The Marine Conservation Assistant supports the development and implementation of conservation projects by providing administrative, research, project management, fundraising, communications and other general assistance for activities within Mexico and Northern Central America’s (MNCA) Oceans Program. The Oceans Program focuses on Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras with a major focus on the Gulf of California and the Mesoamerican Reef. The Marine Conservation Assistant will be a position within MNCA’s Oceans Team and will report to the Ocean Lead. The base location for the position will be the TNC office located in La Paz, Mexico.
The Marine Conservation Assistant is responsible for a variety of support tasks, which includes drafting project work plans, terms of reference and budgets, tracking partner grants and payments, as well as writing and editing fundraising proposals, reports, and other communication materials in Spanish and English. S/he will also coordinate logistics for meetings, trainings, events and donor trips. The Marine Conservation Assistant will provide administrative and technical support to several strategic projects particularly in the Gulf of California, in coordination with project managers and partners. S/he will be responsible for supporting the Oceans Lead with domestic and international travel arrangements, calendar management, drafting correspondence, preparing and approving expense reports, and scheduling and coordinating logistics for conference calls and meetings. The Marine Conservation Assistant will also serve as the office manager for the TNC La Paz office maintaining equipment and supplies. S/he provides guidance in satisfying administrative requirements based on extensive knowledge of policies and procedures. S/he will implement processes and practices in order to improve program effectiveness. The Marine Conservation Assistant will coordinate activities with multiple variables, setting realistic deadlines and managing the timeline. S/he will help post communication materials and will communicate on behalf of the Oceans Lead with staff in various programs across the Conservancy, as well as with partners, contractors, and vendors. Responsibilities will be distributed as follows: 50% supporting development and implementation of conservation projects; 40% providing administrative support and 10% supporting fundraising efforts.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Experience or basic knowledge of administration.
- Works closely with Oceans team and contract specialist to develop project work plans, terms of reference and budgets.
- Tracks all current grants, contracts, payments and provides follow up, as needed.
- Provide administrative and technical support to strategic marine projects.
- Provides logistical support for meetings, trainings, events and donor trips.
- Supports Oceans Lead with travel arrangements, calendar management, expense reports, drafting correspondence, and scheduling and coordinating logistics for conference calls and meetings.
- Supports the Oceans Lead with fundraising efforts, including writing proposals, reports, fundraising materials, and communication material.
- Updates and manages the Oceans team page on Connect.
- Works with the Oceans team and the MNCA Marketing and Communications Manager to research, write and distribute a wide variety of communication materials about MNCA’s marine conservation work including but not limited to: news releases, factsheets, web articles, and blog posts.
- Maintains La Paz office equipment (computers, furniture, vehicle) and supplies, and tracks equipment inventory.
- Serves as the primary contact with the TIS (Technology and Information Systems) department and service providers, purchases new equipment, ensures server backups and the installation of specific updates or programs in all computers.
- Coordinates projects, sets deadlines and manages a timeline.
- Works within a budget to complete assigned projects or work.
- Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment.
- Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Experience managing staff or volunteers.
- Relationship building skills to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists.
- Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
- Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
- Experience in training.
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross cultural experience appreciated
- 3-5 years’ experience in natural resource management, similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
- Familiarity with principles of land acquisition or similar asset acquisition.
- Knowledge of ecological land management principles.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
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.