EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

BLUE PROSPERITY VANUATU Torba and Penama Provincial Coordinato

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The Waitt Institute is seeking a Coordinator to represent and support Blue Prosperity Vanuatu (BPV) in Torba and Penama provinces. BPV is a government-led program designed to strengthen ocean protection and promote sustainable economic development in Vanuatu. The program is a partnership between the Government of the Republic of Vanuatu and the Waitt Institute, building on Vanuatu’s initiatives to protect and sustainably manage the ocean. 

 

The BPV Torba and Penama Provincial Coordinator will be the Waitt Institute’s primary representative in Torba and Penama Provinces, leading and facilitating BPV engagement with a broad range of leaders and stakeholders throughout the province. 

 

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.

 

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist BPV in establishing and maintaining relations with relevant government officials and provincial and community stakeholders to ensure necessary communication flow.

• Develop and maintain productive relationships with traditional leaders throughout the provinces, including community and paramount chiefs

• Support the development, coordination, and execution of the BPV Torba and Penama provincial workplans, specifically focused on marine spatial planning and blue economy-related tasks. Such tasks will likely include: 

  • Participating in work planning development, in part to coordinate with Torba and Penama Provincial representatives, the Government of the Republic of Vanuatu, and the Waitt Institute.

  • In support of marine spatial planning, economic assessments, and other processes in support of BPV work plans, provide information acquisition (data gathering), process design and implementation support (community consultation and outreach, e.g.), and in general serve as the in-province spokesperson for BPV. 

  • Coordinate local marine spatial planning, economic assessments, and other tasks and deliverables with the Waitt Institute, Government of the Republic of Vanuatu, and Torba province in support of BPV goals and outcomes.

  • Support the development of BPV consultation strategies and participate in stakeholder engagement activities by organizing meetings, giving presentations, synthesizing, and sharing consultation feedback

  • Collaborate in the design and implementation of programs related to BPV throughout the provinces.

• Support the development and engagement with private sector entities throughout the provinces

  • Lead on the development and execution of a strategy of engagement with private sector stakeholders, including cooperatives, across relevant commercial sectors in the provinces. 

  • Develop and manage relationships with private sector entities and representatives in relevant commercial sectors of the provinces in support of the development of blue economy plans and programs 

• Build and maintain relationships to keep government officials, traditional leaders, cooperative leaders, private sector partners, technical staff, and stakeholders engaged and informed

• Work closely with provincial and local leadership and maintain close communication on BPV implementation 

• Participate in BPV program-related planning calls to provide status updates, share relevant information, and determine priorities of work

• Support and work with BPV team members, national government partners, and technical expert contractors

• Develop memos, reports, and presentations to raise awareness and facilitate decision-making processes

• Execute agreed-upon deliverables based on the BPV annual work plan, built in coordination with the Waitt Institute 

 

General Terms

• Based primarily in Torba province, Vanuatu 

• Full-time, one-year contract position (40 hours/week) with option to renew. 

• Reports to the Waitt Institute’s Senior Director of Blue Prosperity Coalition and the Blue Prosperity Vanuatu Country Manager.

• Eligible for Vanuatu’s public holidays and a maximum of 21 personal days. 

• Flexible to travel domestically and internationally as needed.   

 

Qualifications, Skills, Experience, and Requirements

• Citizens of Vanuatu, preferably Ni-Vanuatu, or residents with existing rights to work in Vanuatu.  

• Fluent in English and Bislama. Fluency in French and/or local dialects will be a strong added advantage.  

• Strong traditional background and cultural values. 

• Comfortable working independently and cross-culturally as part of a diverse team headquartered in the United States of America, with team members located in Port Vila, Vanuatu.

• Degree in marine or fisheries science, environmental science, policy, economics, business, law, political science, social sciences, or a related field with a minimum of 5 years of work experience

• Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to efficiently manage competing demands and find solutions to achieve goals in a timely manner

• Proven ability to engage and effectively support high-level government officials, technical staff, stakeholders, and communities 

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to understand scientific information and translate it to a non-technical audience

• Experience with government practices & protocols is an added advantage. 

• Experience in meeting facilitation, networking, collaborative projects, report writing, and editing

• Strong commitment to sustainable and progressive ocean management

 

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 send your resume and cover letter written in English to Tom Grueskin at tgrueskin@waittfoundation.org. Include “BPV Provincial Coordinator” in the subject line of your email. The position will remain open until filled.