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 Greenville – Sinoe County, Liberia.

Blue Oceans Programme (BOP) is a partnership between the Embassy of Sweden in Monrovia, Conservation International, and the Government of Liberia through its various key agencies.  BOP focuses on the conservation and restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems to alleviate poverty, protect biodiversity and mitigate and adapt to climate change.

Conservation International Liberia is seeking a highly motivated individual to be a manager to the Blue Oceans Programme(BOP) at field level. The Project Manager will be expected to oversee the day-to-day management and decision-making including the implementation and monitoring of the Blue Oceans Programme (BOP) at its target sites.  They will manage a diverse set of activities and works to ensure that BOP outcomes and objectives are achieved on time, and to the highest standards in terms of quality, effectiveness, impact, and relevance in the furtherance of Conservation International’s (CI’s) human development and conservation priorities.

Duties will include; developing and implementing project strategies, project management, capacity building, monitoring, and stakeholder engagement at the project level. The Project Manager will be expected to ensure compliance with CI policies, project and funding agreements, and other local requirements.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the development of mangrove ecosystem management plans and other project deliverables with project partners, including detailed work planning with relevant partners and convening multi-organizational project teams at the field level.
• Undertake a thorough stakeholder engagement process to identify key mangroves and other coastal ecosystem sites on the southeast coast of Liberia for community conservation, based on social, biological, and economic values.
• Undertake multi-agency engagement processes and establish coordination mechanisms/arrangements to streamline data collection efforts among the relevant institutions/agencies.
• Manage project field staff and sub-grants awarded to implementing partners.
• Prepare quarterly, and annual work plans, budgets, and technical progress reports; document best practices and lessons learned as well as share success stories with the relevant audience.
• Undertake routine monitoring and evaluation of project activities to track the progress and delivery of the project and to identify any changes to the field implementation that may be necessary to achieve project objectives.
• Effectively liaise and build relationships with project stakeholders including civil society, government, private sector, NGOs, etc.
• Promote nature-based solutions, businesses, and other environmentally friendly enterprises within the BOP seascape.
• Ensure compliance with SIDA and CI policies including implementing the Environmental and Social safeguards with BOP target sites.
• Support preparation of new funding concepts and proposals on biodiversity(ocean) conservation.
• Represent CI Liberia at the BOP seascape level.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• About 50% of travel to the field is required.
• Ability to work in remote field locations.
• Work is performed in a typical office environment.
• Guidance on flexible work arrangements will be shared during the interview process.
• This is a fixed-term assignment, anticipated to begin in October 2023 and end in February 2026.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Economics, Environmental Economics, Environmental Sciences, Conservation, Biological Sciences, or a related discipline.
• 4 to 6 years of experience in management of complex projects with multilateral donors and a multitude of stakeholders is essential.
• Experience in the area of environment statistics, environmental-economic or geospatial data is highly desirable. Knowledge of mangrove ecosystems or ecosystem accounting is desirable.
• Knowledge of conservation finance mechanisms, such as blue carbon, green taxes, bioprospecting, tourism-based revenues, and carbon finance represent types of payments for ecosystem services (PES) is a distinct advantage.
• Highly developed research and analytical skills are essential. Experience with field data collection is an advantage.
• Knowledge of nature-based solutions – small to medium enterprise development/support is an added advantage.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of Project Cycle Management including budget management.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment.
• Demonstrated experience with a Rights-Based Approach including Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) processes.
• Strong communication and presentation skills in English, and an ability to prepare appropriate and timely reports to multiple audiences
• Excellent liaison and coordination skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills including an ability to work effectively under pressure and to meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and statistical analyses.

Preferred

• Postgraduate (M.Sc.)  qualifications in a relevant field

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

Application Deadline: August 15, 2023 (11:49 PM EST)

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.