Deputy Country Manager Philippines

Blue Alliance is a leading international environmental organization dedicated to strengthening marine protected areas (MPAs) and advancing the blue economy across the globe. With 180+ staff and operations in France, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Zanzibar, Blue Alliance Philippines works to ensure the effective management of large MPAs in Mindoro and Palawan through longterm comanagement agreements with Local Government Units (LGUs) and national agencies.

TheDeputy National Managerplays a central role in overseeing all MPAs in the Philippines, ensuring strong operations, scientific integrity, community engagement, and institutional partnerships. This is a senior leadership position requiring strategic vision, project management excellence, and the ability to navigate complex environmental, political, and community landscapes.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Planning & Leadership

Lead the design, coordination, and implementation of annual work plans across scientific, community, compliance, and financial departments.

Align MPA plans with Blue Alliance's global strategy and ensure approval and integration into LGU development and investment plans.

Present work and financial plans to national partners (DENR, BFAR).

Oversee scientific, livelihood, and compliance planning.

2. Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

Conduct regular performance reviews with field teams and analyze deviations from plans.

Monitor staff performance and ensure compliance with comanagement agreements.

Produce highquality reports for LGUs, national agencies, SAC meetings, and headquarters.

Consolidate annual KPI data for countrylevel performance tracking.

3. Community & Stakeholder Engagement

Build strong, longterm relationships with local communities, community organizations, and partners.

Promote community development, capacity building, and support programs that improve social acceptance of MPAs and fisheries management.

Maintain strong engagement with LGUs, national agencies, private sector, NGOs, and academia.

4. Financial & Administrative Management

Manage and monitor budgets, explain variances, and propose corrective actions.

Oversee procurement, equipment maintenance, IT systems, and infrastructure needs.

Ensure strict adherence to organizational policies, procedures, and administrative standards.

5. Human Resources & Team Leadership

Lead and coach MPA teams across multiple sites.

Oversee recruitment, onboarding, staff development, and performance management.

Ensure compliance with HR policies, code of conduct, and safety/security procedures.

Handle conflict resolution and crisis response.

6. Blue Economy Development

Support feasibility studies, technical analyses, and implementation of communitybased blue economy initiatives.

Ensure proper community engagement and communication of blue economy programs.

Strengthen relationships with relevant ministries, agencies, and partners active in blueeconomy development.

7. MPA Operations & Compliance

Ensure synergy and collaboration among MPAs nationwide.

Guarantee full compliance with national regulations, LGU agreements, and internal policies.

Oversee enforcement systems, compliance measures, and operational protocols.

Support scientific campaigns, environmental monitoring, and biodiversity conservation programs.

Ensure safe, effective, and strategic execution of all MPA field activities.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Strong background in marine conservation, MPA management, natural resource governance, or environmental program leadership.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, especially with government, communities, and enforcement agencies.
• Proven experience in managing multidisciplinary teams, budgets, and complex field operations.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance scientific, social, economic, and administrative dimensions.
• Strong communication, leadership, diplomacy, and problemsolving skills.
• Willingness to travel to remote project sites across the Philippines.