The Senior Manager of International Plastics Policy works primarily with the Director of the Plastics Initiatives, the Director of the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI), other Senior Staff as relevant, and the wider Trash Free Seas (TFS) team including the GGGI to develop, coordinate, and execute strategies and efforts in support of Ocean Conservancy’s work to implement a global, systemic solution to plastic pollution in aquatic environments, including lost and abandoned fishing gear. The Senior Manager of International Plastics Policy will be responsible for a varied portfolio of international work, including

• Supporting the work with multilateral platforms and stakeholders including G7, G20, APEC, ASEAN,
• Leading the portfolio of work with the Basel Convention, including the Plastic Waste Partnership;
• Managing relationships with UN bodies and conventions such as ECOSOC, UNEP, GESAMP, and Regional Seas Conventions;
• Coordinating participation in international events such as Our Ocean, UN Ocean Conference, and WEF.

Senior Manager of International Plastics Policy also contributes to, supports and where appropriate, develops policy to advance Ocean Conservancy’s work to develop a policy framework for global marine debris solutions internationally. Senior Manager of International Plastics Policy works with Ocean Conservancy’s Digital and Strategic Communications teams to ensure alignment and integration on matters relating to ocean plastic pollution and plastics policy; and will liaise closely with the rest of the TFS team and other programs to help identify opportunities for collaboration on international policy while also scanning for potential conflicts or duplication of work across OC.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the Trash Free Seas Program in formulating, implementing and executing strategies that support the goals of Ocean Conservancy’s plastics initiatives, including the GGGI.
• Support the Plastics Initiative Director and the GGGI Director with tracking projects and managing day-to-day communication with scientists, subject matter experts, and external consultants.
• Strengthen and expand relationships with stakeholders that correspond to Ocean Conservancy’s policy goals and outreach strategy.
• Conduct international policy research, and analysis; and provide international policy review and recommendations to support plastic initiatives, and policy related to the Trash Free Seas Program.
• Work closely with Ocean Conservancy program staff to identify and create opportunities to advance specific international policy goals, and to develop and implement strategies and tactics to achieve effective policy outcomes.
• Work closely with the Communications Department to align external messaging with organizational, policy and programmatic objectives.
• Represent Ocean Conservancy in external meetings/events with integrity and excellence; build and maintain relationships with public agencies, funders, researchers, academics, NGOs, industry representatives, public officials, and other partners.
• Coordinate Ocean Conservancy’s cross-programmatic participation in international forums and events with key stakeholders.
• Perform other duties to advance the goals of Ocean Conservancy and the Plastics Initiative/Trash Free Seas Program as assigned.