Program Officer, REACH

WHO WE ARE

Ocean Visions is a science-based, not-for-profit conservation organization. We work with and across diverse sectors and disciplines to identify, co-design, evaluate, and support implementation of ocean-based solutions to counter and reverse climate impacts. We provide diverse forms of support for the development, testing, and application of solutions, and for creation of the enabling social and political frameworks needed for their success. Our work is grounded in robust science, and we continually seek to improve our understanding of the complexity of the challenges posed by climate change.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Program Officer, Reach will play a pivotal role in helping to expand Ocean Visions’ global reach and impact, strengthening cross-sectoral partnerships, and mobilizing resources to support advance of ocean-based climate solutions in different parts of the world, with a strong Global South focus. The Program Officer will also be a core part of our UN Ocean Decade endorsed program, the Global Ecosystem for Ocean Solutions (GEOS).

This role requires a dynamic and organized individual who can work on multiple initiatives and scales at the same time, to effectively support and advance Ocean Visions’ international work, and help to advance understanding and engagement with ocean-based climate solutions in a variety of settings. The work will span supporting emerging innovation hubs in the Global South to pursuing policy and communications objectives at major multilateral events. The ideal candidate will bring crosscultural experience in international engagement, sociotechnical research skills, strategic communications, event management experience and very strong project and program management skills.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Management and Coordination

• Support and backstop the implementation of Ocean Visions’ international partnerships and GEOS initiatives, ensuring progress and delivery of key goals and outcomes.
• Produce targeted analyses, including stakeholder maps and policy briefs, to inform program design and implementation.
• Assist in coordinating international activities such as summits, dialogues, working groups, and side events.

International Engagement

• With the Program Director, identify and engage key actors and institutions, including those in non-English speaking regions, to strengthen a multilingual and international ecosystem that advances ocean-climate solutions.
• Assist in managing Ocean Visions’ international events, including coordination of convenings, workshops, side events, and participation at high level meetings.
• Contribute to the development of outreach materials and engagement practices that are culturally relevant and linguistically accessible.

Innovation Hubs Support

• Support the launch and growth of Ocean-Climate Innovation Hubs, including helping local teams develop strategic plans, identify resource needs, and pursue funding opportunities.
• Help manage Ocean-Climate Innovation Fellowship, including recruitment, onboarding, coordination, and integration of fellows with Ocean Visions’ Network.
• Contribute to the development of concept notes, funding proposals, and donor-facing communications to support hub activities, fellowships, and other strategic initiatives.
• Assist in maintaining relationships with key funders and partners through briefings, regular follow-ups, and reports.

Strategic Communications

• Collaborate with the Ocean Visions’ communications team to translate complex scientific and technological concepts into accessible narratives for diverse target audiences.
• Craft messages and materials that explore the broader implications of ocean solutions, including social and ethical dimensions alongside sociotechnical.

Sociotechnical Research and Learning

• Monitor developments in global climate governance, ocean science, and technological innovation to inform and improve Ocean Visions’ work.
• Assess how social, legal, and political dynamics may influence the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of emerging ocean-based climate solutions in particular target geographies.
• Synthesize insights into briefs, recommendations, and internal learning tools that inform organizational positioning and partnerships.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s, MBA or JD degree in science and technology studies, human geography, environmental policy, marine science, international relations, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in program implementation and international engagement in a field related to ocean and climate action.
• Excellent coordination and project management skills.
• Ability to function independently and as part of a high-performing team.
• Excellent analytical and persuasive writing skills.
• Demonstrated capacity for cross-cultural communication, with fluency in at least one language in addition to English
• Professionalism and reliability in interactions with external entities and individuals, with the ability to maintain neutrality in the context of contentious techno scientific challenges.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and organize a diverse workload, while adjusting to periodic changes to account for new opportunities
• U.S.-based and legally authorized to work in the United States. Need to be able to work in overlap with at least 5 hours of the eastern time zone every day.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with facilitation in multi-stakeholder and/or multi-disciplinary settings.
• Comfort working across disciplinary boundaries and within international coalitions.
• Experience applying sociotechnical, political ecology, or similar analytical frameworks to real-world challenges.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Salary range: $70,000 – $100,000 depending on experience and qualifications.
• Competitive benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance; generous vacation and sick leave; 403(b) retirement plan; home office stipend; and professional development support.

LOCATION & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This is a fully remote position that requires travel, including international trips. Total travel up to 25%.
• Candidates must be located in and authorized to work in the United States.

TO APPLY

Please submit HERE a single PDF containing a resume and a statement, of no more than 250 words, explaining why you are an ideal candidate for this position. Application period will be open from July 31 to August 15, 2025, end of the day US Pacific Time. No applications will be considered after that time.

Ocean Visions is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Ocean Visions is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, handicap, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. We are committed to continuing to build a diverse team.