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Join MarAlliance and help us explore, enable, and inspire conservation action for threatened marine wildlife.

There are many positions and great ways to get involved in the work we do. If you are passionate about our planet’s oceans, we want to hear from you.

Current opportunities

Operations Manager

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Communications Assistant (Internship)

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National Coordinator - Panama

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NATIONAL COORDINATOR - Panama

MarAlliance is a leading international non-profit, operating across seven countries, with official registrations in the US, Belize, Panama, and Cabo Verde, and active engagement in Honduras since 2015. We are dedicated to pioneering conservation efforts for endangered marine species, particularly sharks, rays, large finfish and turtles, alongside their critical coastal habitats. Our approach is collaborative, involving community-based research, educational initiatives, and conservation strategies, working hand-in-hand with fishermen, tourism professionals, students, protected area personnel, policymakers, and other vital marine stakeholders. By collecting crucial data on marine populations, artisanal fisheries, the impact of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), and the behavior and ecology of marine wildlife in a rapidly changing world, we inform and empower evidence-based conservation and management decisions. As the populations of many large marine species continue to decline, MarAlliance stands as a formidable, science-driven advocate, guiding our partners in developing and implementing effective conservation strategies to reverse these trends and ensure a sustainable future for marine life.

Position Summary

The National Coordinator (NC) for MarAlliance in Panama will play a pivotal role in leading our initiatives to research, educate, and conserve marine wildlife in Panama. This experienced professional, who must be a Panamanian national or resident, will oversee the comprehensive management of projects in the Panama program that requires management of a diverse team, strategic planning, fundraising, support to fieldwork and communications, capacity building, diplomacy and advocacy that create and nurture partnerships and policy support efforts. Responsibilities also encompass the creation and execution of annual work plans and budgets, report generation, human resources, compliance, and additional administrative duties.

Key Values and Competencies

  • Demonstrated strategic thinking, attention to detail, and organizational skills, with the capacity to meet tight deadlines and manage team dynamics effectively.
  • Proven fundraising capabilities with different funding sectors.
  • Demonstrated commitment of engagement with coastal communities, fishers, policymakers, and other stakeholders in science and conservation to fulfill organizational objectives.
  • Exceptional leadership, people and program management and diplomacy.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication with strong presentation skills.

Responsibilities

  • Drive the development and implementation of MarAlliance’s strategic vision within Panama, aligning with both national and international conservation priorities.
  • Effectively manage and inspire the country’s growing and diverse team with clear goal-setting, follow-through, professionalism and mentoring.
  • Manage project delivery to meet the goals and objectives of the Panama program efficiently.
  • Oversee budgeting, legal, administrative, and fiscal compliance for all activities in Panama.
  • Coordinate fieldwork and data collection with Research Officers and Community Coordinators, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and utility of expected outputs.
  • Plan and support execution of educational and outreach initiatives with the Outreach Officer that tie in to MarAlliance’s communication and education strategies.
  • Lead the creation of grant proposals, donor reports, and programmatic updates pertinent to the Panama program working with the Development and Communications teams.
  • Supervise and share with the Communications Team both media and educational content production, reflecting the program’s activities in alignment with the communication strategy.
  • Provide leadership to MarAlliance staff, contractors, and volunteers in Panama, ensuring contractual and financial accountability, legal and labour compliance.
  • Maintain active and regular engagement of partners locally and in remote areas.
  • Oversee organizational equipment and assets security.
  • Foster and expand professional relationships with local and international partners.
  • Represent MarAlliance in professional settings and maintain effective communication with the Panama and international teams.

Qualifications and Skills

  • A Master’s Degree in natural resources management, non-profit management, or related field.
  • At least five years’ experience in project/program management and team supervision, ideally within an NGO context.
  • Proven track record in fundraising and project proposal development.
  • Bilingual English and Spanish with excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills.
  • Strong organizational, project, and financial management competencies.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to engage in diplomacy and capacity building.
  • Strongly self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with Zoom, Canva, and Quickbooks.
  • Valid driver’s license is mandatory.

Assets

  • Knowledge of marine conservation, fisheries, and the socio-political landscape in Panama.
  • Creativity, diplomacy, patience, flexibility, and a good sense of humor.
  • A deep commitment to MarAlliance’s mission and goals, a love of the sea and marine wildlife.

Duration and Benefits

This full-time position begins on April 15th, 2024, with the possibility of annual renewal. Compensation is competitive, reflecting qualifications and experience. Benefits include remote work in Panama City, health insurance, professional travel, capacity-building opportunities, and paid vacation.

