Join the Med Sea Alliance (MSA), a new and growing campaign movement that unites 18 member organisations committed to restoring the health of the Mediterranean Sea. Thank you for your interest in the Med Sea Alliance. While currently no open positions are available, we are always looking for talented individuals who can contribute to our team. We encourage you to check back regularly for updates.
30×30 Mediterranean Program Lead, Med Sea Alliance
Join us in advancing the designation and better implementation of marine protected areas in the Mediterranean Sea and leaving a lasting legacy in marine conservation. In December 2022, over 190 countries adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which includes the ‘30×30 target’ calling for the effective protection and management of 30% of marine areas by 2030.
About Med Sea Alliance and the 30×30 Program
The Med Sea Alliance (MSA) brings together 19 member NGOs with a shared vision of restoring the health of the Mediterranean Sea. The 30×30 Program consists of campaigns and projects that aim to drive progress toward ensuring that:
- 10% of the Mediterranean Sea is highly protected by 2030;
- 30% of the Mediterranean Sea is effectively protected by 2030, and this 30% only includes priority habitats;
- existing and new MPAs have management plans and adequate measures that are properly enforced and funded.
Currently, the 30×30 Program supports two campaigns, one in Spain and another in the Strait of Sicily, and cross-cutting projects. These projects are carried out by member organisations on specific strategies (e.g., data or legal analysis, engaging with the tourism sector) and by external consultants for specific outputs (e.g., socio-economic studies on MPAs).
Position Overview
The Program Lead plays a pivotal role in coordinating and expanding the 30×30 Program to achieve its ambitious objectives. Members lead individual campaigns and projects, while the Program Lead ensures alignment, collaboration, and strategic direction. We are looking for a seasoned manager with a proven track record of successfully leading international campaigns, projects, or initiatives (minimum 7 years of experience).
As the 30×30 Program Lead, you will join the MSA Coordination Team (Managing Director, Communications Lead, and Project Manager) to help drive meaningful change. We welcome applications from individuals with diverse experiences and perspectives, as they are essential to restoring the Mediterranean Sea.
Responsibilities
Program Leadership and Representation:
- Foster collaboration among members and external partners.
- Organize program meetings, maintain regular contact with Campaign and Project Leads, and recruit new allies, especially in the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean.
- Work with the Communications Lead to amplify advocacy efforts and elevate the voices of aligned communities.
- Represent the MSA and serve as the main spokesperson for the Program at international events, meetings, and in the media.
Planning and Development:
- Strengthen the MSA’s campaign strategy for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), ensuring alignment among members on priorities, timeframes, and messaging.
- Track campaign and project outputs and outcomes with clear timelines, indicators, roles, and responsibilities.
- Design and launch new campaigns by convening members and partners with the support of consultants, ensuring alignment with MSA objectives.
- Work with the Managing Director on fundraising initiatives and drafting new proposals.
- Identify the need for cross-cutting work and ensure its alignment with 30×30 campaigns and projects.
Monitoring, Reporting and Evaluation:
- Monitor budgets and provide regular expenditure updates to the Managing Director.
- Oversee consultants, draft terms of reference, review outputs, and ensure effective dissemination.
- Facilitate regular updates and evaluations with campaign and project leads from member organisations. Contribute insights to the MSA newsletters and webinars.
- Coordinate timely contributions and approvals from member organisations for donor progress reports.
Requirements
- Experience: Minimum 7 years leading international campaigns or projects, with at least 5 years in program management.
- Skills: Strong leadership, organizational, and strategic planning abilities; ability to foster collaboration across diverse cultural and organizational contexts; demonstrated conflict resolution and decision-making skills.
- Expertise: Degree in marine science, environmental policy, or related fields. Knowledge of marine policy in the Mediterranean is preferred.
- Communication: Strong relationship-building skills.
- Languages: Fluency in English (Arabic, French or Spanish are a plus).
- Work Arrangements: Independent consultancy with travel (~20%) and remote work within European time zones.
Location, Contract, and Compensation
This is a remote, contractual position. Compensation will be based on experience.
Recruiting process
Selected candidates will go through a three-step recruitment process, including a brief introductory interview and a longer interview in which candidates are asked to prepare an assignment showing their program management skills.
To apply, submit your CV and cover letter to info@medseaalliance.org by Wednesday, 11 December.
We look forward to hearing from you!