Programme Manager, Coasts and Deltas

Wetlands International is looking for a Programme Manager to join its Coasts and Deltas team. In this role, you will be at the heart of efforts to conserve and restore wetlands for people and nature.

 About the Coasts and Deltas programme

Wetlands International’s work on coasts and deltas comprises a rapidly growing portfolio of projects and programmes, working for the conservation of biodiversity, to achieve food and water security and to reduce climate risks. Programmes focus on the conservation of diverse wetlands such as mangroves, mudflats and seagrass meadows. We implement site-based programmes across wetland landscapes all over the world, integrated coastal zone and delta management initiatives and a range of sector and commodity driven programmes, focused on coastal engineering and aquaculture among others. The work is collaborative, done in and through strategic public and private partnerships and cutting edge networks, such as Building with Nature consortium and the Global Mangrove Alliance.

Purpose of the role

The position serves as the deputy to the Programme Head of the Deltas and Coasts programme for Wetlands International globally. In this role you will oversee mobilisation and implementation of a portfolio of projects in different regions, providing strategic guidance to project managers across the network. You will be responsible for the management of several large programmes for which the Global Office leads. Initially this includes the Global Mangrove Restoration initiative : a large mangrove restoration programme, focusing on Guinea-Bissau, Tanzania, Indonesia and Philippines, and including a global outreach component;  and Global Mangrove Watch: a global remote sensing programme that provides real time data on trends in status and distribution of mangroves in support of enhanced mangrove conservation policy and practice.

The job also includes external representation, programme development and establishment of relevant knowledge and tools. This contributes to the mobilisation of the Coasts and Deltas programme in line with Wetlands International’s Strategic Intent 2020-2030.

Responsibilities and tasks

Programme oversight and supervision

• Guide project managers on project start-up and implementation, performing quality control, checking adherence to organisational standards and procedures and ensuring alignment with the deltas and coasts implementation plan and other planning frameworks;
• Line management of part of the team;
• Oversee narrative and financial reporting and donor liaison;
• Oversee monitoring and evaluation and documentation of our track record;
• Provide strategic and technical inputs to publications, tools and other communications products and ensure quality control;
• Support alignment with, and provide strategic and technical input to other programmes at Wetlands International as appropriate.

Programme management

• Ensure optimal programme set-up, technical and financial implementation and reporting and contribute to further programme expansion;
• Provide effective leadership of project team(s) comprising Global Office and network staff and partners;  
• Run collaborative processes with internal and external stakeholders required in projects;
• Document achievements and lessons learned, ensuring strategic communication of project outcomes to internal and external stakeholders;
• Align with initiatives within and outside Wetlands International;  
• Develop and disseminate knowledge and tools;
• Donor liaison and stewardship.

Resource and partnership development:

• Identify  fundraising opportunities and lead project proposal teams as appropriate;
• Proactively explore and develop new strategic partnerships;
• Establish and manage relevant internal and external contacts with key internal and external stakeholders;
• Represent  Wetlands International in relevant forums and events, including the Global Mangrove Alliance and the Global Mangrove Watch consortium;
• Support donor stewardship including pro-active and timely communication with donors.

Working relations

INSIDE Wetlands International: CEO, Management Team, Programme Heads, Global Office and Network Office staff in Deltas and Coasts Stream team and programmes.

OUTSIDE Wetlands International: Partner organizations, government agencies, international organizations, companies, wetland experts, donors, NGOs, and the extended network of Wetlands International. 

Profile

The successful candidate is a pro-active and energetic manager with excellent understanding of international collaboration in wetlands issues and strong project management and people skills. They will have an ability to position Wetlands International as a leading authority on wetland issues; have a good knowledge of wetland science and related disciples in international conservation and sustainable development. The successful candidate will have a broad network of contacts of relevant individuals, institutions, donors, governments and (inter)national organisations.

Education and experience

• MSc or higher in relevant scientific discipline (e.g. biology, geography, environmental science/management, economics);
• At least ten years relevant working experience in an international context, with familiarity of working in Asia or Africa and/or with European donors an advantage;
• Working experience in the NGO or corporate sector and with a project-based work environment;
• Significant programme development and project management and team management experience;
• People management and (multi-disciplinary, cross-cultural) team-working skills;
• Extensive knowledge in the field of wetland management and conservation;
• An appreciation of the role of international NGOs in creating change and delivering solutions;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and in particular excellent written English; other languages are an advantage;
• Active interest in current environment and development matters;
• Ability to travel and work independently.

Core competencies

• Ability to get things done under pressure (result oriented), while maintaining oversight and planning.
• Integrates and evaluates plans to achieve business goals.
• Shows initiative and deals with issues proactively.
• Nurtures creativity.
• Provides opportunities for development of others.
• Consistently meets established expectations.
• Consistently delivers work of a high standard of quality, precision and according to standards, procedures, rules, regulations and expectations.

How to apply

To apply for this vacancy, please send us a resume and an application letter indicating your motivation to Jozefa van der Veen, HR Officer hr@wetlands.org. Please mark in the subject: “Application – Programme Manager Coasts and Deltas. Questions about the vacancy and/or procedure can also be sent to this email address.

Deadline for the application is Sunday 9 May 2021.

Interviews will take place in the week commencing 24 May 2021.

“Due to the high amount of applications, we can only contact short listed candidates.”