Marine Expert for the Blue Solutions project

GRID-Arendal is a small, flexible organization with highly qualified staff that specializes in complex environmental issues. We seek a Marine Expert for the Blue Solutions Project for the duration of 2 years with the possibility for extension. The candidate will have experience working with UN agencies, international development programmes or similar. The candidate will have an established network of partners.

The position is full-time and will be based in Arendal, Norway.

Blue Solutions is a global project funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU), since 2013. It is being jointly implemented by GIZ, GRID-Arendal, IUCN and UNEP. The project focuses on sharing knowledge and developing capacity on how to sustainably use marine and coastal biodiversity among key political and technical stakeholders in this field.

The current project cycle from 2019 to 2021 is designed to consolidate the global Blue Solutions partnership and strengthen national and regional partner institutions. This will enable them to contribute more effectively to implementing the strategic plans of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework to protect, sustainably use and restore marine and coastal biodiversity.

In close cooperation with responsible Project Managers, the Marine Expert will:

• Provide advisory and capacity-building services, supporting initial implementation in partner countries to protect and sustainably use coastal and marine ecosystems, with a particular focus on marine spatial planning and the Blue Economy;
• Advance and implement marine sector technical training with a focus on strategy, processes and dialogue;
• Advise on how to share and apply knowledge and experiences in South-South cooperation,
• Work with project managers on strategic planning, results monitoring within the project and in mainstreaming approaches in partner organizations; and, 
• Work with the project team on domestic and international public relations work.

Preferred professional qualifications:

• A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in environmental economics and/or marine sciences with a Master’s, or three years with a Ph.D
• Proven ability to take responsibility for tasks while working closely with the team members and external partners
• Excellent skills in English and French. Spanish is also highly desired

Preferred personal qualifications:

• Excellent team player and ability to work independently
• High motivation and energy
• Ability to pursue multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment and consistently meet deadlines
• Excellent networking capabilities and diplomatic skills
• Interpersonal skills and ability to work in an international and culturally diverse environment

Compensation:

GRID-Arendal’s salary system is currently linked to the Norwegian Government salary system. It is based on education and experience. Salaries are subject to Norwegian tax regulations. Insurance and personal benefits are provided in addition to salary.

Deadline for applications: 21 October 2019

Application should include a cover letter and curriculum vitae. Please send your application by email to: hr@grida.no and mark in the subject ‘Marine Expert Blue Solutions”, by close of business on 21 October 2019.

For more information about the position, please contact Head of HR Kari Scheie +47 9264 4420.

Type: Full time

Duration: Two years

Starting date: 2019-11-01

Ending date: 2021-10-31