Conservation International Philippines (CI Philippines) is seeking an experienced, highly motivated, and visionary conservation leader to serve as Director for Program Delivery and Development, with primary responsibility for leading the TRANSCEND Project while driving the development, growth, and long-term sustainability of CI Philippines marine conservation portfolio.
POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Quezon City, Philippines
The Transformative Actions for Climate and Ecological Protection and Development (TRANSCEND) Project is a national-scale initiative designed to support the Philippines transition toward a climate-resilient, low-carbon, and biodiversity-positive future. Implemented through a consortium of partners, TRANSCEND seeks to deliver integrated conservation, climate adaptation, and sustainable development outcomes across priority landscapes and seascapes. As a co-lead of Output 1, CI Philippines, together with RARE, is advancing a ridge-to-reef approach across selected Key Biodiversity Areas in Southern Tagalog, Western Visayas, and Northern Mindanao. Working alongside government agencies, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and the private sector, the project aims to conserve critical ecosystems, protect natural carbon sinks, strengthen climate resilience, and address biodiversity loss.
Reporting to the Vice President, Philippines, the Director will provide strategic, operational, and technical leadership to ensure the successful implementation and delivery of the TRANSCEND Project while leading the development and expansion of CI Philippines marine conservation program. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director will play a pivotal role in shaping organizational strategy, strengthening partnerships, mobilizing resources, and identifying new opportunities to scale conservation impact. The position will be responsible for advancing CI Philippines marine agenda across priority seascapes, including the Verde Island Passage, Sulu Sea, and Philippine Rise, while fostering innovation, programmatic excellence, and sustainable conservation outcomes that contribute to
The successful candidate will be equally comfortable leading complex multi-stakeholder initiatives, managing high-performing teams, engaging senior government and donor stakeholders, and developing new opportunities that advance conservation outcomes for nature, climate, and communities.
Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Program Development
- Provide strategic leadership for the implementation of TRANSCEND and the growth of CI Philippines marine conservation portfolio.
- Ensure program priorities, approaches, and investments are aligned with CI Philippines Country Strategy its geographic priorities.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen conservation impact through innovation, partnerships, and program expansion.
Project and Program Management
- Lead the planning, implementation, monitoring, and adaptive management of TRANSCEND and related marine conservation initiatives within the project.
- Ensure all project activities are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with donor agreements, organizational policies, and regulatory requirements.
- Oversee the development of annual work plans, budgets, performance targets, and implementation schedules.
- Establish and maintain effective monitoring, evaluation, learning, and reporting systems to track performance and conservation impact.
- Ensure strong financial stewardship, including budget management, expenditure monitoring, and achievement of donor expectations.
- Ensure the timely preparation of high-quality technical, narrative, and financial reports for donors, partners, and organizational leadership.
- Provide regular updates on program progress, risks, opportunities, and lessons learned.
- Support governance processes, steering committee engagements, and consortium-level decision-making as required.
Team Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness
- Lead, mentor, and inspire multidisciplinary project and program teams to achieve high performance and professional growth.
- Foster a culture of inclusion, collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous learning within teams.
- Contribute actively as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, supporting organizational priorities and culture.
- Maintain the highest standards of transparency, accountability, compliance, and ethical conduct.
Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, local communities, academic institutions, NGOs, development partners, private sector organizations, and TRANSCEND consortium members.
- Strengthen coordination among project partners to ensure effective collaboration and delivery of shared objectives.
- Represent CI Philippines in relevant national, regional, and international forums, including marine conservation and sustainable development platforms.
- Serve as a trusted ambassador for CI Philippines and promote the organization's leadership in marine conservation.
Resource Mobilization and Portfolio Growth
- Collaborate with senior management and program development teams to secure funding for existing and emerging conservation initiative including those that complement the TRANSCEND project.
- Cultivate and maintain productive relationships with donors and funding partners.
- Contribute to proposal development, program design, and strategic fundraising efforts.
- Identify funding opportunities and partnerships that support long-term program sustainability and growth.
People and Resource Management Responsibilities
- Leads and directs the work of other employees and has responsibility for personnel actions including hiring, performance management, and termination.
- Supervision is often provided through a team of subordinate managers.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Work with the TRANSCEND Project Implementation Team.
- Will require travel about 50% of the time in the implementing sites and may need to work extended hours in remote locations, often in difficult travel and work conditions.
- This post will have an initial contract of 12 months and subject to performance evaluation can be converted to a regular employment contract with CI Philippines.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Marine Science, Fisheries, Conservation Biology, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
- 7 or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in marine conservation, environmental management, or sustainable development.
- Demonstrated success leading large, complex, multi-stakeholder conservation programs or donor-funded initiatives.
- Experience managing teams, budgets, donor compliance, and program reporting.
- Strong understanding, thought-leadership, and proven track record of marine conservation, natural resource management, and stakeholder engagement in the Philippines.
- Proven ability to build partnerships, influence decision-makers, and represent organizations at senior levels.
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and leadership skills.
Preferred
- Advanced/Masters degree in Marine Science, Fisheries, Conservation Biology, Natural Resource Management, or a related field. PhD is a plus.
- Experience working within international NGOs, donor-funded consortia, or conservation networks.
- Demonstrated fundraising and resource mobilization success.
- Familiarity with conservation priorities within the Verde Island Passage, Sulu Sea, and Philippine Rise.
To apply for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter.
Application Deadline: August 31, 2026 (11:49 PM EST)
See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE
Conservation International is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We believe in hiring based on merit and qualifications, ensuring a fair and inclusive hiring process for everyone.
