiversity; and (2) conserve and restore coastal blue carbon ecosystems (mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass meadows) for climate mitigation. The Blue Climate program also has key leadership roles in advancing climate mitigation and adaptation priorities into national and regional coastal management, policy, and science through the Blue Carbon Initiative (Science and Policy working groups), the International Partnership for Blue Carbon and the Global Mangrove Alliance.

The CI Blue Climate program is now seeking a self-motivated, creative team member to support the long-term growth and success of CI’s oceans and climate change program. The position will provide technical and project management support to CIs field teams. They will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Blue Carbon Initiative including coordinating the annual International Blue Carbon Scientific Working Group meeting. They will provide thought leadership regarding coastal and marine policy and management under a changing climate. They will coordinate with the other divisions within the Ocean Center, Moore Center for Science, 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 CI.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the supervision of the Director, Marine Climate Change, this position will be an essential team member, supporting and leading elements of CIs Blue Climate program. The position requires the ability to build strong working relationships with staff from across CIs field programs, other CI Divisions and a diverse range of partners including academics, conservation leaders and local communities. Key responsibilities will include:

Adaptation to Climate Change in Coastal and Ocean Environments

• Working with CIs field programs to design and implement vulnerability assessments and climate adaptation projects
• Analyzing and researching priority climate adaptation issues from local to global and working with CI field teams to develop innovative strategies to address those issues
• Identifying and coordinating integration of a broad range of external experts and consultants with program activities
• Leading development and dissemination of priority communication products

Blue Carbon Program

• Day-to-day management of the International Blue Carbon Initiative including: maintaining and fostering partnership and collaboration within the Initiative, coordinating the International Blue Carbon Scientific Working groups, organizing workshops, supporting completion of working group products, leading development and dissemination of communication products, and maintaining the Blue Carbon Initiative website.
• Facilitate coordination and collaboration with Blue Carbon related policy actions and priorities, including ensuring science needed to guide policy is communicated effectively and identifying key science needs.
• Leading CI involvement in key Blue Carbon partnerships and projects such as the International Partnership for Blue Carbon, the Coastal Carbon Research Coordination Network and with priority academic institutions.
• Supporting CIs field programs in implementation of Blue Carbon projects.

Broad Technical and Fundraising Support

• Provide fundraising and technical support and guidance to the Blue Climate program, Center for Oceans, Global Mangrove Alliance, field programs and across CI, including providing input and strong technical guidance for proposals for a broad variety of funding sources.
• Provide input into scientific publications and support production and dissemination of scientific literature.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• International travel of 25% or more, sometimes in difficult travel conditions.
• Ability to work in remote locations or under difficult working conditions.
• Flexibility in work schedule in order to accommodate time differences among HQ, regions and field programs.
• Option for flexibility in work location, outside of Arlington, VA, including but not limited to San Francisco, CA or Seattle, WA.
• Must be organized, self-motivated, and work well with minimal oversight.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• Bachelor of Science degree in an environmental or related field
• 3-5 years of relevant work experience
• Knowledge of climate change impacts on the ocean, marine biodiversity and/or coastal communities
• Strong organizational and financial management skills
• Proven ability to engage and collaborate with diverse teams and individuals across various disciplines, cultures and backgrounds to achieve shared goals
• Proven ability to work well independently and coordinate with teams remotely.
• Proven ability to deliver results while managing competing priorities under tight deadlines
• Outstanding written skills for a variety of audiences including scientific, media and non-technical audiences.
• Outstanding spoken communication skills.
• Experience writing for broad variety of audiences, including academic, media, web blogs, funding proposals

Preferred

• Graduate degree in marine science, natural resource socio-economics, climate change or related field
• Fluency in written and spoken Spanish highly preferred

CI 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