Program Director, Global Ecosystem for Ocean Solutions - The Georgia Aquarium

Program Director, Global Ecosystem for Ocean Solutions - The Georgia Aquarium
4/05/2022

Opportunity Type: Job

Organization:Global Ecosystem for Ocean Solutions (GEOS)

Position: Program Director

Type: Full-time

Deadline: April 18

Location: Atlanta, GA (The preference is to be based in Atlanta at the COCSI office at the Georgia Aquarium. However, we will consider applicants seeking a remote hire within the continental United States.)

About:Ocean Visions is a science and innovation organization whose mission is to identify, develop, demonstrate, and ultimately deploy equitable, durable, and scalable solutions to the oceans' most pressing environmental challenges. The Ocean Visions Network brings together some of the US' leading oceanographic and research institutions with a diverse set of private sector actors - all with a shared interest in developing and deploying real ocean solutions. The Global Ecosystem for Ocean Solutions (GEOS) is a program of Ocean Visions which has been endorsed by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Sciences for Sustainable Development. GEOS aims to expand the foundations of Ocean Visions internationally, and to establish a vibrant, global ocean solutions community of researchers, innovators, investors, decision-makers and other stakeholders to co-design and co-deploy equitable, durable, and scalable ocean-based solutions for climate change and ocean grand challenges.

Description:The Program Director (PD) is responsible for facilitating and supporting implementation of all aspects of the GEOS program. This includes organizing and/or facilitating projects and initiatives, assisting creation of new expert groups (e.g. task forces, working groups, etc.), organizing webinars, workshops, and generally helping to advance the co-design, testing and ultimately deployment of ocean-based solutions to critical climate challenges. Focal areas of GEOS include ocean-based climate mitigation and carbon dioxide removal; equitable solutions to coastal resilience; regeneration of ecosystems and biodiversity to counter the impacts of climate change; and building ocean-based food security in the face of climate impacts. The PD will be a staff member of Ocean Visions and report to Ocean Visions and the executive committee of the GEOS Program.

The PD will also work closely with the Center for OceanClimate Solutions and Innovation (COCSI), which is a new "Collaborative Center" under the UN Decade of Ocean Sciences managed by a joint venture between Ocean Visions, Georgia Tech, and the Georgia Aquarium. The PD will act as a liaison for GEOS to the COSCI.

Responsibilities:The ideal candidate will bring strong program design and project management experience, excellent communications and collaboration skills, international and intercultural experience, and knowledge of ocean and climate issues. Specifically, we anticipate that the PD will:

• Work closely with the GEOS steering committee to define and advance programmatic initiatives of GEOS
• Lead, support and/or coordinate the development and advancement of various projects and initiatives within GEOS
• Collaborate with the UN-DCC Center on Ocean-Climate Solutions and Innovation to develop synergistic plans for co-design processes, manage calls for action under the UN Decade, and facilitate implementation of various ocean solution initiatives
• Manage GEOS relationships and serve as GEOS liaison to key industry and government partners
• Document and report on activities of GEOS and its participating projects
• Assist with raising funds to support the work of the GEOS, associated projects, and priority initiatives
• Prepare and track annual budgets
• Serve as GEOS' point of contact and representative at relevant external meetings and conferences

Qualifications:

• Applicants must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of relevant experience
• Excellent program design and project management skills
• Proven abilities in strategic planning
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse disciplines, cultures and sectors
• Ability to function with independence and as part of a high-performing team
• Knowledge of ocean-climate science, policy, and/or innovation
• Ability to quickly become proficient in new issue areas
• Exceptional cultural competency and interpersonal communication skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, additional languages highly appreciated

How to Apply:Please send a cover letter and resume to info@oceanvisions.org with "GEOS Program Director Application" in the subject line. Candidate review will begin on April 18th and the application process will remain open until the position is filled.