Eastern Tropical Pacific Program Coordinator

Re:wild's mission is to protect and restore the wild to build a thriving Earth where all life flourishes.

Position: Eastern Tropical Pacific Program Coordinator

Background

The Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) harbors an extraordinary amount of biodiversity, both on its islands, as well as in the variety of coastal and marine ecosystems. It has a high degree of ecological interconnection and complex oceanographic characteristics, mainly because of the convergence of multiple marine currents that facilitate the dispersion of marine larvae (corals, echinoderms, mollusks, fish) and affect the migrations and distribution of many regional and global species, such as tuna, sharks, marine turtles, whales and seabirds. Indeed, UNESCO has already designated four World Natural Heritage Sites in this region: Galápagos National Park (Ecuador), Malpelo Flora and Fauna Sanctuary (Colombia), Cocos Island National Park (Costa Rica), and Coiba National Park (Panama). These productive waters and diverse marine habitats also harbor highly valuable coastal and oceanic economies.

In 2004 the four countries in the central ETP established the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor (CMAR) initiative. They agreed to work together to promote the protection and sustainable use of their extraordinary marine resources. Over the years they have coordinated regional actions and their pledge was recently ratified at the highest political level, when in 2021 during the COP26, the Presidents of Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Panama signed the Glasgow Declaration, establishing their commitment to reach the 30 x 30 marine goal and their intent to create the first transboundary marine UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Since then, CMAR countries have engaged in an ambitious process of expansion and creation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). To date, three of the four countries have already reached the 30 x 30 marine goal and together have designated an area of over 600,000 sq. km as MPAs.

Along with other 15 philanthropic, multilateral, and bilateral donors, which comprise the Connect to Protect Coalition, Re:wild’s collaborative program for the ETP supports 3 workstreams: strengthening regional cross-boundary governance, improved MPA management, and sustainable finance. Re:wild is looking for an ETP Program Coordinator to help support program design and delivery.

The successful candidate will have a strong ability to be a neutral conservation convener and mediate between diverse stakeholders to achieve conservation outcomes. The ETP Program Coordinator will help manage a portfolio of projects that effectively integrate people while protecting and restoring island and marine wildlife and ecosystems across the ETP. The Program Coordinator will work with local organizations, Indigenous and local communities, international organizations, funders and governments to leverage conservation opportunities via private and public funding streams and improved collaboration.

The Program Coordinator will be expected to work with a significant amount of autonomy and independence. The preferred candidate will have experience in convening diverse stakeholders, managing a portfolio of grants, and be skilled at creating alliances to advance towards conservation goals. The Program Coordinator will work within Re:wild’s Latin America team and report to the Director for Latin American Islands Program.

• Lead partner and project identification, collaborating with potential grantees to co-design projects focused on advancing toward Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework, including establishing, restoring, and managing marine protected areas and other forms of area-based conservation.

• Cultivate robust partnerships with regional governance entities and national governments to enhance program impact, and inform program strategy and implementation.

• Identify grantees and co-develop grants for impactful grant making, building a portfolio that advances a theory of change and aggregates impact. Manage the portfolio of grants.

• Support potential grantees, particularly small local and indigenous organizations, in co-designing projects and facilitating robust project planning.

• Coordinate with various philanthropic, bilateral, and multilateral funders to streamline efforts, support a common vision, avoid duplication and foster collaborative grant-making efforts.

• Organize and design events at pertinent international forums to advance program goals, representing Re:wild as needed.

• Facilitate stakeholder meetings as necessary to capitalize on key conservation opportunities.

• Work closely with the Re:wild communications team to identify stories and support the development of external communications strategies, including social media and press releases related to the Program.

• Engage with thematic experts across Re:wild as needed, including thematic and communications specialists, to ensure the program's overall success.

• Direct specific projects within the portfolio, particularly those within the candidate's technical expertise.

• Identify and manage a small operating budget and consultants to help support Program Delivery.

• Support Re:wild and local partners in fundraising to advance the program’s needs.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate experience in:

• Managing biodiversity conservation and sustainable development initiatives, programs, and projects: Will have at least 10 years of experience in developing sound conservation outcomes in the ETP. Special preference to candidates who can demonstrate:

  • understanding of key challenges for islands and marine protected areas;

  • familiarity with issues related to achieving Target 3 within the Global Biodiversity Framework, including protected area establishment and management, and/or sustainable use of coastal and oceanic resources.

  • understanding of relevant context and stakeholders. Hence, strong preference for nationals/residents of Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Panama.

• Convening and managing multi-stakeholder groups around conservation outcomes and building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.

• Designing and managing a portfolio of conservation projects. The candidate should be comfortable multitasking between different levels of program oversight: from high-level strategic thinking and engagement to day-to-day management of a grant portfolio.

• Engaging with donors, matching them with projectsand securing funding.

• Independence and ability to make decisions: Displays an ability to work as part of a small team but also maintains a significant level of independence and makes decisions quickly on a day-to-day basis while being aware when to elevate issues and decision making.

• Strategic Thinking: Able to navigate complex situations tactfully and strategically.

• Languages: High level of English and Spanish proficiency required

• Written Communication: Can effectively communicate in writing, both in English and Spanish.

• Oral Communication: Speaks clearly and persuasively; navigates effectively in positive and negative situations; listens and seeks clarification when necessary; responds well to questions; demonstrates group presentation skills.

• Motivation: Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.

• Teamwork: Able to work with a diverse team of staff and partners, efficiently communicating and sharing knowledge and ideas, advancing organizational positions and seeking advice when needed.

This is a full-time position.

Re:wild provides a competitive benefits package, details of which will be dependent upon the successful candidate’s country of employment.

• Work station will be a home office, based in one of the ETP countries (Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador).

• Travel: Domestic and international travel will be required to effectively fulfill the position’s responsibilities.

• To apply: Send resume and cover letter to: careers@rewild.org with subject line “ETP Program Coordinator” by April 30th, 2024. The cover letter should clearly state why you consider you can successfully navigate the responsibilities, and how you meet or exceed the qualifications.
  

Re:wild is committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and are taking steps to meet that commitment. We encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQ people, and people with disabilities.