International Blue Carbon Institute Director

**SUMMARY**

Conservation International (CI) has been protecting nature for the benefit for all, for over 30 years. With offices in more than 30 countries, a global team of 1300, and a track record of supporting projects globally, from the waters of the Pacific to the sands of sub-Saharan Africa, CI is well positioned to promote conservation where it is needed most: all over the world. Building upon a strong foundation of science, partnership, CI empowers societies to responsibly and sustainably care for nature, for the wellbeing of humanity. CI is a globally recognized leader in the development of Blue Carbon. Over the last decade, Conservation International (CI) has partnered with governments, private corporations, non-profit organizations, research institutions and multilateral organizations to build the foundational knowledge, tools and practical approaches for blue carbon restoration and conservation, using innovative finance, policy and community-based approaches.

CI was first established in Singapore in 2009 to serve as a regional office for our Asia-Pacific Field Division. Our local entity, CI Singapore, was later established to further the vision and mission in Singapore, focusing on benefitting Singapore through environmental education programs, university internships, research, and partnerships to further conservation efforts.

1. Build multi-disciplinary capacity in Singapore and across Asia to research, design, implement and verify blue carbon related programs and projects with a particular focus on ensuring the scaling and delivery of high-quality projects in Southeast Asia;
2. Provide a globally recognized hub facilitating the exchange of blue carbon expertise, knowledge, and learning;

In partnership with CI’s global Blue Carbon program and Asia-Pacific Field Division, the incumbent will build the vision, programs, and team to deliver on the goals of the SBCI. Duties are diverse and include designing and implementing program and conservation strategies, project management, technical oversight and monitoring, fundraising, and capacity building.

As the representative of SBCI and CI, they engage and influence key external stakeholders including government and NGO officials, scientists, donors, and other parties that are critical to the program success of the SBCI and broader CI blue carbon program. As appropriate and needed, they build and leverage strategic alliances with NGOs, businesses, or other entities, working closely with staff throughout CI to ensure the SBCI forms an integral part of achieving organization-wide goals.

The incumbent leads fundraising for the Singapore Blue Carbon Institute, including maintaining strong relationships with current donors and actively pursuing new sources of funding, in partnership with other CI leadership and CI’s development staff. They play a leading role in facilitating communication and ensuring coordination in fundraising including leading, reviewing, and providing input on proposals.

This position directly manages staff, interdisciplinary networked teams, and/or outside partners. They work with a high degree of independence; and is a highly respected team leader who can direct, align and inspire staff from across the organisation to achieve the goals of the SBCI and CI. They also ensure compliance with CI policies, program and funding agreements, and local requirements.

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**

Programmatic Leadership:

- Lead the SBCI to develop and implement a vision, strategy, and programs to achieve the institute’s goals. Play a significant role in continuing CI's position as the recognized and sought-after leader in blue carbon.
- Continuously represent the SBCI and CI externally. Serve as a trusted and visible point of contact for CI.
- Develop a broad and diverse network of relationships and partnerships to accelerate and achieve SBCI goals. Effectively engage stakeholders including donors, government and NGOs, technical colleagues, and other partners important to program success.

Program Development:

- In partnership with key blue carbon staff from across CI, build the SBCI, including identifying priority programs, program design, development of timelines, personnel needs, work plans and associated partner engagement to achieve the goals and priorities of the SBCI. He/she works as a key member of the CI Blue Carbon team to ensure complementarity, leverage and integration of the SBCI with CI’s Blue Carbon programs.
- Ensure financial sustainability of the SBCI by securing necessary funding and support. They regularly partner with CI programs, CI development staff, and external partners on funding proposals and regional/global fundraising efforts.
- Ensure program compliance with CI policies, funding agreements, and local requirements.
- Identify capacity-building needs within the SBCI. Implement and monitor efforts to address capacity gaps.

People & Resource Management Responsibilities:

- Build an effective, high performing