The Marine Spatial Planning Specialist, Caribbean provides technical, scientific support and leadership for marine spatial planning initiatives, other conservation activities, and measures of conservation success across the Caribbean.
The Marine Spatial Planning Specialist provides technical and programmatic leadership for the marine spatial planning work of the Caribbean Division. This position will be key to provide coordination, data generation, and synthesis of the needs of multiple users of the ocean to use marine resources sustainably. Essential functions will be to provide advisory and facilitation services on multi-objective marine spatial planning (MSP) frameworks, maritime policies, stakeholder engagement processes, planning and design of marine zoning using GIS, and capacity building. Additional functions include conducting scientific surveys and research, gathering and organizing datasets, writing reports and developing proposals that pertain to multi-objective marine spatial planning projects across the Caribbean Division.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
- Provide strategic support and overall guidance for marine spatial planning projects within the Caribbean Division
- Persuasively make the case for application of MSP and help foster political will to launch an MSP process
- Analyze and communicate complex ecological and socioeconomic datasets/models within a GIS environment
- Develop coalitions to advance MSP and the legal/regulatory frameworks to enable successful implementation
- Design adaptive management plans, conceptual models, and ecosystem conservation strategies.
- Develop, manage and oversee multi-objective marine spatial planning projects.
- Deliver tools, biodiversity data, field services and training to staff and partners.
- Supervise staff on a project basis and coordinate fieldwork and logistical support for research, project development and monitoring.
- Must work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- 3 years of working experience in MSP, integrated coastal zone management and maritime policy development with regional inter-governmental organizations and national governments (developing country experience is an advantage).
- Experience in participatory development of multi-use Marine Spatial Plans and implementation of such plans.
- Experience managing staff, project, workloads and finances under deadlines.
- Experience synthesizing, interpreting and communicating scientific information related to MSP.
- Experience in development training plans and training delivery relating to MSP.
- Experience preparing reports that synthesize findings.
- Record of peer reviewed publications in scientific journals.
- Experience leading and working with cross-functional teams.
- Experience working and communicating with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, donors, development partners, community groups, and regional and/or international organizations.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Familiarity with decision-support tools for MSP (e.g. Marxan with Zones).
- 3-5 years of working experience.
- Strong knowledge of common software applications.
- Proven negotiation skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Training delivery and facilitation experience.
- Ability to meet deadlines.
- Experience solving problems through spatial analysis focused on conservation and environmental projects.
- Ability to collect, organize, and disseminate GIS and remote sensing datasets using evolving data standards.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.