Ocean Finance Planning Technical Expert

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

THE BLUE NATURE ALLIANCE  

The International Union for Conservation of Nature recommends that countries strongly protect 30% of every habitat by 2030 (30x30). The rate of protection needs to accelerate in the coming years to ensure a healthy, resilient ocean, safeguard biodiversity, and conserve critical ecosystems. In addition to the designation of new and expanded areas, sufficient controls must be in place to achieve conservation outcomes in existing protected areas. This entails strengthening the management of existing reserves and upgrading their protections where needed.   

Working alongside partners, the Alliance scope of work is truly global, and aims to protect global ocean biodiversity, build resilience, promote human wellbeing, and enhance ecosystem connectivity and function. In addition to partnering with local champions to secure the designation of new and expanded conservation areas, the Alliance works to strengthen the management and durability of existing ocean conservation areas and upgrading their protections where needed. The Blue Nature Alliance is a multi-institutional partnership with staff housed in several different organizations and across multiple time zones.  

The Blue Nature Alliance (Alliance) is a global partnership between Conservation International, The Pew Charitable Trusts, the Global Environment Facility, Minderoo Foundation, and the Rob Walton Foundation. 

POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Arlington, VA

The Blue Nature Alliance (“the Alliance”), in collaboration with Minderoo Foundation, is launching an ambitious Marine 30x30 pilot program to help three (3) countries in developing national marine finance strategies, laying the foundation for Sustainable Ocean Economies to meet their 30X30 commitments.  

The Ocean Finance Planning Technical Expert will play a critical role in a three-year pilot program with the Alliance that seeks to help three countries develop national marine finance plans in pursuit of 30x30. This position works closely with the Ocean Finance Lead (based at Pew Charitable Trusts), Alliance’s Conservation Finance Delivery Team, and in-Country Leads.  

Reporting to the Vice President, Long-term Finance, and functionally accountable to the Ocean Finance Lead (based at Pew Charitable Trust), the Ocean Finance Planning Technical Expert will: 

• Be responsible for developing a robust marine finance plan for the three pilot countries 
• Advise and provide technical input on marine conservation finance planning, cost estimation, financial modelling, financial analyses, and scenario planning across the portfolio of countries 
• Develop templates, guidance, and review methodology and approach to ensure the quality of the marine finance plans and consistency across countries 
• Manage and coordinate with contracted consultants, in-country partners and experts, and relevant in-country government agencies as appropriate. 
• Provide technical feedback and support the development of the Practitioners' Guide  

Committed funding is in place for this role through December 2027. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Be responsible for the development of a quality and actionable marine finance plans for three pilot countries. 
• Develop appropriate templates and provide guidance and technical inputs to deliverables, such as cost estimation, gap analysis, financial models, financing mechanism analysis, and scenario planning.  
• Advises and provides technical input on financial analyses, assumptions, and data collection across the portfolio of countries. 
• Be accountable for the consistent application of methodology and approach to ensure quality across pilot sites.  
• Manage and coordinate with contracted consultants/experts, in-country partners, and relevant government line agencies as appropriate. 
• Communicates with Program Director to ensure timely and quality delivery of deliverables.  
• Provide regular feedback to the Practitioners Guide based on field learnings and experiences.  
• Oversees the completion of all technical requirements, including project results and deliverables, developing solutions to keep deliverables on track and motivate staff and partners. 
• Coordinates with the relevant teams and staff at CI and Pew, and other NGO partners working on similar approaches for best practices and learning. 
• Orient the in-country partners and relevant in-country government agencies on the marine finance plans and build their capacity to maintain and update the financial models in future.

Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.  

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Occasional travel (10-20%) to project site and other office locations.
• Ability to work extended work hours to meet project deadlines.
• This position follows a hybrid work structure, working some days from the office and some remotely. Guidance will be shared during the interview process.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s Degree and 7 years or more of related experience.  
• Direct project management experience, preferably in the conservation, NGO, advocacy, or related arena. 
• Excellent technical and analytical skills. 
• Excellent organization and time management skills. 
• Team player and able to work effectively with diverse work groups in a multicultural environment. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• A record of success in influencing and partnering with key stakeholders and raising funds. 
• Ability to work well under pressure, multitask, set priorities, and deliver quality results 
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and under minimal supervision. 

Preferred

• Advanced degree.
• Strong conservation finance background, including experience with development of robust cost models for conservation and identification, design, and establishment of finance mechanisms.
• Strong experience working with governments and diverse stakeholders on marine finance plans.
• Demonstrates experience or ability to fully operate programs.

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We believe in hiring based on merit and qualifications, ensuring a fair and inclusive hiring process for everyone.