Position: Integrated Ocean Management Advisor - Tuvalu
Reports to: Pacific Partnerships Director
Location: Funafuti, Tuvalu
Position Type: Full time, 12 month contract (with possibility of extension)
Coordinates with: Permanent Secretary of the Tuvalu Office of the Prime Minister, Director of Fisheries at the Tuvalu Fisheries Authority, Fisheries Technical Advisor at Tuvalu Fisheries Authority, Deputy Secretary at Tuvalu Environment Department, Tuvalu Government Ocean Specialist, WCS Conservation Social Scientist, WCS Director Ecosystem Science and Planning, WCS Executive Director Marine Conservation, WCS Financial Analyst and WCS Project Manager in Tuvalu.
Job Purpose:
The Tuvalu Government is launching a National Ocean Policy to establish integrated, climate-resilient marine management. Supported by the Bezos Earth Fund and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the policy seeks to harmonize sectoral coordination, implement Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), and fulfill international commitments like the BBNJ. The ultimate goal is to safeguard Tuvalu’s marine health while boosting the socio-economic benefits of its fisheries.
The project focuses on three pillars: developing an inclusive, climate-proof national MSP; strengthening community-led management of Marine Protected and Conserved Areas (MPCAs); and securing sustainable financing. By providing technical expertise to the Tuvalu Fisheries Department and other agencies, WCS ensures that marine stewardship is both scientifically grounded and community-driven, creating a framework for long-term environmental health.
Central to this initiative is the Integrated Ocean Management Advisor (IOMA), a senior role facilitating high-level coordination between government ministries, local Kaupule, and NGOs. The IOMA ensures that all activities align with the National Ocean Policy and remain within the project’s scope and budget. While the overarching project is funded through August 2030, the IOMA will lead the initial strategic rollout during a 12-month foundational term.
Year one priorities for the IOMA include the legal designation of community-approved MPCAs and the drafting of comprehensive MSP legislation. This phase involves extensive national consultations, spatial data collection—including traditional local knowledge—and training for regional stakeholders. Additionally, the role will conduct capacity assessments across the islands and explore innovative financing mechanisms to provide permanent support for Tuvalu’s marine resources.
Major Responsibilities:
- Serve as the lead government liaison to the Tuvalu Ocean Policy Steering Committee for MSP/MPCA coordination
- Ensure strong alignment between Tuvalu Government national and sectoral plans, the developing National Ocean Policy, and the Bezos Earth Fund project goals, objectives, and annual workplans, with a focus on MSP/MPCAs
- Support the design and rollout of national marine policies, frameworks, and MSP/MPCA designations aligned with the Tuvalu National Ocean Policy
- Support coordination of complementary ocean planning and policy work supported by the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner and Oceans 5 in Tuvalu
- Support government-led processes for Cabinet submissions, MSP/MPCA endorsements, and stakeholder updates
- Coordinate with the Office of the Prime Minister, Tuvalu Fisheries Authority, Tuvalu Environment Department, other government agencies, private sector, Kaupule, and communities to align MSP and MPCA priorities
- Ensure Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK) is integrated into MSP and that Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) is documented
- Ensure Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) principles are applied and visible in all activities
- Ensure compliance with WCS environmental and social safeguards, as well as Tuvalu Government national regulations in relation to MSP
Internal Qualification RequirementsMinimum Requirements and Job Skills:
1. Minimum 5 years experience in marine policy, government coordination, or related field.
2. Strong understanding of Tuvalu governance structures, fisheries and environmental legislation
3. Proven ability to lead multi-stakeholder processes and strategic planning
4. Strong skills in stakeholder engagement, MSP, and MPCA governance
5. Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills
6. Professional proficiency in English and Tuvaluan
Tuvalu citizen or holder of a permit to reside in Tuvalu
7. Willingness to travel frequently to remote sites.
