Blue Prosperity Vanuatu Country Manager

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

BLUE PROSPERITY VANUATU COUNTRY MANAGER

The Waitt Institute is seeking a Country Manager to support Blue Prosperity Vanuatu (BPV), a government-led program to strengthen ocean protection and sustainable economic development in Vanuatu. The program, a partnership between the Government and the Waitt Institute, will build on Vanuatu’s goals and existing initiatives to protect and sustainably manage the ocean.

The BPV Country Manager will be the Waitt Institute's on-the-ground staff member and lead the BPV Vanuatu-based team. The successful candidate will implement the BPV program closely with the Waitt Institute and government stakeholders.

The Waitt Institute is committed to diversity, cultural competency, and inclusion. We seek to employ talented advocates for the ocean and coastal communities. All applicants are welcome.

About the position

Based in Port Vila, Vanuatu.
Citizen of Vanuatu, preferably Ni-Vanuatu, or resident with existing right to work in Vanuatu. 
Fluent in English and Bislama. Fluency in French and/or local dialects will be an added advantage. 
Strong traditional background and cultural values.
Well-established network with government officials in Vanuatu and familiar with government protocols and processes. Comfortable with contacting and working with senior political officials.
Comfortable working cross-culturally as part of a diverse team, headquartered in the United States of America.
Full-time, one-year contract position (40 hours/week) with option to renew.
Reports to the Waitt Institute’s Senior Director of Programs and Program Manager and Waitt Foundation’s Senior Director of Blue Prosperity Coalition.

Eligible for Vanuatu’s public holidays and a maximum of 21 personal days. 
Flexible to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Duties and responsibilities

Lead BPV engagement in Vanuatu to foster support for the program and accomplish work plan objectives.
Work closely with the Waitt Institute team and government partners to plan, guide, and execute BPV initiatives and deliverables.
Maintain close communication and coordination with Waitt Institute staff, local BPV staff, Maritime and Ocean Affairs Division officers, and other government officials as needed.
Assist the Waitt Institute in establishing and maintaining relationships with key partners.
Serve as the primary in-country BPV contact on committees and community meetings on behalf of the Waitt Institute.
Monitor the political landscape and provide relevant updates and strategic recommendations to the Waitt Institute.
Build and manage relationships with communities and stakeholders from government, Malvatumauri, outer islands, NGOs, academia, and the private sector.
Ensure communication flow among partners, collaborators, committees, and stakeholders.
Obtain necessary approvals and decisions from government partners and other decision-makers.
Support the Waitt Institute team and partners in planning, preparing, and facilitating meetings.

Minimum qualifications, skills, and experience

Proven ability to effectively engage and support high-level public officials, stakeholders, and communities, preferably with experience in complex public policy and consultation processes.
Record of successful management of complex, collaborative science- and management-based projects. Experience in ocean protection or resource management desired.
Minimum five years of work experience and bachelor’s degree in marine or fisheries science/policy, finance, environmental science/policy, ocean law and policy, social sciences, or a related field.
Proven ability to effectively engage and support high-level public officials, stakeholders, and communities, preferably with experience in complex public policy and consultation processes.
Strong organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to manage competing demands and find timely solutions to achieve agreed upon targets.
Demonstrated experience in facilitation, report writing, and editing.
Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
Ability to solve problems strategically and creatively.
Strong commitment to sustainable and progressive ocean management with an understanding of ocean and environmental issues relevant to Vanuatu.

Salary 

A competitive salary will be offered based on experience. 

Questions?

Please contact Mr. Toney Tevi, Head of the Maritime and Ocean Affairs Division, at toneytevi@gmail.com with any questions.

To apply 

Please email your resume and cover letter written in English with “BPV Country Manager” in the email's subject line to Tom Grueskin, Senior Director, Waitt Foundation, at tgrueskin@waittfoundation.org to be considered for a position. The position will remain open until filled. 