The Waitt Institute is seeking to hire a Site Manager to support Blue Prosperity Fiji (BPF), a new government-led program to strengthen sustainable economic development and ocean protection in Fiji. The program stems from a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Fiji and the Waitt Institute to support 30% protection and 100% management of Fiji’s waters leading to a network of Marine Protected Areas. (BPF) will work to strengthen sustainable fisheries and sustainable economic growth for enhanced inclusion, equity, and traditional knowledge to improve long-term economic stability, livelihoods, and ocean ecosystems. 

 

The BPF Site Manager will serve as on-the-ground staff for the Waitt Institute, acting on behalf of and for the Waitt Institute. The successful candidate will work in close partnership with the BPF National Coordinator, other government officials, and stakeholders to implement Blue Prosperity Fiji.

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About the position:

• Based in Suva

• Candidates must be a Fijian citizen or resident with existing right to work in Fiji, and be fluent in English. Fluency in Fijian and/or Hindi will be an added advantage

• Comfort working cross-culturally as part of a diverse team, headquartered in the US

• Full-time, 1 year contract position (40 hrs/wk) with strong potential for renewal during the continuation of the program (5 years anticipated)

• Reports to the Waitt Institute Program Director

• Eligible for all Fijian public holidays and 10 days of paid time off

• Requires domestic and international travel as needed

 

Duties and responsibilities will include

• Lead Waitt Institute’s engagement for BPF in Fiji to foster support for the program and accomplish work plan targets related to marine spatial planning, sustainable fisheries, blue economy development, legal development, and program outreach

• Work closely with the Waitt Institute team and government partners to plan, guide and  execute BPF deliverables to ensure the program advances in a timely and efficient manner in accordance with the MOU and Work Plan

• Maintain close communications and coordination with Waitt Institute staff, local BPF staff, and other government officials as needed to ensure the program advances as planned

• Assist the Waitt Institute in establishing and maintaining relations, and serve as primary in-country contact in relevant committees and community meetings on behalf of the Waitt Institute

• Proactively manage relationships with stakeholders from government, communities, NGOs, academia, private sector to foster collaborative and coordinated work that addresses Fiji’s priorities

• Support the Waitt Institute team in planning and preparing meetings, and obtaining necessary approvals from government partners

• Work with and support BPF or Waitt Institute partners as needed

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Minimum Qualifications Skills & 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. May consider: Bachelor’s degree in above disciplines with exceptional experience or job suitability

• Strong organizational skills with 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 processes

• Demonstrated experience in facilitation, report writing and editing

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

• Strong commitment to sustainable and progressive ocean management

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Salary

A competitive remuneration package based on experience

 

To apply:

Kindly send an email of your resume & cover letter written in English with “BPF Site Manager” in the subject line of the email to Waitt Institute’s Program Manager, Mr. Cory Pukini (cpukini@waittinstitute.org) by April 16, 2022 to be considered for a position.  The position remains open until filled.