The Protected Areas Program Manager a new position within the Protected Areas Program in the Conservation Strategies Division. The program assists Conservation International (CI)'s Regional Programs to conserve Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) through the development of conservation standards and capacity building for conservation practitioners. The program provides direct technical support to CI’s field staff and partner organizations, and also develops and implements capacity building tools and approaches for protected area (PAs) design and management. 

The role of the Protected Areas Program Manager is to build technical capacity and provide guidance to the CI Regional Programs in the development and implementation of conservation strategies, at the KBA and PA levels. A key function of this position is to strengthen CI’s Learning Network of conservation practitioners through training courses development and delivery, best practices development, knowledge dissemination, and cross-regional exchanges.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and disseminate off-the-shelf multimedia and e-learning training materials on protected areas management
• Support the Protected Areas Program Learning Network Initiative, including updates to the network’s web portal
• Assist in the refinement of CI’s site conservation planning framework, with emphasis on the development of tools and guidance for the design and implementation of management/action plans
• Provide technical assistance to CI’s field programs and partner organizations on protected areas management and adaptation to climate change 
• Collaborate with the Climate Change Initiative and the Funding Division on issues related to REDD (Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation) as a tool for creating, managing, and financing protected area networks
• Assist in the development of fundraising proposals
• Develop papers/articles for peer reviewed journals and other publications.

Working Conditions: The position may include international travel (up to 20%), including visits to remote areas in developing countries. The candidate should be comfortable working in countries with low standards of living.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Skills:

• Advanced degree (M.Sc. at minimum) in conservation biology, biology, natural resources management, forestry, or a related field.
• Significant experience in conservation and development issues in rural and developing countries, and working with a diverse range of stakeholders at different levels
• Experience compiling and developing training materials (presentations, course materials, etc.)
• Strong computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheet, and web design software
• A minimum of 3 years of working experience
• Experience with working in a multidisciplinary and multi-cultural team, and collaborative partnerships
• Willingness to travel to developing countries
• Strong English writing and oral skills
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• Fluency in another language (Spanish, French and/or Portuguese).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience delivering presentations and/or training courses to diverse audiences (scientists, NGO practitioners, community groups, indigenous groups, etc.)
• Experience with climate change issues
• Experience with protected areas management issues.

APPLICANTS SHOULD SEND: Cover letter, resume, and references.