Kiwa Senior Project Manager
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.
POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Samoa or Fiji.
The Project Manager oversees the delivery of the Kiwa Initiative project implemented by Conservation International entitled “Resilient Pacific Communities through Ecosystem-based Reef and Mangrove Restoration, Management and Sustainable Livelihoods.” They oversee all aspects of the project over the entire project cycle.
This includes project planning, implementation, tracking, and reporting on deliverables and project status. This position leads the implementation of the project Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Plan, and ensures alignment of the project with all safeguards plans and protocols under the Kiwa Initiative. This individual works closely with CI country programs in Samoa, Fiji, and Timor-Leste to coordinate project implementation in each country, as well as CI’s Pacific Ocean and Islands Program.
The Project Manager works to ensure project results meet project standards and project deliverables are completed on time and within budget. They establish the project work plan, including staffing needs, with the possibility of staff supervision. Duties are performed under general direction.
Responsibilities
Required
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.
POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Samoa or Fiji.
The Project Manager oversees the delivery of the Kiwa Initiative project implemented by Conservation International entitled “Resilient Pacific Communities through Ecosystem-based Reef and Mangrove Restoration, Management and Sustainable Livelihoods.” They oversee all aspects of the project over the entire project cycle.
This includes project planning, implementation, tracking, and reporting on deliverables and project status. This position leads the implementation of the project Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Plan, and ensures alignment of the project with all safeguards plans and protocols under the Kiwa Initiative. This individual works closely with CI country programs in Samoa, Fiji, and Timor-Leste to coordinate project implementation in each country, as well as CI’s Pacific Ocean and Islands Program.
The Project Manager works to ensure project results meet project standards and project deliverables are completed on time and within budget. They establish the project work plan, including staffing needs, with the possibility of staff supervision. Duties are performed under general direction.
Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee the overall implementation of the CI Kiwa Initiative project, to ensure compliance of the donor and CI policies, procedures, and standards.
- Represent the project and CI externally and in stakeholder platforms and meetings – ensure effective communications and information sharing between all partners and stakeholders; support the project Communications Officer.
- Monitor project progress and provide technical advice on the project’s management.
- Identify trends and corrective actions to resolve problems and ensure future project efficiencies. Help identify tools, resources, and training that will facilitate project success.
- Manage the preparation of reporting summaries and project narratives. Collaborate with CI HQ and Program finance and operations staff on project financial reporting.
- Manage project staff, which may include hiring and managing subcontractors, partner staff, and other non-CI project personnel.
- Represent Conservation International in regional stakeholder meetings related to climate change adaptation, nature-based solutions, and ecological restoration
- Gather, develop, and share project information, action plans, and deliverables with project stakeholders.
- Lead project annual planning, budgeting, and Monitoring Evaluation & Learning (MEL) processes in partnership with CI Pacific Ocean and Islands Programme and country programmes.
- Work with CI national and regional operations teams on the implementation of the project procurement plan.
- Ensure partner/stakeholder standards and interests are represented and incorporated into project deliverables and in alignment with project safeguards requirements. Review for compliance with partner/donor agreements.
- Support the development of key project deliverables, such as management plans, and provide technical inputs to documents related to climate change adaptation, nature-based solutions, eco-disaster risk reduction, and sustainable livelihoods.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
- Represent the CI Pacific Ocean and Islands Programme at international, regional, and national partners, including the Kiwa Initiative Project Steering Committee Meetings
- Monitor the implementation of beneficiaries' environmental and social commitment plans, as well as the additional safeguards plans.
- Conduct field and monitoring visits at least once annually in each country, in partnership with local implementers and partners.
- Coordinate and participate in regional exchanges among project staff and external partners
- Support delivery of the project communications plan (led by the project Communications Officer), including identification and sharing of key project updates, announcements, and achievements
- Participate in the consolidation of technical information for presentations, meetings, and/or communication purposes.
- Participate in the Pacific Islands Round Table (PIRT) for Nature Conservation, Nature-based Solutions Working Group and co-chair the Ecological Restoration subcommittee together with the Managing Director Pacific Environmental Impact.
- Directly supervises the project Communications Officer.
- Supervises multiple consultants and contractors.
- Manages and tracks the project budget; decisions beyond the scope of the project that bind or commit CI are approved by the immediate supervisor and Vice President for the Pacific Ocean and Islands Programme.
- Responsible for managing public funds, monitoring results, and recommending follow-up action. Reviews for understanding and compliance with donor agreements.
- 25% travel to the project site and other office locations.
- Comfortable working outdoors for extended periods.
- Ability to work outside the normal work schedule to meet project deadlines.
- Guidance on flexible work arrangements will be shared during the interview process.
- This is a 3-year fixed-term assignment.
Required
- Bachelor’s Degree in biology, environmental sciences, climate change, or a related field.
- 5 to 7 years of related work experience, including strong experience in project management, including planning and budgeting.
- Up to 2 years of supervisory experience.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in a virtual or remote setting.
- Understanding of the economic, climate, and environmental issues facing the Pacific Islands region, particularly strong knowledge of Nature-based Solutions and ecological/ecosystem restoration
- Ability to diagnose problems and identify solutions.
- Strong organization and time management skills.
- Team player and able to work effectively with diverse work groups in a multicultural environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills. Proficient in written and spoken English.
- 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 general supervision.
- Written and verbal fluency in English.
- Master’s degree or post-graduate qualification in climate change, environment, or biology.
- French language skills qualifications are preferred but not required.
- Direct experience working with or for local communities is strongly preferred
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.