Conservation Program Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Senior Manager, Ocean Policy

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 open for consideration in the following locations in the Americas, with preference for candidates based in time zones that can accommodate calls with colleagues in Europe and Africa: Arlington-US, Brazil(remote), Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guyana, Mexico, Suriname, Peru

Over the last 10 years, CI has developed a comprehensive Blue Climate program spanning over 20 countries dedicated to identifying and addressing science and policy priorities for oceans and climate globally. The Blue Climate program within the Center for Oceans at CI works closely with our field programs across the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Africa to design and implement innovative approaches to (1) implement nature-based climate adaptation solutions that improve coastal and marine communities' livelihoods and resilience while also conserving ecosystems and biodiversity; and (2) conserve and restore coastal blue carbon ecosystems (mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass meadows) for climate change mitigation. The Blue Climate program also has key leadership roles in advancing climate mitigation and adaptation priorities into national and regional coastal management and science through the International Blue Carbon Institute, Blue Carbon Initiative, the International Partnership for Blue Carbon, the Global Mangrove Alliance and the Global Green-Gray Community of Practice, and policy with the Center for Policy and Incentives.

Under the supervision of the Director, Ocean Policy, the Senior Manager, Ocean Policy, is a self-motivated, creative team member integral to the long-term growth and success of CI's Blue Climate program and Ocean Policy team. The Senior Manager, Ocean Policy will support the development, implementation and management of strategic international policy-based approaches and programs to achieve CI's Ocean Policy goals spanning coastal resilience, climate mitigation, green-gray infrastructure, blue carbon ecosystems and ocean-climate integration. Together with the Director, Ocean Policy, they will work with CI's Center for Policy and Incentives to ensure alignment with CI's larger international and national policy programs and priorities, including providing technical inputs and guidance on ocean-climate issues. The position will also work closely with teams across CI including other programs within the Center for Oceans and the Moore Center for Science and Solutions to ensure alignment and integration of ocean policy priorities with all related CI programs and topic areas, including biodiversity, finance, and community fisheries.  

RESPONSIBILITIES

International Ocean Policy

• Manage strategic policy initiatives to achieve CI's Ocean Policy goals spanning coastal resilience, green-gray infrastructure, blue carbon, and other ocean-climate areas which integrate and align international and national policy goals.
• Work closely with CI's Center for Policy and Incentives to ensure ocean-climate strategies and approaches are aligned with international and national policy programs and priorities.
• Play a key role in project development, fundraising, implementation, communications, and broader capacity building for the Ocean Policy program.
• Contribute to the drafting and revision of CI ocean policy positions, policy briefs, guidance documents, and other technical resources.
• Play a key role in representing the Center for Oceans within the CI delegation to international policy meetings related to climate, biodiversity, and oceans, such as the UNFCCC climate COP and intersessional meetings. Additionally, support CI's strategic engagement in these spaces (e.g., side events, meetings with countries and partners).
• Support the development and management of relationships and partnerships with government representatives and like-minded organizations to accelerate and achieve CI ocean policy objectives in close coordination with CI's international policy team and relevant country programs.

Ocean Policy Advancement in Priority Countries

• In partnership with CI country programs, the International Blue Carbon Institute, and the Center for Policy and Incentives, support the development and implementation of national or regional ocean policy objectives and programs which are aligned with and inform CI's Blue Climate and broader policy priorities.
• Provide CI programs and partners with strategic support, technical expertise, and/or capacity building for the integration of coastal ecosystems into Nationally Determined Contributions and implementation plans, national climate and ocean policy, greenhouse gas inventories, NBSAPs and other related components of ocean-climate policy.
• As needed, facilitate in-person and virtual meetings, workshops, and related events with national governments and local partners to advance the priorities of CI country programs in alignment with national objectives.
• Support the Ocean Policy Director in scoping new policy activities in accordance with existing CI programs.

Blue Climate Program

• Contribute to strategy development, planning processes, fundraising, team initiatives/special projects, reporting and communication efforts as needed.
• Coordinate with other teams across the Blue Climate network team to ensure programmatic alignment and synergies between CI projects.

Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Frequent international travel (25% or more) is required.
• Ability to work in remote locations or under difficult working conditions.
• This position follows a hybrid work structure, working some days from the office and some days remotely. Guidance will be shared during the interview process.
• Requires working remotely with colleagues in other locations and time zones.
• Flexible working hours: Frequent early morning and evening meetings, and occasional work over weekends, to accommodate colleagues in other time zones or high-level policy events.
• This position follows a hybrid work structure, working some days from the office and some remotely. Guidance will be shared during the interview process.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor's degree
• 5 to 7 years of experience working in international climate and/or ocean policy mechanisms and fora.
• Understanding of government processes and the overall policy engagement environment.
• Strong organization, project management, and prioritization skills.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to adapt in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a diverse, international team.
• Experience partnering with, and influencing, key stakeholders and building strong partnerships across public and private sectors and civil society.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and ability to effectively communicate complex information to a diverse audience.
• Enthusiasm and capacity for learning scientific and related basis for specific conservation outcomes as needed to support policy priorities and processes.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.

Preferred

• Bi-lingual or multilingual in official UN languages.
• Expertise in coastal blue carbon and marine ecosystems, climate change science, and/or nature-based solutions
• Master's degree or other advanced degree in environmental policy or related field.
• Experience working globally in a range of cultural settings.

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

This position will remain open until filled. Applications will be reviewed on June 30, 2026. 

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.