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. 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.
Reporting to the Vice President, Philippines, the Director will provide strategic, operational, and technical leadership to ensure 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 shape organizational strategy, strengthen partnerships, mobilize resources, and identify new opportunities to scale conservation impact across priority seascapes including the Verde Island Passage, Sulu Sea, and Philippine Rise.
Responsibilities: Provide strategic leadership for TRANSCEND implementation and portfolio growth; lead planning, implementation, monitoring, and adaptive management of marine conservation initiatives; ensure activities are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with donor agreements; oversee annual work plans, budgets, performance targets, and monitoring, evaluation, learning and reporting systems; ensure strong financial stewardship and timely high-quality technical, narrative, and financial reports; lead, mentor, and inspire multidisciplinary teams and foster a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and accountability; build and maintain relationships with government agencies, local communities, academic institutions, NGOs, development partners, private sector, and consortium members; represent CI Philippines in national, regional, and international forums; collaborate on resource mobilization, donor cultivation, and proposal development. Leads and directs the work of other employees, often through subordinate managers, with responsibility for hiring, performance management, and termination.
Working conditions: Requires travel about 50% of the time to implementing sites, sometimes in remote locations with difficult travel and work conditions. Initial contract of 12 months, convertible to regular employment subject to performance evaluation.
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 and proven track record of marine conservation, natural resource management, and stakeholder engagement in the Philippines; proven ability to build partnerships and influence decision-makers; excellent communication, facilitation, and leadership skills.
Preferred: Advanced/Master's degree in a related field (PhD a plus); experience with international NGOs, donor-funded consortia, or conservation networks; demonstrated fundraising and resource mobilization success; familiarity with conservation priorities in the Verde Island Passage, Sulu Sea, and Philippine Rise.
Closing date: 2026-08-31
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter via the online application: https://phh.tbe.taleo.net/phh04/ats/careers/v2/applyRequisition?org=CONSERVATION&cws=39&rid=2772. Application Deadline: August 31, 2026 (11:49 PM EST).