Senior Project Manager & Advisor Ecosystem-smart Disaster Risk Reduction in the Philippines

Senior Project manager & Advisor Ecosystem-smart Disaster Risk Reduction in the Philippines

Background

Wetlands International is dedicated to safeguarding and restoring wetlands — for people and nature. We are driven by the knowledge that safeguarding and restoring wetlands is urgent and vital for water security, biodiversity, climate regulation, sustainable development and human health. In our disaster risk reduction work, we work from the principles that environmental degradation can lead to disasters and aggravation of hazards, and that the sustenance and restoration of healthy ecosystems are key to reducing disaster risk and improving livelihood resilience. Our global not-for-profit network of 16 independent offices is governed by a Supervisory Council and a Board of the Association of 35 national government and non-governmental organization members. We bring knowledge into policy and practice, connect local actions in 100 countries to make a global difference, we catalyze actions that support those that use or depend on wetlands, and we are passionate about the positive change we make for people and nature. 

Wetlands International received the CBF (Dutch Central Bureau for Fundraising) Seal of Approval in 2011, the highest Dutch quality mark for charitable organizations.  Most of our work is financed on a project basis by governments (bi and multilateral funding) and private donors (foundations, corporates), with our Association members providing small but critical unrestricted support. See our website for more information on the values, strategies and policies that guide our work.

From 2014 to 2017 Wetlands International will work on “Proud of your purok”, an integrated river basin project that aims for ecosystem based and climate smart disaster risk reduction (DRR) and livelihood resilience in the Agusan River Basin, Mindanao, The Philippines. Partners are The Netherlands & Philippines Red Cross (lead) and CARE Netherlands & Agri- Agua Development Coalition (AADC). On the ground activities (i.e. improving disaster preparedness, economic and agricultural planning, improving water quality and reforestation) will be complemented with the development of a knowledge base on the relation between land-use change, climate change and increased disaster risk and a policy dialogue towards ecosystem and climate inclusive DRR. Wetlands International will be responsible for the development of the knowledge base, implementation & coordination of ecosystem based DRR activities and will have an important role in the policy dialogue. Wetlands International aims to implement the project on the ground through a Mindanao-based organization, which is currently being identified.

Wetlands International also acts as an advisor on ecosystem-smart approaches in DRR in the ‘Partners for Resilience’ program, which is implemented with largely the same partners and with activities targeted at five provinces throughout The Philippines.

In both project and program the partners will work in partnership with delegated responsibilities for implementation at Mindanao level, coordination and policy dialogue at Manila level and support/low intense coordination in at the Netherlands level.

Responsibilities and tasks

To be able to work effectively in the Philippines, Wetlands International is looking for a senior advisor/project manager who will coordinate activities and represent the organization in the Philippines. Under the guidance of the Wetlands International Headquarters, this person will:

• Manage the “Proud of your Purok” project. This includes the provision of technical and strategic advice to the main partner organisations, this to ensure the integration of ecosystem-based approaches in their DRR activities as one of the starting points of the joint resilience approach, strategic support to the implementing partner in Mindanao, coordination of the knowledge base development, half year (financial) planning and reporting and the facilitation of external evaluations and audits.

• Develop and maintain a stakeholder network of relevant NGOs, governments and corporates and advocate for and influence policies on  ecosystem/landscape level where relevant;

• Identify and develop new project opportunities for Wetlands International in the Philippines aligned with the strategic intent of the global organization.

Profile

The successful candidate is a skilled technical and strategic advisor, able to bring people and interests together and see and develop new opportunities. S/he has a good understanding of the NGO, government and corporate world complemented with a relevant network. S/he has a good understanding of wetlands issues at all relevant scales. S/he is well able to profile Wetlands International as an authority in wetlands issues.

Requirements

The successful candidate meets the following requirements:

• An advanced university degree and a working experience of a minimum of 6 to 8 years in integrated water resource management (IWRM), biodiversity conservation and/or related fields (environmental studies, land-use);
• Knowledgeable of current policies and practices related to IWRM and biodiversity conservation in the Philippines;
• Substantial track record in project management and development and a demonstrated ability to produce sound technical and financial reports;
• Facilitation and training skills: able to explain IWRM and ecosystem services concepts and provide related solutions for different audiences (local communities, humanitarian organizations, governments, corporates);
• Strong social, networking and diplomatic skills and experience with policy dialogue with different government levels and corporates (to be proven by track record);
• An extensive network among civil society and science-based organizations working on environmental issues and preferably humanitarian issues throughout the Philippines;
• Full proficiency in English and preferably Tagalog;
• To be based in the Metro Manila area;
• Willingness to travel regularly in-country (mainly to Mindanao) and irregularly internationally.

Offer

• A competitive fee (negotiable);

• An opportunity to be involved in an innovative partnership between humanitarian, climate and environmental organisations;

• Expand the experience regarding ecosystem rehabilitation in an interdisciplinary manner through close liaison with the knowledge base development component and through backstopping by Wetlands International headquarters;

• Opportunity to become engaged with global organisation Wetlands International.

To apply:

Send a cover letter and CV detailing your experience in the above areas and motivation to Silva Paronakian, e-mail: silva.paronakian@wetlands.org. Please mark in the subject: “Application senior EcoDRR Philippines”. Only selected applicants will receive a response.

For more information please contact Merijn van Leeuwen project coordinator of “Proud of your purok”, e-mail: Merijn.vanleeuwen@wetlands.org.