Opportunity

Emirates Nature-WWF (ENWWF) is a UAE environmental non-governmental organization, established under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s representative in the Western Region and Chairman of Environmental Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD). Emirates Nature works in association with WWF, one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations. EN-WWF has been active in the UAE since 2001 and has successfully initiated and implemented several conservation and education projects and initiatives in the region. EN-WWF works federally and in the region with offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah and is governed by a local board of directors.

The Marine and NbS Lead is responsible for the development and successful implementation of initiatives related to coastal and marine biodiversity that deliver positive nature and socio-economic impacts. She/he will be supporting the Conservation Director on the successful delivery of the multiple projects and deliverables that are currently being implemented, primarily large-scale projects on NbS including area-based conservation, restoration and integrated management.

One such project is a flagship initiative funded under a global partnership with HSBC, focusing on topics including coastal biodiversity conservation and restoration, natural capital and sustainable blue economy, as well as broader recommendations to mobilize multilateral partnerships and blended financing. The position will require continuous exploration of synergies across climate, food systems and biodiversity to ensure that ENWWF projects and initiatives are addressing, to the extent possible and as relevant, multiple conservation objectives.

The Lead of Marine and NbS will design new initiatives, develop proposals and identify opportunities for ENWWF based on the organization strategic priorities, and in consultation with key stakeholders (internal and external). She/He will ensure that ENWWF work adheres with the organization values, follows international best practice, contributes towards UAE policy commitments, and helps advance further the UAE agenda on the topic.

The Lead of Marine and NbS will be responsible to manage and lead a team of professionals that can deliver key projects and activities. She/He will also play an integral role in seeking new partnerships to advance strategic outcomes of our work as well as secure earmarked income for the ENWWF marine portfolio. Finally, the Lead of Marine is expected to support communication related activities and support overall organization priorities.

Main Responsibilities:

1. Lead the implementation of ENWWF large scale flagship project on NbS for coastal ecosystems; supervise implementation of various projects or initiatives related to marine conservation, blue economy, and bankable NbS
2. Act as a thought leader to promote the work of the organization and expand the marine and conservation portfolio exploring synergies across conservation goals (climate, nature, economy) and other units (marketing, business development, operations)
3. Strengthen policy impact on marine biodiversity and conservation through active involvement in local, regional and global dialogues and targeted policy discussions with key stakeholders including the upcoming COP28
4. Act as a Leader and manage a high-performance team, support implementation of organization’s key decisions and ensure external engagement contributing to long-term organizational success

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 15 years of relevant professional experience in the fields of marine biodiversity and conservation and nature-based solutions, with at least 5 years of experience in a leadership or management role, and knowledge of the latest developments and emerging trends in the field.
• Strong experience in the coastal and marine realm with a track record in working with the public and private sectors.
• Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing and evaluating projects in the related fields (experience in protected areas set up and management, financing nature, or business planning for conservation and NbS is plus).
• Leading teams to ensure the delivery of impactful and high-quality outcomes.
• Professional experience in UAE, GCC or Middle East is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and creatively, generating innovative ways to drive performance and impact.
• Higher degree in natural and/or environmental sciences or related fields.
• Fluency in English is essential. Knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills and ability to perform under pressure.
• Excellent proven stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent relationship-building skills and exceptional teamwork abilities.
• Demonstrable ability to work effectively in multi-disciplinary and multicultural teams.
• Self-starter and able to prioritize activities accordingly.
• Set challenging but realistic goals and solve problems effectively.
• Produce high quality products/services with attention to detail.
• Supportive, constructive and open to influence in dealing with others.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Arabic (desirable).
• Diplomatic and solution-oriented
• A passion for conservation and experience in a not-for-profit environment

Please send your application consisting of a cover letter explaining why you are the right candidate to work with EN-WWF and your CV with the subject ‘Application for Lead - Marine Conservation and Nature-based Solutions’ to the attention of Ms Magdalena Tayoun on careers@enwwf.ae before 23rd June 2023.

Emirates Nature reserves the right to appoint a candidate prior this date.