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 a global leader in using nature-based solutions to combat climate change. Over the last decade, CI has developed a comprehensive program focused on the conservation and restoration of blue carbon ecosystems (mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrasses) based on their mitigation and adaptation value. CI is rapidly expanding its portfolio of Blue Carbon initiatives with the goal of incentivizing the conservation and restoration of blue carbon ecosystems at scale through carbon-related finance, sustainable production, and improved human well-being.

CI’s Blue Carbon Manager for Latin America will oversee aspects of the day-to-day running and success of the Blue Carbon Program’s body of work, including a diverse set of activities and works to ensure that the program outcomes and goals are effectively achieved. Duties include developing and implementing program and conservation strategies, project management, technical oversight, monitoring and capacity building in different countries of Latin America, including Costa Rica (at least 20% of the time), Colombia, Mexico, Ecuador, Perú, Brazil, and Chile.

The Program Manager works across CI to build strong relationships to advance program initiatives. They will represent CI and work to build alliances with community and external stakeholders who are critical to program success.

The Blue Carbon Manager supports the program’s financial well-being by playing a role in identifying program funding sources and developing and managing funding relationships with partners and prospects.  They will work with program and HQ staff on proposals and funding initiatives.

This position does not manage staff.  They will work under general direction in close collaboration with all of CI’s country programs, other teams within the Center for Natural Climate Solutions, the Center for Oceans, Moore Center for Science, Conservation Finance Division, Center for Communities and Conservation, and others across CI as well as external partners to ensure successful completion and maximum integration of blue carbon projects at CI.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop program strategies, objectives, work plans, and metrics.
• Monitor, measure and provide periodic progress and metric reports.
• Ensure compliance with CI policies, funding agreements, and local requirements.
• Identify capacity building needs and support efforts to address capacity gaps.
• Promote information sharing.  Build stakeholder understanding and support by developing fact sheets, statistics, and related communication materials.  Hold conferences and other events to share best practices and lessons learned.
• Effectively engage stakeholders including donors, government and NGOs, technical colleagues, and other partners important to program success. 
• Represent the organization externally and serve as a trusted point of contact for CI. 
• Identify opportunities for program growth and development.
• Support program financial sustainability by identifying funding opportunities. Partner with CI and HQ staff on funding proposals and contribute to regional/global fundraising efforts.
• Perform related duties as assigned.