EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

BLUE PROSPERITY VANUATU MARINE SPATIAL PLANNING COORDINATOR

 

The Waitt Institute is seeking a Coordinator to represent and support Blue Prosperity Vanuatu (BPV) in Marine Spatial Planning (MSP). 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 MSP Coordinator will support the Blue Prosperity Vanuatu program by providing technical and analytic capabilities program-wide, focused on marine spatial planning activities (mapping and analysis, data collection activities through ocean use surveys, map preparation and revision)  

 

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

• Support the Blue Prosperity Vanuatu program by providing technical and analytic capabilities program-wide, focused on marine spatial planning activities and spatial components of blue economy and sustainable fisheries efforts. 

• Provide mapping and spatial analysis using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools and platforms. 

• Support spatial data activities such as ocean use surveys, which are intended to map footprint and value of human activities, by providing quality assurance and quality control functions. Provide similar support to other spatial data activities as requested.  

• Prepare written summaries of spatial analysis for technical and non-technical audiences as requested.   

• Present mapping and spatial analysis information in meetings, community settings, and other venues as requested, including for technical and non-technical audiences.

 

General Terms

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

• Reports to the Waitt Institute’s Regional Technical Marine Spatial Planning 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.  

• Must have some knowledge/experience in marine science, fisheries, or natural resource management. 

• Demonstrated ability to analyse and report utilising Geographic Information (GIS) skills; marine geographic information systems or related experience in marine ecosystems preferred

• Experience with government-led processes either as a member of government, an NGO, or other capacity.

• Sound report writing and presentation skills for technical and non-technical audiences. 

• 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, and other countries, including Fiji and the Maldives.

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

• Strong commitment to sustainable and progressive ocean management

 

Salary  

A competitive salary will be offered based on experience.  

  

Questions? 

Please contact Mr. Toney Tevi, (acting) Director of the Department of Oceans and Maritime Affairs, at ttevi2025@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 MSP Coordinator” in the subject line of your email. The position will remain open until filled.