Blue Carbon Technical Director

**SUMMARY**

Over the last decade, Conservation International (CI) has developed a comprehensive program with a focus on the conservation and restoration of blue carbon ecosystems (mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrasses), grounded in their mitigation, adaptation, and climate resilience value. The International Blue Carbon Institute (IBCI) is committed to advancing the science and support systems essential for realizing the full potential of blue carbon in combating climate change, conserving biodiversity, and providing critical support to threatened coastal communities. Through collaboration with governments, scientists, organizations, and local communities, the IBCI aims to develop and disseminate efficient policies, financing, and implementation strategies for blue carbon ecosystems across three key areas: research and science innovation, developing multi-disciplinary capacity in blue carbon, and creating global networks to implement blue carbon programs and projects.

We are currently seeking an experienced and self-motivated individual for the position of Blue Carbon Technical Director to play a crucial role within the International Blue Carbon Institute. In this capacity, you will work with a global set of partners to lead the development and implementation of programs, projects, and activities under the research and science innovation pillar of the IBCI. Your responsibilities will include fostering and developing applied research, guiding project assessments, and leading and guiding the implementation of blue carbon initiatives. Your expertise will contribute to shaping the IBCI and CI's blue carbon strategies to unlock the full potential of blue carbon in addressing climate change, conserving biodiversity, restoring vital blue carbon ecosystems, and supporting communities globally.

The final position and salary will be commensurate with your experience and expertise.

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**

1. IBCI Project Portfolio Development:

- In close collaboration with the IBCI Senior Director, CI’s blue carbon and Asia NCS teams (as well as other key partners), develop a portfolio of projects that advance the objectives of the IBCI and are aligned with CI’s broader blue carbon program. These projects will include elements spanning applied science, policy, field project implementation, and blue carbon finance. This will include:

- Working with project teams in the identification, evaluation, and development of proposed IBCI projects to assess feasibility, potential impact, and alignment with organizational objectives.
- Ensuring the effective implementation of approved IBCI projects, through highest quality deliverables and maximum impact outcomes.
- Developing and leading project implementation for specific priority projects.
- Co-developing finance mechanisms for conserving, restoring, and managing blue carbon ecosystems, in collaboration with CI teams and partners.
- Provide regular monitoring and reporting on IBCI project impacts using known metrics.
- Work closely with the Center for Natural Climate Solutions and Climate Finance teams in support of the origination, assessment, and delivery of regional blue carbon projects.
- Work with collaborators and partners to ensure publication of findings in reputable scientific journals.
- Author and/or contribute to writing and editing technical reports, manuals, handbooks and guidelines relating to blue carbon methodologies.
- Represent the IBCI and CI at international conferences and events to share outputs, lessons learned and strengthen CI’s leadership in blue carbon.

2. Collaboration and Capacity Building:

- Foster collaborative relationships with governments, scientists, NGOs, and local communities, promoting knowledge-sharing and capacity-building efforts.
- Work closely with the blue climate and IBCI capacity building team to develop training programs and resources for blue carbon practitioners and communities, enhancing their skills and understanding.
- Support and provide technical advice and input on blue carbon science and build capacity across CI teams and staff and, where appropriate, external partners and collaborators, through training workshops, and public events (for specialized and general audiences).
- Enthusiastically and effectively represent the IBCI and CIs broader Blue Climate program with internal and external partners.

3. Staff and People Management:

- Provide empathetic, clear and inspiring leadership, mentoring and guidance for staff directly reporting to the position, from the IBCI and across CI.
- Provide key leadership, including robust contributions to strategy development, planning processes, fundraising, team initiatives/special projects, reporting and communication efforts as needed.

4. Fundraising & Budget Management:

- Ensure clear, robust management of IBCI financial resources, specifically related to projects under the management of this position. This includes working with project partners to develop robus