Conservation Programmes Director

Transcription

1 Conservation Programmes Director Appointment Brief October 2017 A model for everyone working to conserve the natural life-support systems of our troubled planet. sir david attenborough1

2 Thank you for your interest in joining our team. Blue Ventures is an award winning social enterprise, comprising a charity and not-for-profit eco-tourism business, working to promote marine conservation and rebuild coastal fisheries. We are committed to making conservation work for people, demonstrating powerful win wins for marine biodiversity and coastal livelihoods. We have pioneered a number of innovative incentive-based models for marine protection, which are designed to inspire local leadership in marine management and act as catalysts for long-term conservation of coastal resources. We use our broad technical expertise to test whether our models are suitable for adoption at larger scale, and provide support to partner organisations replicating successful models worldwide. Blue Ventures is now uniquely positioned to drive innovation in the marine conservation sector. We have demonstrated that the right incentives can mobilise rather than alienate coastal communities, giving us new tools to scale and sustain marine conservation efforts. Through our journey so far we have reached over a quarter of a million people. We are now implementing an ambitious strategy to accelerate our impact, and are committed to reaching three million coastal people by We are seeking a Conservation Programmes Director who can help us develop the organisation to achieve our ambitions, playing a pivotal role in directing our conservation efforts, and contributing positively to our dynamic and multidisciplinary team. We are seeking someone with a flexible, entrepreneurial and pragmatic approach, who will fit well into a fast moving, ambitious and demanding environment. If you believe that you have what it takes to succeed in this role and share our values and ambitions, then we would love to hear from you. You will find more information about the role in the rest of this pack and on our website, along with further information about our work and our plans for the future. We look forward to hearing from you. Alasdair Dr Alasdair Harris Executive Director 2

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4 We rebuild tropical fisheries with coastal communities Blue Ventures works with coastal communities to develop transformative approaches for nurturing and sustaining locally led marine conservation. We work in places where the ocean is vital to local cultures and economies, and are committed to protecting marine biodiversity in ways that benefit coastal people. Pioneering new approaches to conservation Time and again marine conservation efforts break down because they fail to resonate with the needs of coastal communities. Such failure is avoidable, since coastal populations have the greatest long-term interest in conservation success. Blue Ventures is committed to tackling this conundrum by developing conservation models that work for people, showing that effective marine conservation is in everyone s interest. We work from the grassroots, placing responsibility for fisheries management in the hands of local communities. This is particularly necessary in low-income countries, where there is often limited central capacity and infrastructure for marine management. Our models play a critical role in rebuilding coastal fisheries, providing effective and replicable approaches for reversing marine biodiversity loss, improving food security and building socio-ecological resilience to climate change. 4

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6 Our mission is urgent and critical 500 million people worldwide depend on small-scale fisheries >1 billion people worldwide rely on fish as a source of protein 90% of global fish stocks are either overfished or fully fished Our 2020 vision By demonstrating that effective marine conservation is in everyone s interest, we are striving for impact at scale. We aim to reach at least three million people across the world s tropical coastal regions by This will play a critical role in rebuilding coastal fisheries, helping to slow the loss of marine biodiversity and improve marine and coastal resilience to climate change. Our strategy is to develop, scale and drive the adoption of high impact models for marine conservation. We have a proven track record of innovating transformative approaches for catalysing and sustaining local leadership in marine management. Our organisational culture is naturally dynamic and entrepreneurial, listening and responding to the needs of our partner communities, and reaching across the silos that typically constrain conservation practice. As our programmes evolve, they move through a development lifecycle focused on constant improvement and learning based on feedback from our partner communities. We liken this strategy to the expanding spiralled chambers of a Nautilus shell, with programmes growing in scale through successive phases just as the Nautilus expands towards the shell s opening. We currently manage a diverse portfolio of models at different stages of development across five core conservation programmes. These programmes are fisheries management, payment for mangrove ecosystem services, aquaculture enterprises, community-based reproductive health service delivery, and ecotourism businesses. Our efforts to refine and drive adoption of these conservation catalyst models are growing exponentially. In 2017 we manage a diverse programme portfolio with over 190 staff positioned internationally supporting projects at different stages of development across eight countries: Belize, Comoros, Indonesia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Tanzania, Timor-Leste and the UK. 6

