The Conservation Practitioner develops, manages and advances conservation programs, plans and methods for small to medium scale geographic areas. The Conservation Practitioner position is part of The Nature Conservancy’s Papua New Guinea Program, based in Lorengau, Manus Province and reports to the Melanesia Coastal Fisheries Manager.
The Conservation Practitioner provides technical leadership and support to coastal communities, community-based organisations, local NGOs, and governments that the Conservancy partners within Manus Province and across the Papua New Guinea program. They are familiar with community based natural resource management (CBRM) and has an in-depth understanding of tropical fisheries and the role that coastal fisheries play in addressing food security and improving livelihoods in Papua New Guinea. The Conservation Practitioner is experienced in training local community groups on how to monitor their natural resources, and they are also experienced in conducting socio-economic surveys. The Conservation Practitioner develops and implements a variety of conservation strategies to secure support for TNC conservation priorities. The Conservation Practitioner is a confident public speaker and is prepared to travel frequently to remote locations, both domestically and internationally.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Implements a program of conservation activities, either independently or as a member of a team.
- Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
- Supervises technical, administrative and professional staff with responsibility for performance management, training and development.
- Gain cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals.
- Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, and assisting with budget development.
- 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.
- Prepares written technical reports and scientific manuscripts.
- Experience managing staff or volunteers.
- Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists.
- Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Experience with communication 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.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Working knowledge of Tok Pisin and other local Manus languages.
- 3-5 years’ experience in natural resource management, similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Excellent boat operation skills, and knowledge of Manus Provincial waters.
- Competent swimmer and experienced in conducting underwater surveys
- Knowledge of Papua New Guinean fisheries and fisheries management.
- Ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences
- Completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
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.