Blue Prosperity Vanuatu Program Coordinator

           

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

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

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Do you care about the ocean and want to make a difference? If so, the Waitt Institute is hiring a Program Coordinator to support Blue Prosperity Vanuatu, a new government-led program to strengthen sustainable ocean management and economic development in Vanuatu.

 

The Program Coordinator will help develop and implement the program’s work plan, maintain open lines of communication among partners, and ensure the program advances in a timely and efficient manner. An ideal candidate will have experience working with government officials and communities across Vanuatu. The Program Coordinator will work closely with other Blue Prosperity Vanuatu staff, Commissioner of the Maritime and Ocean Affairs Division, and Waitt Institute team members.  

 

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-connected and comfortable working 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 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

• Support planning and implementation of Blue Prosperity Vanuatu program activities, including to:

  • Support scoping and work plan development related to marine spatial planning, sustainable fisheries management, blue economy planning, communications, and outreach.

  • Work with the Waitt Institute Program team, Blue Prosperity Vanuatu Country Manager, and government partners to ensure overall coordination, track progress, and elevate issues as needed.

  • Work with the Waitt Institute team to plan program activities and help obtain necessary approvals from government partners.

  • Consult with Ministries to create an overview of priorities, programs, and budget allocations relevant to Blue Prosperity Vanuatu.

  • Support expedition planning and scoping for ocean use surveys.

  • Support the development and implementation of a communications strategy.

• Maintain close communication and coordination with the Waitt Institute staff, Blue Prosperity Vanuatu staff, Maritime and Ocean Affairs Division officers, and other government officials to ensure the program advances as planned.

• Manage engagement and relationships with stakeholders and communities.

• Help facilitate meetings of the Steering Committee, other committees, and working groups, including supporting meeting preparation and note-taking.

• Create and distribute presentations, reports, memos, and meeting minutes.

• Organize and coordinate events and meetings.

• Manage logistics and schedule meetings for visiting Waitt Institute staff and collaborators.

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Minimum qualifications, skills, and experience​

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in marine or fisheries science, environmental science, public policy, law, social sciences, or a related field preferred.

• Minimum of 2 years of work experience in a coordinating role.

• Excellent project management and time management skills.

• Strong organizational skills with an ability to manage competing demands and find solutions to achieve agreed upon targets in a timely manner.

• Knowledge of protocols and processes within the Government of Vanuatu preferred.

• Experience in meeting and event planning, coordination, and facilitation.

• Strong commitment to sustainable and progressive ocean management with a general understanding of ocean and environmental issues relevant to Vanuatu.

• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

• Reliable, responsive, adaptable, and comfortable working across international time zones.

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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 Program Coordinator” in the subject line of the email to Ms. Alison Rowe, Program Manager, Waitt Institute, at arowe@waittinstitute.org by 19 May 2023 to be considered for a position. The position will remain open until filled. 

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