Location and Oversight

Based in Panama City, the role requires up to 40% travel, including travel in small boats and stays in remote areas in rustic conditions. The NC reports to the Executive Director and collaborates closely with MarAlliance team members.

Application Process

Interested candidates should send their CV, a letter of interest, and three references in one PDF to info@maralliance.org with “LAST NAME_NC Panama” in the subject line by March 30th, 2024.

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Operations Manager

MarAlliance is a dynamic, international non-profit that explores, enables and inspires conservation action  for threatened marine wildlife – notably sharks, rays, and turtles – and their critical habitats with  dependent human communities. In the face of declines in many populations of marine wildlife, these  species need a strong, effective and science-based voice to represent them to help dependent partners  shape management and conservation strategies and action to reverse declines. To this end, we design  and conduct collaborative community-based research, education and conservation programs, that  generate essential data on threatened marine wildlife populations, behavior and ecology to enable fact based conservation and management, often in the context of established or proposed marine protected  areas with a goal of rewilding our oceans. We are registered in Belize, Panama, Cabo Verde, and the United  States with additional programmatic bases in Honduras and Micronesia. 

At MarAlliance, we owe our success to the efficiency of organizational processes. To help maintain and  grow this standard, we’re seeking an experienced operations manager to oversee daily activities. The  ideal candidate will have a sharp business mind and proven success in managing multiple country  programs for maximum productivity and conservation impact. This person will be highly skilled in human  resources, finance, and be able to further nurture an environment of trust, diversity, and inclusion  within the MarAlliance team and with partners. 

Position summary:

The Operations Manager (OM) will be an experienced professional, with a background in operations and  program management that will supervise our teams conducting marine wildlife research, education and  conservation work primarily focused in Central America and Mexico with other programmatic bases. They  will be responsible to:

  • Maintain constant communication with all Coordinators, staff, and partners to ensure proper  operations of the organization. 
  • Develop, implement, and maintain a monitoring and evaluation program, internal quality  assurance protocols 
  • Increase the efficiency of existing processes and procedures to enhance the organization’s  internal capacity and productivity 
  • Formulate internal strategies and support external strategic planning, charting and improving  staff performance, procuring funding and resources and securing compliance. 
  • Ensure that operational and programmatic activities remain on time and within budget
  • Track staffing requirements, setting terms of reference, overseeing contracting and hiring new  employees as needed across programmatic countries 
  • Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable department. 

Key responsibilities

Financial Operations (primary responsibility)

  • Support the development of and manage the operating budget, including processing payments and reimbursements, creating donor and partner agreements, and with the Financial Controller tracking expenses, reconciling accounts, forecasting future scenarios, and frequently reporting spending activities to the Executive Director.
  • Work in partnership with the Financial Controller (FC) and Country or Thematic Coordinators to ensure reporting and compliance expectations.
  • Maintain internal controls and safeguards for receipt of revenue, costs, program budgets, and actual expenditures.
  • Oversee payments and payment schedules.
  • Coordinate the annual and monthly close process with reviews of balance sheets and P&Ls with FC.
  • Support the FC with audit activities and audit firms.
  • In partnership with the Executive Director, coordinate and lead the annual budgeting process; administer and review all financial plans and compare to actuals to identify, explain, and correct variances as appropriate.

 

Human Resources (secondary responsibility)

  • Ensure compliance with local and federal/country organizational and tax filings, including, but not limited to all existing government and legal reporting requirements, and other relevant local and country labor laws.
  • In collaboration with the Executive Director, plan, manage, and oversee organizational financial best practices, policies, procedures, guidelines, and tools to meet operational goals, identifying opportunities for improvement.
  • In collaboration with the Executive Director and the leadership team, create a nimble monitoring and evaluation plan for use to assess programmatic success.
  • Drive staffing requirements, create terms of reference, create interview panels or interview and hire staff.
  • Collaborate with other team members and participate constructively in team meetings and project planning.
  • Perform other operational duties, as needed.

