Osa Conservation seeks an exceptional professional to lead marine conservation in Costa Rica’s southern Pacific Ocean and Golfo Dulce.
It is a leadership position, in which the Marine Conservation Strategist – initially a 9 month long contract position (with a strong scope for extension based on excellent performance) will focus on the creation of a marine protected area, concentrating on institutional influence and partnerships to advocate for the expansion of a Marine Protected Area (MPA), and engaging a variety of international and national stakeholders from the general public and thought leaders to government decision makers.
General Responsibilities
- Developing and implementing strategic plans on the MPA campaign, both at the community and institutional level.
- Manage the marine conservation program and staff.
- Report and coordinate their actions directly with the Osa Conservation Executive Director.
- Represent Osa Conservation at high level science and conservation meetings, with government and private sector institutions.
- Build partnerships with research institutions and other conservation entities.
Specific Duties
- Lead efforts to create/expand a large marine protected area in Costa Rica’s southern Pacific Ocean.
- Working with local communities and government officials to advance this initiative.
- Growing relationships and collaborating with all sectors involved.
- Growing and executing MPA campaign strategies.
- Educating and influencing all relevant sectors on the MPA proposal.
- Working with communications teams and other team managers to produce content and advertising campaigns.
- Attending all events and meetings regarding the MPA process and all marine related issues.
- Assisting with the development lead to execute grant/donor reports on time and providing materials as requested.
What skills are needed to do this role?
- Bachelors of Science degree in Biology, Marine Spatial Planning, Coastal Management, Environmental Sciences, or similar degree.
- Minimum experience of 3 years in marine conservation related work (preferably directly with MPA implementation), preferably in Central America.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in Spanish and English.
- Strong leadership skills.
- Ability to coordinate with multiple actors, for teamwork and the development of activities in culturally diverse environments.
- Valid drivers’ license (manual vehicles)
- Willingness to spend at least one week each month in the southern pacific region of Costa Rica.
- Ability to travel (sometimes alone) in the Osa Peninsula and other coastal communities in southern Costa Rica.
- Knowledge of building a large-scale project plan that has all key elements to be attractive to investors and donors.
- Willingness to learn fundraising focused on high net worth individuals and major foundations.
