Project Manager, Heart of Conservation Initiative (HCI)

About the role

The Heart of Conservation Initiative (HCI) is a 5-year global project aimed at increasing Indigenous Peoples' and local communities' capacity to access sustainable finance for territorial stewardship, shifting from centralized, intermediary-driven models toward more inclusive, community-led financing and governance. The Project Manager leads the Global Coordination Unit's (GCU) support for the HCI partners, supervises GCU staff, manages the project day to day and coordinates with ten Component 1 partners and partners in Components 2 through 5. The role reports to the Senior Director, Conservation Areas and the Senior Director, Inclusive Conservation.

Key responsibilities

• Component 1: review and approve partners' annual work plans and budgets, give technical input and support their self-strengthening plans.
• Component 2: lead delivery of the collective capacity-strengthening program and Component 3: lead delivery of the Youth Policy Leaders program and support Components 4 and 5.
• Manage the Indigenous Global Steering Committee workflow, prepare the Annual Work Plan and Budget, and monitor procurement and expenditure with the Finance and Operations Manager.
• Run the project website and communications strategy with the Communications and Knowledge Management Officer, and support learning visits, reviews and evaluations.
• Maintain a risk register, prepare an exit plan and ensure project results are sustained.
• Supervise GCU staff (including MEL, FO, safeguards, GESI officers and assistants), prepare Terms of Reference for consultants, and provide quality assurance on partner reports and sub-grants.
• Produce semi-annual progress reports, quarterly financial reports and a Project Close Report, and coordinate co-financing reporting.
• Coordinate with co-financed projects, attract additional partners, represent the project at conferences and integrate gender and social inclusion throughout implementation.

Required profile

• 10 years of technical experience, including at least 5 years in project management.
• Bachelor's degree; post-graduate degree in a relevant field preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience working in solidarity with Indigenous peoples and local community organizations, with a track record of culturally sensitive, community-centered collaboration.
• Experience with the Convention on Biological Diversity and/or other multilateral agreements on biodiversity, Indigenous peoples' rights and finance.
• Experience delivering technical and financial reporting to donors on large projects and managing complex, multi-stakeholder, multi-country projects.
• Fluency in English; advanced Spanish, French or Portuguese highly preferred.

Required skills

• Knowledge of the Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation or WWF project and program management standards preferred.
• Experience with GEF projects is an advantage.
• Technical knowledge of the project theme, such as Indigenous-led territorial stewardship or community-based sustainable development.

The position is based in Brazil, Cambodia or Kenya. Visa sponsorship and relocation are not provided for Brazil or Kenya; for Cambodia, nationals from South and Southeast Asian countries willing to relocate may apply, and relocation support may be possible depending on budget.