7 If appropriate for replication the model is then scaled across multiple locations to determine its longer term sustainability During the development phase, the model is trialled, tested and adapted The inception stage is the starting point of all our models Increasingly, our our established models are moving into the Partner Support phase during which they are implemented by other organisations, typically in other countries Once a model has become established in a given location, ownership is gradually transferred to the local community or other partners during the handover phase Achieving impact We re always learning. At every stage, from incubation to replication, we monitor and evaluate the impact and sustainability of our work in order to refine our models, and ensure cost effectiveness and scalability. We ve created the largest locally managed marine protected areas in the Indian Ocean, proven new models for community-led fisheries management, built sustainable aquaculture businesses, and developed effective, replicable approaches for integrating community health services with marine conservation. Our award-winning ecotourism social enterprise provides year-round sustainability and match funding to enhance the impact and stability of our field programmes. Over the past decade our models have guided national fisheries policy and been replicated by fishing communities, NGOs, businesses, donors and government agencies along thousands of miles of coastline. So far our work has impacted the lives of more than 300,000 coastal people. 7

8 Our values Communities First Above all, we listen to community needs, responding in a sensitive and pragmatic way for lasting benefits. Passion & Belief Our mission is urgent and critical, we believe that our models work, and we re determined to get the job done. Valued People & Effective Teams We work in diverse and inclusive teams where all members have a voice and influence. Innovation & Courage We re resourceful and creative. We re prepared to take risks and challenge broken paradigms. Openness & Humility We re an open source social enterprise. We work in a transparent and collaborative way to share what we learn. Grounded in Evidence We have high standards and aren t afraid to be self-critical. If something doesn t work, we change tack until we re on the right course. 8 Annual Report and Accounts

9 Role Description Position title: Conservation Programmes Director Location: London, UK Closing date for applications: Friday 17th November 2017 Start date: January 2018 Contract type: Full time position Renumeration and benefits: Competitive salary based on experience Job Description Summary We are recruiting for an experienced leader and strategist to direct BV s global conservation team. This senior leadership position is responsible for strategic oversight and direction of programme design and delivery across our growing portfolio of field operations in tropical coastal states, as well as playing an instrumental role in shaping our growing organisation. We re looking for someone with outstanding management and leadership skills, particularly attuned to leading and empowering senior managers to design and execute innovative community-based programmes in challenging settings. This is a pivotal leadership role within the organisation, responsible for ensuring that BV delivers effective, innovative and scalable marine conservation and community development interventions in line with our mission. The position will be instrumental in promoting innovation in the tropical marine conservation sector by leading BV s programming in priority regions in pursuit of our 2020 vision. We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated, pragmatic individual who is resourceful and strategic in managing a team to deliver a diverse and evolving series of conservation interventions, while understanding and responding to the needs and interests of BV s partner communities and stakeholders. The successful candidate will have a strong background in managing and overseeing community-based development initiatives. This will ideally include a proven track record of designing and implementing integrated natural resource management and rural development initiatives, including piloting and testing new approaches, and building robust monitoring, evaluation and learning systems. 9

10 We are looking for an individual who is open to new ideas and embraces innovation and who can demonstrate experience of building effective working partnerships for conservation and/or development. Assessment of applications will include candidates alignment with BV s core values and mission to support human rights-based approaches to marine conservation and fisheries management. The successful candidate will join the organisation at a time of rapid growth, and will thrive in environments that are fast-paced, collegiate and ambitious. We are looking for a dynamic leader demonstrating practical experience of leading and inspiring an international team, and responding effectively to urgent changes and challenges to operational planning whilst staying aligned to a core mission and strategy. The successful candidate will report to BV s Executive Director, and lead a team of five that is responsible for managing and supporting a growing team of more than 140 field-based colleagues. The Conservation Programmes Director plays a central role in BV s five-person senior management team, and will travel regularly to work closely with overseas colleagues, partners, field teams and communities. Key responsibilities Oversight and leadership of conservation strategy Ensuring a strong and dynamic culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the design and development of BV s conservation programmes Supporting country directors and senior managers working with field teams and communities to develop and evaluate new models for incentivising tropical marine conservation and small-scale fisheries management Supporting the growth and organisational development of BV within the senior management team, working to develop key strategic and operational goals and leading their delivery Leading BV s Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning team to understand the impact of field programmes and interventions, and to align interventions based on ongoing learning for continuous improvement and adaptive management 10

