Senior Specialist, Marine Ecosystems and Sustainable Shipping

WWF

Position Description

The Senior Specialist Marine Ecosystems and Sustainable Shipping, reports to and works closely with the Vice President, Oceans. The position also works closely with the Director, Quebec Region who holds the decision-making authority for activities in Quebec. This position contributes directly to delivery of Oceans Program priorities and supports Quebec priorities by advancing conservation initiatives related to marine protection and planning and sustainable shipping.
 
This position will contribute to WWF-Canada’s regional, national and international oceans governance and policy work related to area and ecosystem based management (including but not limited to community supported MPAs, Other Effective Area Based Conservation Measures, Indigenous Protected and Conservation Areas, Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas, Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems and, marine conservation targets, integrated oceans management and marine spatial planning).  The position will also contribute to the development of a national sustainable shipping initiative, identifying sound policy and operational solutions to address shipping impacts on marine ecosystems.   
 

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement goals, strategies for the national Marine Planning and Protection and the Sustainable Shipping initiatives, and advise on resource allocations to implement the projects.
  • Build and maintain strong partnerships with natural and social scientists, economists, managers, industry, communities and Indigenous groups to advance the goals and strategies of WWF-Canada’s oceans program.
  • Provide advice to VP Oceans on the budgets of multiple projects and other administrative responsibilities such as contract management and client relationships.
  • Research and analyze data to develop and implement new regional and national strategies on sustainable shipping and high standard marine protected areas.
  • Support the growth of WWF’s presence in Quebec in under the direction of the Director, Quebec.
  • Strengthen the evidence-base for WWF’s marine conservation approaches in Atlantic Canada and Quebec.
  • Coordinate effort with other projects in the Oceans Program and collaborate with individuals from a wide range of cross-functional WWF teams such as Development and Communications. 
  • Prepare and edit reports and presentations, including occasional French-English translation services to support WWF-Canada and Quebec partnerships (e.g., contract management/project description). 
  • Manage contracts, develop funding proposals and participate in donor-related work.
  • Supervise interns, volunteers and staff.
  • Ad hoc assignments as requested by the Vice President, Oceans.

What We Are Looking For

  • Strong marine ecology and resource management background (PhD level) plus three to five years related experience.
  • Ability to operate at high-level (negotiation skills and partnership-building) in English and French.
  • Strong problem-solving, creative interpersonal and strategic thinking capabilities coupled with an outcome, delivery-oriented approach.
  • Proven exceptional ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of partners from many sectors (academia, governments, coastal communities, Indigenous communities and other NGOs).
  • Understanding of the role of community benefits as a driver of conservation goals.
  • Strong project management skills.
  • Bilingual French- English including excellent written and verbal communication skills in both languages.
  • Be passionately committed to the mission and 5 Year Plan of WWF-Canada and to its success in accomplishing these.
  • Willingness to travel.

Other Information

This position will require occasional travel, particularly within in Quebec and Atlantic Canada.
 

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, you may choose to do so online or via direct mail. Please be sure to include a cover letter and resume.
 
Click here to apply online.
 
To apply via direct mail, please send your cover letter, resume, and your answers to the questions to the following questions:
  1. Apart from its mission, what do you feel makes WWF-Canada an employer of choice?
  2. Are you legally eligible to work in Canada?
  3. Are you fully bilingual in English and French?
  4. What are your salary expectations?
  5. How flexible are your salary expectations?
  6. Where did you see this job posting?
Direct mail applications can be sent to:
Attn: Human Resources Department
410 Adelaide Street West
Suite 400
Toronto, ON
M5V 1S8
Deadline to Apply:  Please ensure that your application is received on or before April 13, 2018, 5pm EDT. 
 

Commitment to Diversity and Accessibility

WWF-Canada is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diversity in the workplace and encourage applications from all qualified candidates including women, members of visible minorities, persons with disabilities, and aboriginal peoples.
 
WWF-Canada is also committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity, please advise the Human Resources Representative in a timely fashion of any accommodation measures which must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.
 
We thank all applicants for their interest in joining WWF-Canada.  Given the volume of applications received, we request that you do not follow up your application with a phone call.  We will contact only those candidates selected for interviews and thank you for your understanding.