Postdoctoral position - Marine Programme Coordinator The Marine Programme Coordinator is a leading role to develop marine related research and conservation efforts of Osa Conservation, a regional non-profit conservation organization in the Osa Peninsula region, of Costa Rica. The organization is 14 years old. Its mission is to conserve the extraordinary biodiversity of the Osa region and to utilize OC facilities and programs to engage students, professionals and the broad public with biodiversity conservation.
OC has offices in Washington, DC, Puerto Jimenez, and operates several field research stations and other facilities on 2500 hectares of private land that includes old growth rainforest, marine coastal habitats, wetlands and agricultural landscapes. The Marine Programme Coordinator will be responsible for overseeing the development of OC’s Marine Conservation Programme. Key duties include leading and carrying out science-led conservation initiatives (with a specific focus on Marine Protected Areas), fundraising, building institutional partnerships, mentoring, and managing staff in a team- based system. This high-energy, demanding position reports to the Conservation Science Director. The organization is in a growth phase, has a strong science-base and pursues data-driven conservation solutions and program designs. The ability to multi-task by organizing and managing a complex set of operations and facilities is essential. The base of operations is the Osa peninsula and an enthusiasm for living in the humid tropics is a must. Travel regionally is required. The salary will be commensurate with other professional non- profit salaries paid in Costa Rica. General responsibilities include: 1. Project Implementation: lead innovative marine conservation efforts, and introduce this to the regional community in Osa. 2. Financial Performance and Viability: Develops and manages resources sufficient to ensure the financial health of the restoration and rewilding program. a. Responsible for ongoing fundraising and managing the resources necessary to support the program goals: and assisting both the Conservation Science Director and other project staff in these efforts. 3. Education and Outreach Strategy: a. Works with directors and staff to ensure that the mission is fulfilled b. Responsible for Osa Conservation’s image by being active and visible in the community and by working closely with other professional, civic and private organizations. 4. Program Operations: a. Responsible effective administration of operations. b. Responsible for the retention of competent, qualified staff. Professional Qualifications: • Willingness to live in the Osa. Preferably someone with at least three years’ experience working in marine conservation in Latin America. • A higher graduate degree (MSc, MRes or PhD) in a relevant discipline – Marine Ecology, Marine Conservation, Marine Biology, Marine Protected Areas. • The ability to communicate and collaborate with scientists, policy professionals and decision makers Experience working with local tropical communities, preferably in Latin America. • Evidence of scientific and popular writings (scientific papers, social media and blogs included) • Statistical skills and experience using R, GIS and spatial statistics skills. • Transparent, charismatic and high integrity leadership • 12 months or more nonprofit experience • Experience of and compatibility with field conditions in the wet tropics • Willingness to participate in budget preparation, analysis, decision-making and reporting • Strong organizational abilities including planning, delegating, program development and task facilitation • Ability to convey the strategic vision of the programme to staff, volunteers and donors • Knowledge of fundraising strategies and donor relations unique to nonprofit sector • Skills to collaborate with and motivate donors and staff • Strong written and oral communication skills • Ability to meet reporting and submission deadlines • Ability to interface and engage diverse stakeholders • Demonstrated ability to mentor, manage and collaborate with staff • Strong public speaking ability • Bilingual command of English and Spanish Job Responsibilities include but are not limited to: • Planning and operation of project budget. • Spearhead support for the creation of a new million acre Marine Protected Area in the pacific south of Costa Rica. • The creation and development of impactful education and training activities about Marine Conservation. • Lead and develop marine conservation and monitoring initiatives related to restoration and rewilding in the marine environment. • Establish and maintain relationships with various organizations and utilize those relationships strategically. • Report to and work closely with the Conservation Science Director to seek their involvement in fundraising and to increase the overall visibility of the organization, and related projects. • Contribute to maintain a high-performance field team with excellent morale and commitment • Oversee and participate in weekly operations and science team meetings. Please contact Dr Andrew Whitworth (Science Director) [email protected] with a current CV/Resume and short 1-2 page cover letter by the 18th February. Please use ‘Marine Programme Coordinator’ in the subject line. Successful applicants will be contacted for interview.
