Position Summary

This position is open to candidates located in the Americas, with preference
for applicants based in time zones that support collaboration with Europe
and Africa.

Eligible Locations:

• Arlington, USA
• Brazil (Remote)
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Ecuador
• Guyana
• Mexico
• Peru
• Suriname

The Senior Manager, Ocean Policy plays a critical role within the Blue Climate
Program, supporting international ocean and climate policy initiatives,
coastal resilience, blue carbon ecosystems, and nature-based climate
solutions.

Reporting to the Director of Ocean Policy, this role develops and manages
strategic policy programs while collaborating closely with Conservation
International teams worldwide, governments, scientific institutions,
and global partners.

Key Responsibilities

International Ocean Policy

• Lead strategic policy initiatives supporting coastal resilience, blue carbon, green-gray infrastructure, and ocean-climate integration.
• Coordinate ocean-climate policy efforts with the Center for Policy and Incentives.
• Support project development, fundraising, implementation, and communication activities.
• Draft policy briefs, technical guidance, and official policy positions.
• Represent Conservation International at international meetings including:
  • UN Climate COP (UNFCCC)
  • Climate intersessional meetings
  • Biodiversity conferences
  • Ocean policy forums
• Develop partnerships with governments, NGOs, and strategic organizations.

Ocean Policy Advancement

• Support country programs in developing national and regional ocean policy initiatives.
• Provide technical expertise on:
  • Blue Carbon
  • Nature-Based Solutions
  • Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
  • Climate Policy
  • Greenhouse Gas Inventories
  • National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs)
• Facilitate workshops, stakeholder meetings, and government consultations.
• Identify and scope future ocean policy opportunities.

Blue Climate Program

• Support strategy development and long-term planning.
• Assist fundraising and proposal development.
• Coordinate across Blue Climate teams to improve collaboration.
• Support reporting and communications.
• Perform additional duties assigned by leadership.

Working Conditions

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 5–7 years of experience in international climate and/or ocean policy.
• Understanding of government policy processes.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent time management and prioritization abilities.
• Ability to work independently and within multicultural teams.
• Experience engaging government agencies, private sector partners, and NGOs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Environmental Policy or related field.
• Multilingual (Official UN languages preferred).
• Expertise in:
  • Blue Carbon
  • Marine Ecosystems
  • Climate Science
  • Nature-Based Solutions
• Experience working internationally across multiple cultures.

Application Information

Compensation & Benefits

Equal Employment Opportunity

Conservation International is committed to providing equal employment
opportunities to all individuals. Employment decisions are based solely on
qualifications, merit, experience, and organizational needs while fostering
an inclusive and diverse workplace.