Blue Prosperity Micronesia (BPM) Program Coordinator

(Position is based at the FSM Department of Resources and Development Marine Division through a consultancy from the Micronesia Conservation Trust)

 

CLOSING DATE: May 17, 2024

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BACKGROUND

Blue Prosperity Micronesia (BPM) is a partnership between the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and its four states, the Waitt Institute and the Micronesia Conservation Trust to advance sustainable ocean use in the FSM. The program is FSM Government-led and builds on FSM commitments towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) and the Micronesia Challenge (MC) to protect 30% of FSM waters, strengthen fisheries management and support the development of blue economies.

 

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary responsibility of the BPM Program Coordinator is to successfully implement the Blue Prosperity Micronesia program, along with the BPM Program Management Unit (PMU) and program partners. The Program Coordinator will play a critical role in liaising with government officials and key partners to ensure information flow and sound cooperation and coordination in advancing BPM targets.

 

They will report to the Assistant Secretary for the Marine Division at the Department of Resources & Development and work closely with the BPM Technical Coordinator and BPM partners, including The Waitt Institute and Micronesia Conservation Trust through a contract with MCT. The position will be based in Pohnpei, at FSM Department of Resources & Development. The position will require significant time in each of the four states with the BPM/PAN Coordinators and BPM State Focals, and possibly international travel.

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INDICATIVE LIST OF SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Plan, guide and implement BPM program activities at the national level across the Marine Spatial Planning, Sustainable Fisheries and Blue Economy pillars of work.

  • Notably, in 2024, a big focus of the Program Coordinator will be to lead consultations for the offshore MSP with stakeholders and the general public, which includes planning and conducting in-person meetings in all four states

• Serve as a liaison to government officials and members of the team to ensure information flow and help advance Blue Prosperity Micronesia targets.

  • Lead engagement with BPM Task Force Members, convening regular quarterly meetings and 1-1 meetings with members in between meetings.

  • Lead coordination and engagement with all 3 BPM Working Groups (Sustainable Fisheries, Blue Economy, and Marine Spatial Planning).

• Engage in advocacy that raises the profile of the program, at state, national, regional (e.g. Micronesia Island Forum), and international (e.g. Our Ocean) meetings. Lead grassroots and stakeholder specific engagement to build and maintain relationships with program champions.

• Work as a liaison between BPM PMU/WI and consultants to facilitate the exchange of necessary data, identifying key stakeholders to interview, and sharing of research findings.

• Liaise with other related government-led initiatives such as the Micronesia Challenge, Protected Area Network, and CROP agencies (e.g. SPC, USP & SPREP); and identify and explore potential synergies with existing development activities in FSM and Micronesia.

 

QUALIFICATIONS. SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 

• BA degree and 7 years of experience in natural resource management, conservation planning, land-use planning and management, including experience with the development of protected area systems;

• OR AS degree and 10 years of experience in natural resource management, conservation planning, land-use planning and management, including experience with the development of protected area systems;

• Experience in multi-sector working, including establishment and facilitation of networks among national and state governments, non-governmental organizations, communitybased organizations.

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COMPETENCIES

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;

• Strong organizational and time management skills;

• Analytical, strategic, innovative and results oriented approach;

• Fluency in written and spoken English and preferably in an FSM local language;

• Passion and commitment to sustainable progressive ocean management. TRAVEL The position will require domestic and potentially international travel.

 

BENEFITS

This position is a consultancy issued by MCT on behalf of the FSM Department of Resources and Development. A consultancy range of $35,000-$40,000 is based on qualification of the applicant. There are no fringe or other benefits with this contract.

 

TO APPLY

Please provide:

• Letter of Interest

• Resume

• Names and contact information for 3 references

 

Send to both:

• Alpino Kerman Jr, Grants Officer at ajkerman@ourmicronesia.org

• Tamara Greenstone-Alefaio, Deputy Director for Conservation and Climate Change at tgalefaio@ourmicronesia.org