Working with the Director of Climate Policy, the Associate Director conceptualizes, develops and implements key elements of Ocean Conservancy’s international climate diplomacy, and collaborates with staff across multiple program areas to advance Ocean Conservancy’s international climate policy goals and agenda. This position leads the organization’s work with the UNFCCC, including engaging directly with senior government officials in partner countries to advance mutual priorities, and  utilizing Ocean Conservancy’s engagement in the UNFCCC to support progress on key issues such as zero-carbon international shipping, the climate-plastics nexus, climate-ready fisheries, and a clean energy transition. The Associate Director is responsible for developing relationships and working directly with major public institutions, governments, multilateral agencies, international NGOs, international public officials, private sector leaders, and influential individuals and OC staff to establish Ocean Conservancy as a leading international organization for climate action. They provide leadership for international partnerships and NGO coalitions; advocate for increases in finance for ocean-climate solutions from countries around the globe; provide strategic advice on policies that support ocean-climate progress outside of the United States; and serve as a senior representative for Ocean Conservancy in bilateral and multilateral meetings and global fora where they articulate and advocate for Ocean Conservancy’s positions and goals.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

This work will include developing expert policy recommendations, leading partner relationships and coalition management, leading strategy development and implementation, and collaborating with the NGO community.  Duties will include:

• Conceive and lead strategies and policies in international fora—including specifically in the UNFCCC—that advance the development and implementation of sustainable ocean-climate mitigation and adaptation solutions (offshore wind and other marine renewables, zero-emissions shipping, protecting blue carbon, evaluating ocean carbon dioxide removal, supporting coastal community resilience to climate impacts).
• Lead development and implementation of international strategic alliances and partnerships for climate action with government agencies, international institutions, and civil society organizations; Lead collaboration with partners in key geographies and in NGO coalitions.
• Maintain role of Ocean Conservancy as Secretariat for a critical government-led partner coalition:
  • Build and maintain effective relationships with senior government officials from partner countries and with external stakeholders;
  • Lead development of policy recommendations including drafting policy papers, declarations, decision making papers, etc.;
  • Facilitate members’ input and seek input from external stakeholders as needed on policy priorities and tactics;
  • Plan and execute events that highlight the leadership of members .
• In collaboration with the Director of Government Relations and the Director Climate Policy, develop and implement strategies to catalyze U.S. Government leadership on ocean-climate action internationally.
• Explore sustainable public funding opportunities for Ocean Conservancy priorities and support OC’s efforts to increase political and financial support for ocean conservation and climate action among foreign governments, and bilateral and multilateral finance institutions in order to grow international public funding, ensuring alignment with the overall position and strategy of Ocean Conservancy.
• Serve as a senior representative and spokesperson on behalf of OC at international events and meetings, in writing and through interviews to advance ocean conservation outside the US.
• Drive progress on Ocean Conservancy’s justice, equity, diversity and inclusion efforts, including by proactively incorporating the perspectives of disadvantaged communities in advancing international policy agendas.