Culture & Conservation Project Manager

Culture & Conservation Project Manager

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Suva, Fiji

The Culture & Conservation Manager (‘The Manager’) will oversee implementation of activities in Fiji funded by two specific projects: 1) The Global Environment Fund Inclusive Conservation Initiative (GEF-ICI) project implemented by Conservation International entitled “Strengthening traditional governance for effective management of natural resources and increased resilience to climate change in Fiji and Cook Island s,” and; 2) the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) Manaaki project entitled “Building climate resilience of IPLC in Fiji and the Cook Islands through traditional governance, youth engagement, and sustainable livelihoods”.

The Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI) is designed to support the leadership of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC) in stewarding lands, waters, and natural resources. By combining substantial investments in specific locations with support to magnify local results through global capacity building, policy influence, and demonstration of large-scale impacts, ICI will catalyze the transformational changes needed to secure and enhance support for the contributions of IPLCs to biodiversity and other global environmental benefits (GEBs).

The Manager will oversee all aspects of the project over the entire project cycle. This project will take place in the Lau Seascape, a priority investment site for Conservation International. The Manager will oversee project planning, implementation, tracking, and reporting on deliverables and project status of activities taking place in Fiji. The Manager will lead and coordinate CI’s engagement with IPLC communities in the Lau Seascape in Fiji, as well as with representatives from the Ministry(s) responsible for iTaukei Affairs, other key government agencies, and stakeholders under the project.

The Manager works to ensure project results meet project standards and project deliverables are completed on time and within budget. They establish the project work plan including staffing and capacity building needs. Duties are performed under general direction.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Support the management, coordination, and implementation of the GEF ICI Project work plan.

Gather, develop, and share project information, action plans, and deliverables with internal and external project stakeholders.

Ensure partner/stakeholder standards and interests are represented and incorporated into project deliverables. Review for compliance with partner/donor agreements.

Function as a key project information source and advisor. Represent CI and ensure effective communications and information sharing between all partners and stakeholders.

Oversee the overall implementation of assigned project(s).

Monitor project progress and provide technical advice on the project’s management.

Identify trends and corrective actions to resolve problems and ensure future project efficiencies. Help identify tools, resources, and training that will facilitate project success.

Manage the preparation of reporting summaries and project narratives. Collaborate with HQ and Program finance and operations staff on project financial reporting.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities:

Support the integration of project outcomes with the Lau Seascape Strategy and CI Pacific Strategy.

Support the integration of inclusive conservation principles with existing marine, terrestrial, and freshwater projects.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Periodic travel to the project site and other office locations.

Comfortable working out of doors for extended periods.

Ability to work outside the normal work schedule to meet project deadlines.

Guidance on flexible work arrangements will be shared during the interview process.

This is a fixed assignment, expected to be 2 years.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

Bachelor’s Degree or up to four years of college-level work in a relevant discipline (not limited to arts and cultural management, creative and cultural industries/tourism, social science, conservation, environment, biological sciences).

4 to 6 years of proven experience in the culture, cultural industries, culture policy & development field, and at least 3 years of project management experience, including planning and budgeting.

Demonstrated knowledge of key issues, progress, and developments in the field of conservation & culture.

Sound knowledge of conservation & culture issues in the Pacific Islands regions.

Ability to diagnose problems and identify solutions.

Strong organization and time management skills.

Team player and able to work effectively with diverse work groups in a multicultural environment.

Solid written and verbal communication skills. Proficient in written and spoken English.

Ability to work well under pressure, multitask, set priorities, and deliver quality results.

Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and under general supervision.

Preferred

Professional studies in Indigenous Studies, Applied Indigenous Knowledge.

Understanding of the economic and environmental issues facing developing countries and the local communities is strongly preferred.

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility-committed employer. We are proud to have a diverse, global workforce where employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, position requirements, business needs, market conditions, merit, and other legitimate nondiscriminatory factors.

As a science-based organization, CI follows CDC recommendations for COVID-19 and other vaccines. Accordingly, for the health and safety of our employees, their families, and our community, subject to applicable local law, all Conservation International staff are expected to be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, vaccination is no longer a mandate or condition of employment and employees are not required to provide proof of vaccination. This means we will not require an individual to be vaccinated to enter a CI office, attend CI events or travel on CI-related trips. This applies for our community partners as well. This vaccine expectation applies to all team members working remotely, in a hybrid work arrangement, and on-site. Job applicants are NOT required to state their COVID-19 vaccine status in their application.