Ocean Specialist

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in 69 countries, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Visit www.nature.org/about-us to learn more.

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.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Ocean Specialist directs all aspects of protection, science, stewardship and community relations for Chile´s Ocean Strategy, within Chile Conservation Program. Serves as first/preliminary contact to government agencies, other conservation organizations, foundations and the academic community,

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Ocean Specialist establishes the Conservancy as a major conservation partner within the area of responsibility, propose and implement defines conservation priorities and long-term conservation strategies, and implement scientific, and technical capacity in the field and develops key partnerships with public and private organizations to identify and resolve technical issues and to widely communicate solutions and best practices. S/he develops innovative scientific methods, analyses, tools and frameworks to address the natural system needs, engages local community support for local conservation efforts, and negotiates complex and innovative solutions with government agencies and to conserve and protect natural communities.

The work will include propose and implement the Ocean Strategy, management and leadership of related projects, implement and supervise conservation activities in field, supervise scientific analysis, and work on the development of institutional schemes for ocean conservation and support strategic relationships. He/she will work under the supervision of Chile Conservation Manager. The Oceans Coordinator will work closely with institutions related to marine, coast and oceans, academic and research institutions, local community, environmental governmental agencies, private sector and NGOs.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE

• Propose and implement strategy for the Ocean Strategy in Chile, in coordination with Chile Conservation Program, the Latin-American Oceans and Coasts Strategy and the Global Oceans program of TNC.
• Maintain coordination with the Latin-American Oceans and Coasts Strategy and the Global Oceans program of TNC, delivering information and support if needed.
• Development, management, reporting and supervision of key project for the Ocean strategy in Chile.
• Maintain strong contacts with governmental agencies responsible for marine conservation and fisheries management and related policies.
• Maintain strong partnership with private sector, NGO, academy and other stakeholders.
• In coordination other areas in TNC, developing material and carry out activities with partners and donors, making the case and promoting the projects and strategy.
• Programmatic scope may require cross-boundary work and relationships.
• May be responsible for leading or co-leading a whole system program.
• Leads and manages team or project to support and improve conservation efforts.
• Manage multi-disciplinary administrative and professional staff, with responsibility for performance management, training and career development.Establish clear directions and set stretch objectives.
• Establish and maintain optimal standards of performance for the department or program while controlling costs and administering budgets.
• Responsible for ensuring that public and private funds are raised to meet program needs.
• Builds cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals.
• Frequently makes independent decision based on analysis, experience, and judgment.
• May require travel 25%-40% of time.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT

• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• University degree in Marine Biology, Biology, Fisheries Engineering or related areas degree and 5 years’ experience in natural resource management, marine conservation or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Education, training, and/or experience with current political and practices that affect marine environment in Chile.
• Experience working in critical coastal ecosystem, protection, restoration and marine conservation
• Experience working with the fishing sector.
• Experience negotiating complex agreements.
• Communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English and Spanish.
• Experience coordinating multiple projects with several variables, setting realistic deadlines and managing timeframe.
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including staffing, workloads and finances under deadlines.
• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• MS in Marine Biology, Biology, Fisheries Engineering or related areas degree
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising or development of proposal for different funding.
• Negotiation skills.
• Proven capacity to work in team and influence without authority.
• Ability to make sound decisions on legal, financial, conservation and reporting issues.
• Experience developing partnerships and networks (partners, community, government)
• Demonstrated experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans.
• Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
• Managing time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results.
• Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
• Experience in training and curriculum design.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in relevant discipline(s) and regions.
• Knowledge of methods and standards of biodiversity information systems and initiatives.
• Politically savvy and experienced in partnership development (partners, community, government)

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy's Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply to position number 44469, submit resume and cover letter as one document. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on August 8, 2016.

Click “submit” to apply for the position or “save for later” to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited. Failure to complete required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.

If you experience technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of men and women of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of *The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.*

Job Title: Ocean Specialist

Location: Chile

Job ID: 44469

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full/Part Time: Full-Time