Program Associate (Papua New Guinea)

SeaWeb, an international communications-based nonprofit organization, seeks a Program Associate for our Asia Pacific Program. This is a full-time position to be based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

Program Overview: SeaWeb, founded in 1996 to raise awareness of the growing threats to the ocean and its living resources, utilizes social marketing techniques to advance ocean conservation. SeaWeb believes the long-term success of ocean conservation depends on bridging the distances between experts, communities, policy makers, business leaders and the media. Our Asia Pacific Program offers a suite of activities that provide academics, NGO staff and community leaders with strategic communications skills to engage stakeholders, policy makers and the media. We also work directly with the media to increase their commitment to ocean issues and to build momentum among key audiences for science-based solutions for a healthy ocean. In the coming years, we are eager to help our partners in PNG and the Asia Pacific carry out social marketing campaigns around critical marine issues.

Position Summary: To advance our PNG program, SeaWeb is looking for a professional with a background in marine conservation and the ability to communicate complex ocean issues in compelling ways. In an energetic, team-oriented environment, the PNG Program Associate will grow to take on a leadership role in PNG conservation, helping prioritize conservation goals and develop communications strategies and activities to advance them. This position is ideal for a professional who excels at strategic planning, building partnerships and has a passion for conserving marine ecosystems and supporting the coastal communities that depend on them.

The Program Associate reports to the Asia Pacific Manager and will work directly with our Asia Pacific team to design and implement a strategic communications plan for promoting better ocean protection in PNG. The Program Associate will help SeaWeb conduct communications training for community leaders, NGO staff and other partners, help guide in-country communications activity, and continue to strengthen our successful media engagement program.

The Asia Pacific Program is dedicated to helping our staff reach their full potential.

Responsibilities:

• Help develop and implement SeaWeb PNG’s communications strategy and country work plan,
• Work with the PNG Center for Locally-Managed Areas and other key partners to develop strategic communications plans and help guide plan implementation,
• Conduct communications training workshops and other events that build communications capacity,
• Provide one-on-one communications training for partners and provide ongoing guidance for outreach work,
• Help SeaWeb and its partners identify and run social marketing campaigns,
• Help grow our media engagement program, including further developing our signature media events, creating new media outreach activities around our conservation priorities, coordinating media networking opportunities and developing media lists,
• Present our work, goals and objectives to key partners, donors and the media,
• Help write grant proposals and reports,
Exercise independent strategic judgment and make recommendations to Asia Pacific manager on selected projects and events as necessary.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in a science field or in communications/journalism,
• 3-5 years work experience in marine conservation and/or community development,
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and experience in translating science into compelling language,
• Ability to present our work and goals to wide range of audiences, including partners, donors and the media,
• 5 years work experience in PNG, with some managerial experience,
• Ability to speak Tok Pisin and knowledge of local cultures and customs,
• Ability to budget and manage events,
• Ability to handle several projects at one time and manage an often unpredictable business environment,
• Detail-oriented and self-motivated, with the ability and willingness to work across many time zones, as well as work independently,
• A well-organized and efficient team player with a positive attitude and superior interpersonal skills,
• Strong understanding of

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to SeaWeb Asia Pacific Program to PO Box 749, Boroko NCD 111, Papua New Guinea, or email apjobs@seaweb.org.

Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

SeaWeb is an equal opportunity employer.