 

Partnership Planning & Oversight (tertiary responsibility)

  • Coordinate communication with organizational partners and plan effective strategies to grow partnerships
  • Lead monthly meetings with partners
  • Track performance of partnerships and report to Executive Director and Coordinator team
  • Coordinate with Communications on strategies to grow partnerships
  • Identify opportunities for new strategic partnerships with management team
  • In partnership with the Leadership Team support the development of funding proposals or fundraising projects that strengthen partnerships and advance MarAlliance’s mission.
  • Lead, motivate, and support a multicultural, remote and international team within a time
    sensitive and demanding environment, including career development plans for direct reports and problem resolution
  • Manage data collection for the updating of metrics to achieve productivity targets, reduce cost per unit, eliminate errors, and deliver excellent customer service
  • Work closely with legal advisors to ensure that activities remain compliant
  • Oversee organization’s materials and inventory
  • Conduct quarterly budget reviews and report cost plans to the Executive Director

Required skills and qualifications

  • Five or more years of proven success in an operations management role
  • Demonstrated skills in budget development and oversight
  • Proven human resources and monitoring and evaluation skills
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills
  • Excellent interpersonal, diplomacy, facilitation and institutional capacity building skills
  • Strong written, verbal and presentation communication skills
  • Proficiency in conflict management and business negotiation processes
  • Experience and knowledge of working with NGOs, governmental agencies, communities, and the  private sector.  

Preferred skills and qualifications

Our ideal candidate is/has:

  • A minimum of 5 years of experience with a bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred) in operations management, business administration, or related field
  • Capable of translating financial concepts to, and effectively collaborate with, colleagues who do not have strong finance backgrounds
  • Successful track record in setting priorities; keen analytic, organization, and problem-solving skills which support and enable sound decision-making
  • Excellent relationship building skills with an ability to negotiate and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders and contractors
  • A collaborative project manager who can manage multiple projects involving different individuals, teams, and partners to meet collective goals on time and with excellence
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information
  • Experience supporting organizational budgeting processes for an evolving organization
  • Must understand non-profit accounting with strong IT skills, including Quickbooks, Microsoft Suite and Zoom
  • Passionate about the mission of MarAlliance. Must demonstrate a deep commitment to a vision of thriving marine wildlife in healthy seas stewarded by coastal communities.
  • Ability to communicate fluently in English and preferably Spanish, with Portuguese and or French an asset.
  • Any other related duties as assigned to support MarAlliance operations and the ED.

Duration

The position is full time and remote living in the US, and available for one year commencing June 3rd 2024, with possibility of annual renewal based on satisfactory performance.

Salary and benefits

The salary is competitive and based on qualifications and experience. Staff benefits include health insurance, international professional travel and capacity building opportunities, flexible hours, paid vacation, and a communications allowances.

Location and Oversight

The position is ideally based in the US, and will involve working remotely, with up to 20% travel to often remote or rustic field locations. The Operations Manager will report to the Executive Director, and maintain communications with relevant MarAlliance team members.

How to apply:

Please send CV, letter of interest and three references as one PDF package to info@maralliance.org stating “LAST NAME_OM-MAR” in the subject line by May 14, 2024

Send CV

Asistente de comunicación (Internship)

MarAlliance es una organización internacional sin ánimo de lucro registrada en EE.UU., Belice, Panamá y Cabo Verde, cuyo objetivo es explorar, facilitar e inspirar cambios positivos para la fauna marina amenazada, especialmente tiburones y rayas, sus hábitats críticos y las comunidades humanas dependientes. Nuestra misión es amplia y ambiciosa, y trabajamos en tres idiomas y en siete países de tres regiones. Ante el declive de muchas poblaciones de megafauna marina, estas especies necesitan una voz fuerte, eficaz y con base científica que las represente para ayudar a los socios dependientes a dar forma a las estrategias y acciones de gestión y conservación para invertir el declive.

Resumen del puesto:

Buscamos a un becario (6 meses) proactivo, con conocimientos digitales y excelente capacidad de redacción y edición de textos, que apoye la creación de contenidos escritos de alta calidad y recursos multicanal para difundir el trabajo que MarAlliance realiza a través de sus plataformas en línea (sitio web, redes sociales, boletín, entre otras) y fuera de línea, y que interactúe con nuestro público externo para contribuir a nuestros objetivos generales de comunicación y marketing. El Asistente de Comunicación dependerá directamente del Coordinador de Comunicación y Marketing, y trabajará en estrecha colaboración con el resto del equipo para apoyarles en los elementos de comunicación de su trabajo.

Las funciones y responsabilidades incluirán, entre otras, las siguientes:

  1. Proporcionar apoyo creativo, editorial y operativo a los proyectos. 
  2. Apoyo en la organización, etiquetado y etiquetado del archivo fotográfico y gestión del archivo de vídeo.
  3. Gestión de la comunidad: Gestionar activamente los canales de medios sociales, así como identificar nuevas tendencias y oportunidades de colaboración. Generar reels y visuales.
  4. Apoyo en la redacción de artículos de blog (SEO) y contenido de boletines. 
  5. Ayudar a construir y desarrollar materiales, herramientas y acciones para campañas (online y offline).
  6. Ayudar en diferentes tareas relacionadas con la comunicación trabajando mano a mano con contratistas externos (desarrollador web, diseñador gráfico…) para mejorar el compromiso de las audiencias externas.
  7. Apoyo en la elaboración de informes de campañas y comunicaciones (Google Analytics, métricas de redes sociales, informes de marketing por correo electrónico).
  8. Como parte del Equipo de Comunicación de MarAlliance, apoyar al Coordinador de Comunicación y Marketing en cualquier otro proyecto de comunicación, coherente con las habilidades y experiencia del titular del puesto, en circunstancias no rutinarias.

Experiencia, conocimientos y aptitudes requeridos:

  1. Licenciatura en comunicación, periodismo, marketing o cualquier disciplina relacionada.
  2. Experiencia en comunicación digital o marketing.
  3. Pasión e interés por la naturaleza, la vida marina y la conservación.
  4. Capacidad demostrada para redactar y presentar comunicaciones creativas.
  5. Presencia y conocimientos de medios sociales y digitales.
  6. Capacidad para realizar múltiples tareas y detectar buenas historias.
  7. Capacidad para trabajar a distancia y cumplir los plazos establecidos.
  8. Conocimientos de diseño gráfico deseables, pero no necesarios.
  9. Conocimientos de edición de vídeo deseables pero no necesarios. 

Salario y prestaciones:

Estipendio durante 6 meses.

Idiomas:

Español, con fluidez en inglés

Localización:

Nacionales o residentes de Panamá, Belice, México, Honduras, Guatemala.

Este contrato será a distancia dentro de las zonas horarias de América, flexible, a tiempo completo y desde casa con hasta un 10% de viajes ocasionales locales e internacionales.

Cómo presentar la candidatura:

Por favor, envíe su currículum, portfolio si lo tiene, y carta de presentación a info@maralliance.org con “MAR-CA_Apellido” en el asunto antes del 21 de marzo, 2024. No se admiten llamadas.

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Communications Assistant (Internship)

MarAlliance is an international non-profit registered in the US, Belize, Panama and Cabo Verde that aims to explore, enable and inspire positive changes for threatened marine wildlife – notably sharks and rays – their critical habitats and dependent human communities. Our remit is broad and ambitious, and we work in three languages and across seven countries encompassed by three regions. In the face of declines in many populations of marine megafauna, these species need a strong, effective, and science-based voice to represent them to help dependent partners shape management and conservation strategies and action to reverse declines.

Position summary:

We are seeking for a proactive, digitally savvy Paid Intern (6 month) Communications Assistant with excellent writing and copy editing skills, who will support the creation of high-quality written content and multichannel assets to broadcast the work MarAlliance does through its online (website, social media, newsletter, among others) and offline platforms, and engage with our external audiences to contribute to our overall communications and marketing goals. The Communications Assistant will directly report consistently to the Communications and Marketing Coordinator, and work closely with the rest of the team to support them on the communications elements of their work.

Duties and responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

  1. Provide creative, editorial, and operational project support. 
  2. Support organizing, labeling and tagging the photo archive and video archive management.
  3. Community Management: Actively manage social media channels, as well as identify new trends and collaboration opportunities. Generate reels and visuals.
  4. Support with writing blog articles (SEO) and newsletter content. 
  5. Help build and develop materials, toolkits, and actions for (online and offline) campaigns.
  6. Assist in different communications-related tasks working hand in hand with external contractors (web developer, graphic designer…) to improve the engagement of external audiences.
  7. Support in campaign and communications reporting (Google Analytics, social media metrics, email marketing reports)
  8. As part of the MarAlliance Communications Team, support the Communications and Marketing Coordinator with any other communications projects, consistent with the skills and expertise of the post holder, in non-routine circumstances.

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills Required:

  1. Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing or any related discipline.
  2. Experience working in digital communications and or marketing.
  3. Passion and interest for nature, marine life and conservation.
  4. Proven ability to write and deliver creative communications.
  5. Social Media and digital presence and knowledge.
  6. Ability to multitask and spot good stories.
  7. Capable of working remotely and meeting established deadlines.
  8. Graphic design skills are desirable but not required.
  9. Video editing skills are desirable but not required.

Salary and benefits:

Stipend for 6 month.

Language:

English, Spanish are mandatory.

Location:

Panama, Belize, Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala nationals or residents. 

This contract will be remote within the Americas time zones, flexible, full-time and home-based with up to 10% occasional local and international travel.

How to apply:

Please send your resume, portfolio if you have one, and cover letter to info@maralliance.org with “MAR-CA_Last name” in the subject line by 21st of March, 2024. No calls please.

Send CV