Project Manager for Blue Economy chez Conservation International

Project Manager for Blue Economy 

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Costa Rica, Colombia, or Ecuador 

Conservation International (CI) is seeking a Project Manager to support the implementation of the GEF-approved project “Beyond 30x30: Securing Resilience in the Eastern Tropical Pacific through Enhanced Transboundary Cooperation”.  This initiative aims to strengthen regional governance, promote blue economy investments, and improve ecological connectivity across more than 30 million hectares of marine ecosystems in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP). This project is implemented by Conservation International’s GEF Agency (CI-GEF) and executed by Fundacion Pacifico. CI will be an executing partner of outcome 3.1 “Mainstreaming and integration of Sustainable and inclusive Blue Economy interventions into the Central ETP MPAs that are part of CMAR.”  The position’s focus is on Blue Economy in the marine corridor of the Eastern Tropical Pacific initiative, also known as CMAR, where pilot blue economy projects will be designed, implemented, and monitored. The position requires coordination with CI regional and country programs, as well as Fundación Pacifico – Project Management Unit team to ensure a coherent intervention for the GEF funded project in support of CMAR Secretariat.  

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the coordination and development of the annual workplan activities for outcome 3.1 of the project, and quarterly progress reports to be submitted to Fundación Pacifico for consolidation before sharing with CMAR Secretariat and CI-GEF.  
• Develop indicators for the selection of blue economy pilot projects in the region of interest and for monitoring their implementation.  
• Contribute to identifying potential project partnerships with non-governmental organizations and other relevant initiatives in the region. 
• Supervise the progress and development of activities, including the preparation of regional reports and the review of deliverables related to activities carried out by CI. 
• Organize, support, participate in, and follow up on commitments and coordination meetings with CI programs in countries involved in the project. 
• Coordinate and monitor the activities of consultant(s) in Panama, in accordance with the approved workplan and budget. 
• Coordinate at regional scale and consolidate information on the activities in Costa Rica, Colombia and Ecuador. 
• Provide input for the development of workplans, budget, process reports and evaluations to be submitted to the Executing Agency for consolidation and approval in line with the project governance. 
• Prepare materials, administrative arrangements, and other requirements to ensure the successful execution of meetings and workshops necessary for the project implementation process. 
• Prepare quarterly and annual progress reports in Spanish and/or English to be submitted to the executing agency. 
• Maintain an up-to-date information management system related to the project. 
• Coordinate blue economy interventions with other partners as needed to ensure complementarity of the work in CMAR, including with other regional initiatives. 
• Represent CI in meetings or events in coordination with Pacifico, CMAR Secretariat and CI-GEF relevant to the effective management of the project in Panama and at the regional level.  

WORKING CONDITIONS

• The work is carried out in a typical office environment, with the potential for flexible remote work arrangements in line with CI’s policies. 
• Some travel—up to 15%— especially to CMAR countries, may be required occasionally. 
• The role requires flexibility in working hours to accommodate time zone differences between CI offices worldwide and field locations. 
• This position follows a hybrid work structure, working some days from the office and some remotely. Guidance will be shared during the interview process.
• This role is a fixed-term assignment, anticipated to begin in October 2025 and end in May 2030.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental economics, finance, sustainable development, or marine environmental sciences with experience in implementing blue/sustainable businesses related to the marine environment. 
• Experience in blue economy topics in Latin America in general, and specifically in Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica, and/or Panama. 
• 4 to 6 years of experience in blue economy-related topics, including engagement with fisheries and/or tourism sectors, work with Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), and other private sector stakeholders. 
• At least 5 years of experience in managing and coordinating marine environmental conservation projects. 
• 5 years of experience in participatory processes, inclusion, gender gender-sensitive policies.  
• Excellent technical and analytical skills. 
• Experience managing activities of GEF projects or projects funded by public resources. 
• Strong proficiency in information management platforms, including those used for financial and technical project tracking. 
• Proficiency in both English and Spanish. 
• Excellent written reporting skills in both English and Spanish, with the ability to communicate key messages clearly and eloquently. 
• Ability to monitor multiple processes to meet donor requirements, while balancing engagement with public and private stakeholders. 

Preferred

• Masters degree
• Demonstrated experience in facilitating meetings, team coordination, and decision-making processes. 
• Field experience in Latin American countries in marine and coastal topics. 

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.

Application Deadline: September 22, 2025  (11:49 PM EST)

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We believe in hiring based on merit and qualifications, ensuring a fair and inclusive hiring process for everyone.