Director, Science and Marine Governance

Rare is seeking a Director for Science and Marine Governance in the Philippines, preferably based in Cebu or Manila, but remote applications are accepted. The role involves managing the science team, engaging with fisheries stakeholders, leading research initiatives, and providing thought leadership. Candidates should have a Master's or PhD in relevant fields, experience in marine governance, and strong organizational skills. Willingness to travel 30-50% of the time is required.
Position Overview:

This position is being advertised at the Sr. Manager level, but we encourage applications from those who have the skills and experience to perform the duties at a more senior level.

While there is a strong preference for the selected candidate to be based in Cebu or Manila, we will accept applications from highly qualified candidates in other locations in the Philippines.

About Rare:

Rare inspires change so people and nature thrive. For 50 years, across 60 countries, we have inspired and empowered millions of people and their communities to shift their behaviors and practices to protect our shared planet. We are a global leader in driving social change for people and nature and believe that the cumulative power of individual and community action is a vital pathway to safeguarding and restoring our shared waters, lands, and climate. Rare’s organizational culture is results-oriented, and entrepreneurial, and our global programs cover the thematic areas of climate change, fisheries and marine conservation, sustainable agriculture food security, and Green Recovery.

Position Overview:

The Sr. Manager for Science and Marine Governance reports to the Senior Director for Program Implementation and Shared Services and will be responsible for:
• Overall management of science team, including budgeting, donor reporting, personnel management.
• Act as the key science expert for all science-related aspects of the program including marine spatial design and fisheries program design.
• Represent Rare and build and cultivate relationships with various actors in national and local level fisheries space including academic institutions.
• Provide thought leadership including, but not limited to, publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at conferences.
• Create and execute research agenda.
• Support technical aspects of project proposals.
• Designing and executing the Science Team’s engagement in the Fish Forever Scale Strategy.
• Lead Applied Science Community of Practice.

Other tasks may be assigned as required.

Experience and Education:
• Master’s degree or PhD in Fisheries (expertise in population dynamics preferred), Socio-Ecological System Thinking, Marine Biology or Social Sciences.
• Proven experience in Marine spatial planning and governance, and/or working with communities especially for data collection.
• Proven ability in training and capacity building.
• Management and collaborating with different teams.
• Exceptional organizational skills to prioritize projects and initiate follow-through with meticulous attention to detail.
• Willingness to travel for about 30-50% of the time.
• Proven experience in team leadership, program design, and budget management.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, verbal and written, including the ability to effectively engage with staff and partners at all levels in a fast-paced work environment.
• Sound business judgment and ability to manage shifting priorities and competing deadlines to ensure accuracy and high-quality standards while applying a system’s view of outcomes and impact.
• Prior experience in an international, cross-cultural work environment is essential, and willingness to work on flexible hours (even beyond the regular working hours) as needed.
• Written and verbal fluency in English.

Rare is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic.