Outreach and Project Development Manager (Ocean and Natural Resources)

Position description

This post is focused on supporting outreach, relationship management and resource mobilisation for the Commonwealth Blue Charter programme. The post-holder may be required to support other areas of ONR work.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Head of the ONR Section, and under the guidance of the Blue Charter Adviser, the post-holder will be responsible for:

• Supporting the strategic delivery of the Blue Charter programme and achievement of its outcomes, outputs, and project deliverables.
• Managing and coordinating strategic outreach and partnerships with member countries and partners.
• Advising, guiding, managing, and coordinating the development and implementation of projects arising from member countries, including through the Blue Charter Project Incubator.
• Managing the Blue Charter Project Incubator by:
  • Developing project development strategies.
  • Overseeing the development and managing the intake of projects.
  • Managing year-round schedule of project proposals and concept notes.
  • Managing the Incubator’s budget.
  • Managing outsourced contracts.
  • Overseeing the database of contacts/mailing list.
• Working closely with ONR Advisers, to provide project development expertise.
• Establishing good working relationships with assigned member countries, advisers, contractors, and other internal and external stakeholders (including international development partners) to lead the development of projects across the Commonwealth.
• Develop resource mobilisation strategies and funding options to support the delivery of programme objectives.
• Developing strategic partnerships with governments, civil society organisations and donors to support and leverage resource mobilisation efforts.
• Contributing to strategic planning discussions for the ONR section and its programme areas.

The job will involve overseas travel.

Tasks, Administration and Management

The post-holder will:

• Provide support to Commonwealth Blue Charter Action groups and associated projects, through overseeing targeted outreach to prospective external partners, experts, and funders; undertaking assessments of capacities and gaps; organising related meetings and events; distributing and promoting tools, guidance and training and communications materials; managing Secretariat-led Blue Charter projects.
• Contribute to preparation of work plans and budgets including monitoring and reporting on budget and programme performance in the context of results-based management.
• Ensure that the outputs produced meet high-quality standards and that reports, and related documents are clear, objective and are based on comprehensive data.
• Oversee resource mobilisation activities to support member countries to implement programme activities, including the drafting of project and funding proposals.
• Establish and strengthen strategic partnerships aimed at advancing the intervention of the Commonwealth Secretariat for the benefit of member countries.
• Contribute to the enhancement of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s visibility and raise public awareness of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s work at national, regional, and international level.
• Work with ONR colleagues to develop partnerships and initiatives with multi- lateral and bi-lateral agencies in relation to the focus areas and maintain contacts with senior government officials, investors, and other international agencies.
• Employ proven project management standards to ensure that projects are designed and delivered effectively and achieve impacts in line with the strategic objectives.
• Develop project assessment methodologies, indicators, and metrics to be incorporated at the project design stage.
• Contribute to project monitoring, evaluation, and learning.
• Manage financial performance to ensure that projects remain within budget.
• Contribute, as needed, to international seminars, conferences, and expert group meetings.
• Adhere to the Gender Equality values of the Commonwealth as enshrined in the Charter and Secretariat’s Gender Equality Policy.
• Performs any other duties as may be required from time to time.

Qualifications

Education:

• A post-graduate degree (Masters or Doctorate) in business administration, law, political science, environmental science/policy, social sciences, or similar.
• Desirable: relevant professional qualification in project management.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience demonstrating a proven track record of outreach coordination, developing, monitoring, reviewing, and managing projects, preferably within an international context.
• Experience in resource mobilisation strategies, with a track record of raising funds from development and philanthropic donors.
• Experience in international cooperation and relationship management.
• A sound understanding of government operations within developing country settings.
• Understanding of budgeting and resource management procedures.
• Good understanding of ocean, environmental, climate and sustainable development issues.
• Desirable: Experience working with senior government officials.
• Desirable: knowledge or experience working with more than one Commonwealth government.
• Desirable: experience in donor relations and communications.

Application instructions

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