We're Hiring a Blue Prosperity Vanuatu Country Manager

CAREER

OPPORTUNITIES

Blue Prosperity Vanuatu Country Manager

Location: Port Vila, Vanuatu
Hours: Full-time - on site

Compensation: A competitive salary will be offered based on experience. 

The Waitt Institute is seeking to hire a Country Manager to support Blue Prosperity Vanuatu (BPV), a new government-led program to strengthen ocean protection and sustainable economic development in Vanuatu. The program stems from a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Government of the Republic of Vanuatu and the Waitt Institute.

The goals of the MOU include developing a 1) comprehensive marine spatial plan to sustainably manage 100% of Vanuatu’s marine waters and fully protect at least 30%, 2) blue economy strategy to promote economic diversification and growth, social inclusion, and livelihoods while ensuring environmental sustainability, and 3) sustainable fisheries plan to support Vanuatu’s fisheries management priorities and safeguard long-term, sustainable ocean production. The BPV program will build on Vanuatu’s goals and existing initiatives, employing an approach that is science-based, participatory, and inclusive.

The BPV Country Manager will serve as on-the-ground staff for the Waitt Institute, acting on behalf of and for the Waitt Institute in formal and informal settings. The successful candidate will work to implement BPV in close partnership with the BPV Country Coordinator, Vanuatu’s Maritime and Ocean Affairs Division officers, other national and local government officials, and 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 and housed in the Maritime and Ocean Affairs Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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 working cross-culturally as part of a diverse team, headquartered in the United States of America.
Full-time, 1-year contract position (40 hours/week) with strong potential for renewal during the continuation of the program (5 years anticipated).
Reports to the Waitt Institute’s Senior Director of Programs and Program Manager.
Eligible for all public holidays of Vanuatu and a maximum of 21 personal days. 
Flexible to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Duties and responsibilities

Lead Waitt Institute’s BPV engagement in Vanuatu to foster support for the program and accomplish work plan targets related to marine spatial planning, blue economy planning, sustainable fisheries, legal development, and program outreach.
Work closely with the Waitt Institute team and government partners to plan, guide, and execute BPV deliverables to ensure the program advances in a timely and efficient manner in accordance with the MOU, 5-year Program of Work, and annual work plans.
Maintain close communication and coordination with Waitt Institute staff, local BPV staff, Maritime and Ocean Affairs Division officers, and other government officials as needed to ensure the program advances as planned.
Assist the Waitt Institute in establishing and maintaining relationships with key partners and serve as the primary in-country BPV contact in relevant committees and community meetings on behalf of the Waitt Institute.
Monitor the political landscape pertaining to MOU targets and provide the Waitt Institute’s team members with relevant updates and strategic recommendations.
Proactively build and manage relationships with communities and stakeholders from government, communities, NGOs, academia, and the private sector to foster collaborative and coordinated work that addresses BPV priorities.
Ensure communication flow among partners, collaborators, committees, and stakeholders to advance the program and decision-making.
Obtain necessary approvals and decisions from government partners and other decision-makers.
Support the Waitt Institute team in planning, preparing, and facilitating meetings.
Work with and support BPV and Waitt Institute partners as needed.

Minimum qualifications, skills, and experience

Master’s degree in marine or fisheries science, environmental science, policy, social sciences, or a related field and a minimum of 8 years of work experience, or a bachelor’s degree in one of the above disciplines with exceptional experience or job suitability.
Strong organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to efficiently manage competing demands and find solutions to achieve agreed upon targets in a timely manner.
Record of successful management of complex, collaborative science- and management-based projects; experience in resource management or ocean protection will be an added advantage.
Proven ability to effectively engage and support high-level public officials, stakeholders, and communities, preferably with experience in complex public policy and consultation processes.
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.

Questions?

Please contact Mr. Toney Tevi, Commissioner 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 subject line of the email to Ms. Alison Rowe, Program Manager, Waitt Institute, at arowe@waittinstitute.org by 10 May 2023 to be considered for a position. The position will remain open until filled. 