Programme Manager (Marine Environment)

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ORGANISATIONAL SETTING & REPORTING

This position is with the Office of Environmental Monitoring and Mineral Resources (OEMMR) of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) located in Kingston, Jamaica reporting to the Director of OEMMR and under the overall supervision of the Secretary-General.

A key challenge for ISA is to adopt a policy and regulatory framework for environmental management that achieves the effective protection of the marine environment, under circumstances of considerable scientific, technical and commercial uncertainty. The primary responsibility of the incumbent will be to manage and direct a programme for the development of Regional Environmental Management Plans (REMPs), which will be a key strategic direction for ISA during the period 2019-2023. The development of regional environmental assessments and management plans demands a collaborative and transparent approach to both the collection and sharing of environmental data.

The successful candidate will provide support to ISA’s mandate to develop REMPs, taking into account challenges from the constant gap analyses of data from human activities in the Area (the seabed and subsoil beyond the limits of national jurisdiction) and will be required to respond to the increasing need of data handling, interpretation and evaluation of pre-processed information, including in environmental impact assessments.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will:

Provide strategic input and oversight of ISA’s programme to develop REMPs for deep sea mineral provinces where exploration activities are taking place;
Coordinate a programme of workshops and seminars leading to the development, design, planning and implementation of REMPs;
Maintain and strengthen alliances and coalitions with key partners (UN agencies, governments, regional and national institutions and bodies, foundations, NGOs, and the private sector) to enlist their support and involvement in the development and implementation of REMPs;
Evaluate the results and impact of ISA’s REMP strategy;
Contribute to related ISA publications and proceedings of workshops and seminars and represent ISA at relevant conferences, workshops and seminars;
In collaboration with the Database Unit and Contract Management Unit, assist in coordinating the collection and dissemination of environmental baseline data and resource assessment data by contractors and organize and analyze such data;
Assist in developing procedures and guidelines for programme development and monitoring and evaluation;
Perform sound scientific evaluations of historical data with new acquisitions to provide guidance for the sustainable exploration and exploitation of marine mineral resources;
Review and evaluate environmental impact assessments submitted by contractors pursuant to ISA regulations;
Liaise closely with the Communications Unit to advocate, educate and disseminate acquired data and information to key stakeholders and the general public;
Support the work of the Legal and Technical Commission in performing assessments of the environmental implications of activities in the Area;
Performs other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES

Professionalism: Knowledge of inter-governmental and inter-agency negotiations and networking functions; Knowledge of international issues relating to the development and implementation of ABMT beyond national jurisdictions. Ability to analyze environmental, political and economic and social developments and provide technical and substantive support in the field of environmental policy development. Ability to analyse and articulate programme management issues that require coordinated and integrated responses. Shows pride in work and in achievements; Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations; Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Managing Performance: Establish effective collaboration and partnership with officials at all levels inside and outside ISA. Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; Appraises performance fairly.

Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.

Teamwork: Work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicit input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; place team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; share credit for team accomplishments and accept joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

EDUCATION

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Marine Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Oceanography, Statistics or related field.

A first-level university degree in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

WORK EXPERIENCE

A minimum of seven (7) years’ of progressively responsible experience in areas of project or programme management of environmental, scientific, economic work or policy development and implementation is required.
Experience in working with the Blue Economy dealing with multi-donor trust fund project/programme design and management is required.
Experience in resource mobilization, and partnerships building, including with governments, foundations and businesses, is highly desirable.
Experience in developing, implementing and monitoring projects in the fields of marine or environmental sciences, or in a related field, at national and international levels is required.
Experience with collection, handling, interpretation and statistical analyses of oceanographic data is desirable.
Experience in a research or regulatory background together with a demonstrable track record in marine policy and planning is required.
Knowledge and experience with theories, concepts and approaches relevant to Area Based Management Tools (ABMT) particularly in areas beyond national jurisdictions, is required.

LANGUAGES

English and French are the working languages of ISA. Fluency in written and oral English is required. Knowledge of other United Nations official languages is highly desirable.

ASSESSMENT METHOD

Candidates may undergo a substantive and a competency-based interview. Candidates may also be required to undertake a written test prior to the interview. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

SPECIAL NOTICE

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

OTHER INFORMATION

The selected candidate will be subject to a reference verification process in accordance with the ISA policy. The process will include but is not limited to, verification of the information provided in the personal history form and a criminal record check. All candidates should be in a position to submit electronic copy of their passport and all diplomas listed on their profile when requested;
Applicants may check the status of vacancies on ISA web-site;
Only nationals of ISA Member States are eligible for consideration;
Consideration is given to achieving diverse gender, geographical and economic representation at the ISA, to the extent possible;
The ISA reserves the right to not make any appointment to the vacancy, and/or to make an appointment at a lower level from the one advertised.
ISA Press Release “ISA Registers Seven Voluntary Commitments to Support the Implementation of SDG14 at the 2017 Ocean Conference“