Overview

We are currently seeking a Marine Species Conservation Coordinator to complete our team. This position is open and available to all candidates worldwide. International candidates must be able to acquire a work visa. Fluency in English a requirement of all positions.  Fluency in other languages is desired.

The Marine Species Conservation Coordinator will focus on assessing, planning and mobilizing policy and action for marine species conservation around the world.

Responsibilities of this position include:

Supporting Coordination of SSC Marine Specialist Groups

  • Maintains and continues to build high quality relationships with each of the SSC Marine Specialist Groups to assist with the delivery of their key objectives and identification of priority opportunities for marine species conservation.
  • With guidance from Chairs of the Marine Specialist Groups, encourages and motivates the SSC Marine and SSC Groups to advance global species conservation efforts around the SSC Species Conservation Cycle (Assess-Plan-Act), with a specific focus on the “Plan” and “Act”.
  • Gathers and integrates knowledge and expertise into creating strategic proposals for approval, launching projects/initiatives, developing calls for action on specific species issues, coordinating behavior change campaigns (in collaboration with the Behavior Change Coordinator), and assisting in species-specific IUCN Resolutions and Recommendations.
  • Contributes to and reviews formal, programmatic and communication documents as required, including periodic outcome and planning reporting to the SSC for the annual SSC Data process.

Strategically expanding, growing and diversifying the SSC network for marine species and ecosystems:

  • Works with the SSC Marine Species Specialist Group Chairs and the Marine Conservation Committee to identify gaps in expertise by taxa and/or region and guide proponents through the formal process for establishing new groups, review drafts, coordinate wider review and final sign-off with the Steering Committee.
  • Identifies issues within SSC Specialist Groups (or complaints directly received) that require mediation or resolution. Refer such issues to the SSC Chair’s Office.
  • Builds relationships with existing training programs, e.g., CLP, EDGE Fellows, Durrell Academy, to encourage emerging talent to integrate into the SSC network.
  • Actively supports the SSC Marine Specialist Group Chairs to improve diversity across SSC network in gender, nationality, ethnicity, age, disciplinary background, profession and other attributes that might enhance those groups’ effectiveness.

Communication and Education 

In partnership with the IZS Conservation Education Department, the IZS Communications Department and the SSC and GSP Communication Officer(s):

  • Coordinates, implements and evaluates how the GCSS can engage with the public on issues relating to marine conservation, including locally through the zoo and globally through the development of resources, including social media communications, blogs and podcasts, graphics, and other emerging communication techniques.
  • Assists in active and regular content development and acquirement by the GCSS including video, images, audio and other media types. Assist in the organization and management of these assets.

Internal Integration 

  • Ensures relevant strategic priorities and opportunities relating to marine species conservation are communicated and appropriately integrated into the Indianapolis Zoo’s conservation strategy through consultation with the Zoo’s conservation committee and relating to selection of awardees of annual conservation grants, and, as needed, involvement with the Indianapolis Prize.

Required education, skills, and professional work experience:

  • Minimum Bachelor level degree in biology, ecology, zoology, natural resources management or related field.
  • Broad knowledge of international biodiversity and conservation issues relating to marine species.
  • Demonstrated experience and a good understanding of the practical aspects of biodiversity conservation actions, endangered species protections and policy especially relating marine species.
  • Well-developed organizational skills included demonstrated experience managing multiple priorities, and ability to work independently to complete tasks within assigned time frames.
  • Working knowledge of the IUCN SSC, and with leaders and stakeholders in marine species conservation.
  • Minimum of 5 years related work experience.
  • Strong skills in project management, planning and project implementation.
  • Experience with international projects and supporting new initiatives.
  • Ability to effectively manage teams to deliver results.
  • International stakeholder management experience, multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience desirable.
  • Experience in fundraising and / or demonstrated success in proposal writing.
  •  Excellent people relationship management skills, ability to work as part of a team, with respect for and sensitivity to multi-cultural approaches.
  • Advanced and competent user of standard word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and database software and electronic communication technology (e.g. e-mail, Skype, WhatsApp, conference calls, etc.). Working knowledge of social media and mobile apps.
  • Ability to plan, administer and record results of work-team meetings and activities.
  • Experience with administration including attention to detail and numerical ability