The Pacific Ocean Policy Associate supports the Global Ocean Director of Ocean Governance in the development and implementation strategies to achieve The Nature Conservancy’s goals on Ocean Governance and Biodiversity Conservation through interaction with governments, multilateral agencies, the corporate sector, and other stakeholder groups. TNC’s goals in the region are to: work with key fishing countries to support the adoption and implementation of the Port State Measures Agreement to tackle illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing; participate in Pacific Island forums including the Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation (PIRT) to support Pacific Island Countries in conserving their biodiversity through implementation of the Framework for Nature Conservation and Protected Areas in the Pacific Islands Region 2014-2020; assist Pacific Island Countries to tap public funding sources to respond to the challenge of climate change in coastal areas. S/He will work with global, regional and in-country leadership to secure adoption of new High Seas Treaty that enables biodiversity conservation; and strengthen high seas fisheries management through the regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs).
The Pacific Ocean Policy Associate will report to the Oceans Governance Director for the Global Ocean program and work closely with TNC’s Pacific Division Director. The successful candidate will have eligibility to work in and be located in one of our Pacific Region offices: FSM (Pohnpei), Palau (Koror), Guam, PNG (Manus), Solomon Islands (Honiara), or Indo Pacific Resource Ctr. Australia (Brisbane), with preference for the Islands and will be dependent on qualified candidate's location.
This is a 3-year limited term position with extension based on the program success.
The Pacific Ocean Policy Associate plans, implements and coordinates an interdisciplinary program at the sub-national or departmental level to further the Conservancy’s mission in The Pacific Region. Duties include daily contact with local, sub-national country, multilateral/agencies officials, and/or corporate representatives on matters pertaining to administrative, legislative, and/or corporate actions or internationally negotiated agreements. S/he builds and facilitates internal networks, coordinating meetings, agendas, and presentations. S/he influences the outcome of policy and/or corporate initiatives at the international, country, sub-national, and local levels. S/he develops strategic partnerships with relevant agencies, conservation organizations, and industry to advance the organization’s conservation agenda.The Associate serves as a link between the Dir. of Ocean Governance and others on complex issues pre-identified by the Global Ocean Team (GOT) and Pacific Division. S/he works closely with TNC’s Science, Conservation and External Relations staff from both the Global Ocean and Pacific Operating Units to further the conservation goals and strategy.
S/he directly reports to the Ocean Governance Director of the GOT with a strong connection (dotted line) to the Director of the Pacific Division Business Unit.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Work with the Global Ocean Governance and Pacific Division Directors, to develop and implement a pragmatic work plan to advance the GOT and Pacific Division’s shared goals and capitalize on TNC’s unique strengths and approaches to ocean policy and biodiversity conservation. This includes prioritization of topics that advance TNC’s ocean governance agenda in the Pacific region including engagement in the Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation (PIRT) and RFMOs.
- Work with the Global Ocean Governance Director and locally-based teams to develop, maintain and advance policy strategies, and develops strategic partnerships with relevant groups to influence legislation and/or, international negotiations and agreements.
- Work with locally-based teams to prepare stakeholder maps and manage relationships.
- Act on behalf of the Ocean Governance Director and Pacific Division Director in key policy and other stakeholder’s meetings.
- May work with the Ocean Governance Director and coordinate with Pacific staff to identify and apply for funding opportunities to support the ocean governance agenda, including supporting TNC’s Green Climate Fund accreditation process.
- Monitor progress of projects to determine when the projects are at risk of not achieving political support and, when needed, work with the Director and other staff to take appropriate steps to either fix the problem in ways that keep projects on course, or revise project outcomes as appropriate.
- Maintain a broad understanding of the ocean governance work in the Pacific at individual project sites including tactics, goals and strategies to be able to integrate that information into political opportunities.
- Ensure Pacific Ocean Policy/Governance work is coordinated and aligned with the policy strategy.
- Maintains regular contact with local, sub-national, country and multilateral officials, and/or corporate representatives on matters pertaining to administrative, legislative, and/or corporate actions and internationally negotiated agreements.
- Develop an understanding of TNC’s values and culture and ensure that the work is consistent with those.
- Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- Ensures that the program complies with country lobbying laws and regulations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- At least 4 years of government relations, non-profit or corporate sector experience, or equivalent combination education/experience.
- Fluency in English (written and spoken)
- Experience presenting to and/or communicating with business, government or legislative staff and/or program leadership.
- Experience in designing, implementing and directing multiple complex projects and ensuring program accountability.
- Communications experience including preparing and presenting project proposals, and developing written communications.
- Experience working with corporate or NGO partners, and government agencies.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Analytical and project management experience. Demonstrated experience in successfully developing and implementing complex projects in an unstructured environment.
- Experience developing, directing and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.
- Familiarity and knowledge related to business, governmental, and/or environmental policy and practices pertaining to oceans.
- Multi-lingual skills appreciated, especially in languages spoken in Pacific Island countries where the Conservancy works (Federated States of Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, Solomon Islands, US Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, US Territory of Guam).
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.