11 Staff management and development Directing the UK-based conservation programme team and country directors/managers, ensuring direct reports are engaged in their work and given opportunities to develop their skills and experience Working as part of the senior management team to develop BV s capacity at all levels Upholding and exemplifying BV s culture and core values Conservation programme execution and lifecycle management Leading planning and design of conservation programmes, including evaluating human and financial resource needs and plans and ensuring close integration with financial, operational and reporting systems Providing regular input and support to colleagues driving fundraising efforts, forecasting funding needs by countries and programmes, and ensuring development efforts align closely with programme priorities Proactively identifying synergies across programmes and activities to enhance impact, efficiency and effectiveness of programme delivery by maximising integration, exchange, resource sharing and learning within the organisation Leading adaptive project management and coordination to ensure project delivery meets consistently high standards, in fulfillment of contractual responsibilities and in alignment with BV s strategic goals. Promoting integration of initiatives to maximise operational efficiency and impact and expand BV s reach wherever possible Attracting and nurturing high calibre staff and expertise, overseeing recruitment, training and operations Partner relationship management Working closely with the Executive Director and Head of Development to nurture and maintain strong donor relationships and secure renewal of existing funding partnerships as appropriate Building and developing strong working relationships with key technical and funding partners to ensuring long-term programme stability Championing the mission Representing Blue Ventures at meetings, conferences and events in the UK and internationally to communicate our work and increase our profile Preparing articles, blogs, opinion pieces, scientific publications and other appropriate online content as required 11

12 Documenting learning and reporting Directing BV s efforts to document and share learning across programmes and models Working with the UK and overseas conservation teams to review project progress, documenting learning and impact, and reporting to donors Skills and Experience required Leadership Practical leadership experience, including managing, training and mentoring colleagues Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced deadline-intensive work environment Pragmatic, highly organised and collaborative team-player Management A proven track record of senior management and leadership experience and success Experience of building and developing teams, including managing, mentoring and training Experience of project planning and management, including setting targets and milestones Proven ability to take initiative and develop innovative solutions to complex problems Technical At least five years practical experience in field-based tropical environmental conservation and/or rural development Excellent knowledge of MS Office and Google Apps Proven experience of financial and budget management Experience developing project logframes Communications Excellent writing and editing skills, with high attention to detail and a proven track record in reporting to donors 12

13 Project and partnership development Sensitivity to community and partner needs and interests; humility and commitment to supporting local capacity development Experience of developing multi-sector partnerships, including with communities, NGOs, research institutions and government agencies Experience working with and reporting to donors, including trusts, foundations and agencies Motivation Dynamic, enthusiastic, hardworking and efficient Proactive and motivated to meet targets Excellent organisational and time management skills, high attention to detail, and proven ability to complete tasks to deadlines Self-motivated, confident and self reliant Other Right to live and work in the UK Track record developing and delivering projects and managing teams in low-resource and low-capacity settings 13

14 Why work with us: Mission We operate at the frontline of some of the world s most pressing environmental and social problems, innovating effective and scalable responses with tropical coastal communities. We are recognised as a transformative force in our sector. Working style We re a fast-moving social enterprise, quick to embrace and implement promising ideas without bureaucracy. Autonomy We expect and support our staff to take a lead in their own work, offering scope for creativity and strategic input. Professional development We challenge and support our staff to grow their skills, providing considerable exposure to different work experiences and training opportunities. Adventure We offer extensive opportunities for travel, working in diverse environmental and cultural contexts. Family We look out for one another as we work closely together in challenging situations, celebrating successes and supporting each other when the going gets tough. Values Our organisational values are central to everything we do. Application Process To discuss this role informally please contact our recruitment team (jobs@blueventures.org) or find further details, including the online application form at Applicants should apply online, using this form, by Friday 17th November All shortlisted candidates will be contacted within two weeks of this date. 14

15 "This is a great opportunity for a strategically-minded development professional to join this highly innovative and successful charity at an exciting stage in our development. Blue Ventures is experiencing a period of significant expansion, and we are looking for a passionate, talented leader to join our senior team to help accelerate our impact even further. I would strongly encourage any experienced development professional with an interest in fisheries and conservation and a passion for making a difference to apply." JONATHAN KATZ CHAIR OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES 15

16 Blue Ventures, Omnibus Business Centre, North Road, London, N7 9DP, UK Tel: +44 (0) Fax: + 44 (0) info@blueventures.org 16