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Senior Marine Conservation Officer

Position title: Senior Marine Conservation Officer
No. of Openings: 1
Job Location: Dubai
Posted Date: 31st May, 2015
Job type: Full time - 1 year Contract
 
Major Function:
The Senior Marine Conservation Officer will provide technical advice to the EWS-WWF Marine Programme in a wide range of topics with a primary focus on marine protection, ecosystem based management and relevant policy topics. This position will also act as the project manager for priority initiatives related to marine protection, and is expected to lead the implementation of key related activities. The role holder will also support the Marine Programme Manager in a number of key activities, such as stakeholder engagement, preparation and participation in important policy related fora, as well as programmatic fundraising and communications.
The role holder will play an integral role within the marine team by providing technical advice and input based on academic expertise and work experience on marine protection and related topics. The Senior Conservation Officer will also be expected to use his/her skills in project management and coordination, as well as stakeholder engagement. The role holder will proactively provide input to support the implementation of the marine programme and will act as a senior EWS-WWF team member helping to strengthen current partnerships and establish new stakeholder relationships.
 
With a passion for solving complex environmental challenges and commitment to teamwork, the Senior Marine Conservation Officer will be independent with a positive, open-minded and solutions focused attitude in working with organisations, where environment might not always be the number one priority. The role holder will have a positive and constructive attitude to achieving change in the region and a strong appreciation for and understanding of the local context and culture. The role holder will also display outstanding tact, diplomacy and flexibility to use different engagement tactics that best fit
 
 
Key responsibilities: 
  1. Implementation of the EWS-WWF Marine Strategy
  • Conduct scientific research and develop technical papers relevant to marine protection, ecosystem based approach, and other priority conservation topics under the EWS-WWF Marine Strategy.
  • Support the roll out of the marine strategy by developing project briefs and technical proposals, as well as contribute in the development of strategic partnerships.
  • Provide strategic input into the development and initiation of priority initiatives under the EWS-WWF Marine Strategy with a primary focus on marine protection.
  • Provide technical advice on EWS-WWF marine initiatives and projects as needed.
  • Keep abreast with international best practices and regional activities to ensure that solutions that EWS-WWF offers are always relevant with the global (including WWF relevant priority areas) and local context.
  • Support other activities as required by EWS-WWF.
 
  1.  Strategic Policy Engagement
  • Conduct policy related research and develop policy briefing documents to facilitate the implementation of the EWS-WWF marine strategy and stakeholder engagement.
  • Provide policy related advice with regards to national and local regulatory framework, as well as international commitments and relevant opportunities.
  • Identify and represent EWS-WWF in regional, national and international policy related events in order to strengthen EWS-WWF’s networks of influence.
  • Keep updated about government policies, plans and visions and coordinate input relevant to the MPA project.
 
  1. Programme Administration support and Project Management
  • Support Marine Programme Manager in monitoring progress of the marine programme, proactively seek solutions and provide recommendations.
  • Work closely with Line Manager and other departments within EWS-WWF to ensure effective monitoring of programme / project activities.
  • Develop action plans and budgets for assigned projects under the EWS-WWF Marine Strategy.
  • Manage effectively assigned projects, monitor and report on progress and achievements, manage project budgets.
  • Develop targets and work plans for EWS-WWF direct reports and manage project teams effectively as per the EWS-WWF HR processes.
  • Prepare Terms of Reference for consultancy assignments and review technical proposals.
  • Develop and administer external consultant contracts, as required, and ensure timely reporting and provision of output.
 
  1. Communications & Stakeholder Management
  • Support the Marine Programme Manager in developing and updating stakeholder engagement strategy and capacity building plans.
  • Liaise with various institutions and relevant stakeholders towards the delivery of assigned marine projects.
  • Actively take part in developing and maintaining external relations and partnerships that are needed to implement the Marine Programme and assigned projects, including relations with other relevant WWF offices.
  • In Liaison with the communications team provide support in communications related activities, such as preparation of key messaging, and support the Marine Programme spokesperson on technical issues.
  • Provide technical advice and contribute in the preparation and oversight of marine communication campaigns, as well as fundraising initiatives.
  • Coordinate work and exchange ideas with other regional specialists, counterparts and policy networks.
  • Ensure effective use of information sharing databases utilised by EWS-WWF.

 
Education and Experience: 
 
  • The ideal candidate will have an undergraduate and/or Postgraduate degree (Masters or PhD) in marine / environmental science or similar and will demonstrate familiarity with major trends in biodiversity conservation issues and policy.
  • Minimum 6 years of experience working on marine conservation and research with a particular focus on marine protection, stakeholder engagement and place based conservation. Proven track record working on policy related issues, as well as proven experience in stakeholder engagement will be a requirement. The candidate will also have experience in managing projects that involved multiple stakeholders as well as international working exposure.
 
Skills and Abilities:
  • Ability to take initiative, work independently and to deliver work of the highest quality to tight deadlines with a solution oriented approach.
  • Fluent in English (written and oral). High level of cultural sensitivity and awareness with ability to work in a multi-cultural setting.
  • Proven and credible qualitative and quantitative research skills.
  • Strong time management skills.
  • Persuasion, negotiation and influencing skills.
  • Excellent computer/IT skills.
  • Good knowledge in data management and statistical data analysis
  • Confident user of GIS software is preferable.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills and proven research capabilities.
  • Excellent organisational and prioritisation competence.
  • Diplomatic and solution-oriented.
  • Proven knowledge and or experience in the non for profit sector, preferably of environmental non-government organizations
  • Willingness and ability to travel.
 
To Apply
Suitable applicants are invited to email their application with cover letter and CV to Reema Mascarenhas hr@ewswwf.ae with
Senior Marine Conservation Officer in the subject line. The closing date of application is 30th June 2015.
 
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.