Position: Project Manager - Tuvalu
Reports to: Pacific Partnerships Director
Location: Funafuti, Tuvalu
Position Type: Full Time
Scope/Capacity: Country
Coordinates with: WCS Global and Regional Finance Teams, WCS Conservation Social Scientist, WCS Director Ecosystem Science and Planning, WCS Integrated Ocean Management Advisor (IOM Advisor), Permanent Secretary Tuvalu Office of the Prime Minister, and other Tuvalu government agencies and partners as required including the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner Ocean Specialist.
Job Purpose:The Tuvalu Government is committed to developing a National Ocean Policy (NOP) for integrated ocean management. The NOP will improve sectoral coordination, enhance climate change resilience and evidence-based decision-making, foster connectivity to regional and global policies and frameworks including the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) instrument, provide for national Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), and support fisheries contribution to socio-economic development and quality of life.
With a grant from the Bezos Earth Fund, the Wildlife Cconservation Society (WCS) will assist with the marine conservation aspects of the National Ocean Policy, by: supporting the inclusive and participatory development of a climate-proof national MSP, assisting the Tuvalu Fisheries Department and other agencies to strengthen community management of existing marine protected and conserved areas and establishing sustainable financing to ensure the long-term health and stewardship of Tuvalu’s marine environment.
The Project Manager will lead the day-to-day implementation of the project, ensuring timely delivery of project outputs, coordination of field teams, high integrity financial management, financial and technical reporting, and logistical support. The role works closely with the Integrated Ocean Management Advisor (to be hired) to ensure government priorities and processes are reflected in project activities.
The project period is 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2030. The Project Manager role is initially for a 12-month period but may be extended to project completion.
The Project Manager will work with the Tuvalu Government and the WCS Conservation Social Scientist to deliver a stakeholder analysis and establish an Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) to operate in communities. The ESMS consists of Free Prior and Informed Consent protocols (FPIC), Gender Equity, Disability and Social Inclusion protocols (GEDSI), Data Sharing and Sovereignty protocols (DS&S) and a Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM). The Project Manager will work with the Tuvalu Government to organize and deliver a project inception workshop, lead and organize logistics for the participatory development of a communications strategy with the support of the OPOC Ocean Specialist, and coordinate with Kaupule to develop a community consultation plan including training a consultation team. Assist with the establishment and successful implementation of a subgrant to a local Non-Government Organization.
Major Responsibilities:- Oversee project delivery and ensure all milestones are met in accordance with milestone deadlines and budget targets
- Oversee the work of consultants and technical specialists, ensuring outputs meet quality standards and project needs.
- Manage project budget, procurement, and compliance with WCS and donor requirements.
- Support logistics for consultations, surveys, training, and stakeholder events.
- Draft technical progress reports and consolidate financial reporting with the WCS Finance team.
- Oversee the quality and timely delivery of donor reporting and communications.
- Liaise closely with the Tuvalu Office of the Prime Minister, Tuvalu Fisheries Department, other government agencies and Kaupule to ensure close coordination on project activities and to support implementation.
- Track monitoring and evaluation indicators and support adaptive management.
Internal Qualification RequirementsMinimum Requirements and Job Skills:
1. Minimum 5 years’ experience in project management, ideally in conservation or development.
2. Demonstrated experience managing donor-funded projects and multi-disciplinary teams.
3. Proven experience in project management, financial management, and reporting systems
4. Demonstrated ability to communicate with a variety of partners and stakeholders, and to mediate and resolve complex issues that involve multiple actors and/or interest areas.
5. Strong organisational skills and ability to manage budgets and reporting systems.
6. Familiarity with Tuvalu context and fieldwork in remote areas.
7. Professional proficiency in English and Tuvaluan
Tuvalu citizen or holder of a permit to reside in Tuvalu
Preferred requirements:
1. Proven experience in communications
2. Demonstrated ability to independently establish and manage new projects
3. Proven experience in reporting systems
