THE CORAL REEF ALLIANCE – JOB DESCRIPTION 

JOB TITLE: Program Coordinator of the Bay Islands 

DEPARTMENT: Programs

REPORTS TO: Program Manager for the Bay Islands

LOCATION: Western Caribbean 

STATUS: Full-time, Exempt Employee

Submission of presentation letter and CV by: July 30, 2024 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

 The Bay Islands Program Coordinator in partnership with the Bay Islands Program Manager and the Regional Program Director, supports the development and implementation of the Bay Island program in order to achieve CORAL’s mission and specific conservation outcomes. This position includes supporting conservation activities in collaboration with the organizations participating in the Bay Islands National Marine Park Technical Committee, the Destination Management Organization, sanitation projects and other working groups, as well as promoting the adoption of sustainable tourism best practices to establish the Bay Islands as a sustainable destination. The Bay Islands Program Coordinator works closely with the Bay Islands Program Manager to coordinate actions with internal and external collaborators to advance local conservation, sustainable tourism, clean water for reefs, healthy fisheries and resilient coastal community initiatives. Specific duties and responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

 PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Program Coordinator has primary responsibility for the daily implementation, management and monitoring of these conservation programs in the Bay Islands. The Program Coordinator is expected to use excellent judgment in making decisions about program implementation, while seeking input from the broader team when appropriate. 

Project Delivery and Performance 

● Fulfill administrative duties related to personal expenses reporting, timesheets and programmatic reporting

 ● Participate in all activities related to the development of the field site plan and strategic goals; as well as their individual work plan 

● Implement the approved individual work plan and support the implementation of the WC strategic plan to meet the objectives of the Bay Islands program

● Identify, and anticipate in a timely manner, potential risks and issues and advise mitigating measures to the Program Manager for the Bay Islands so that the maximum benefit to partner(s) and other stakeholders is achieved 

● Support the development, provide day-to-day management and supervision of Bay Islands projects, Subgrants agreements and contracts for services, ensuring that Bay Islands program objectives and project deliverables are completed on-time and within budget.

 ● Assist in the implementation of a wide range of conservation activities to advance CORAL objectives (for example, hold community workshops, bilateral meetings with key actors, train volunteers and stakeholders in sustainable practices, carry out outreach activities) 

● Support in the establishment of the Bay Islands as a tangible example of a sustainable destination in the MAR by supporting the successful execution of activities to advance local conservation, sustainable tourism, clean water for reefs, healthy fisheries and resilient coastal community initiatives Monitoring and Reporting

 ● Present and consistently update calendar schedule for the execution of the work plan and any other activities.

 ● Day to day work will be carried out from the CORAL office in West End from 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday ; However , some projects might require occasional allocation of additional work hours or working from a different location. ● Ensure maintenance and keep updated of all program files and related documentation in CORAL’s drive. 

● Prepare/adapt all relevant plans, grant/report(s) writing, including information in reports as required, gather information, and write material for communication and marketing purposes for approval by the Program Manager for the Bay Islands

 ● Ensure the development and implementation of program financial management guidelines and control mechanisms, in conformity with CORAL rules and regulations (if applicable) 

● Understand and manage CORAL overheads, allocable charges, and related corporate charges as they apply to the project 

● Revisions and updates of field sites requirements and opportunities to include in budget and field site plans and individual work plans. 

● Communicate weekly in person with the Bay Islands Program Manager and bi-weekly with the its direct supervisor and the WC Regional Program Director Regularly review project status, evaluating performance criteria (scope, cost, schedule, and quality) 

● Maintain diaries and progress reports as required by the organization’s standard procedures

 ● Provide guidance and comments to the Program Manager for the Bay Islands and other CORAL staff to inform about implementation strategies, communications, and future planning 

● Read, analyze and interpret business, professional, technical or governmental documents 

● Communicate and provide guidance to external partners and other key stakeholders Improvement of Coral Reef Health Across the Bay Islands and Other Sites 

● Advancement of the Bay Islands as a tourism destination through strengthening of the Destination Management Organization (DMO) 

● Improve our understanding of both public and private sector needs to best create and improve alliances and collaborate to align with CORAL's mission 

● Advance Go Blue’s/Train the trainers efforts in Roatan, Utila, Guanaja and Cayos Cochinos; while supporting field sites in the North Coast (upon special request) 

● Participate and support in monitoring campaigns and other field work activities when needed Advancing Governance in the Bay Islands 

● Improve co-managers relations and collaboration through the BINMP technical committee Serve and fulfill responsibilities representing CORAL in committees/board positions of different committees in the Bay Islands 

● Advance governance collaboration and strengthening involving local and central government, non profit organizations, civil society groups and private sector. Clean Water for Reefs Advancing-Water and Sanitation in the Bay Islands 

● Advance Sanitation efforts in the Bay Islands 

● Support the Bay Islands Program Manager in sanitation activities 

● Advance and follow up on collaboration with government officials (SANAA/CONASA) and local organizations, service providers and community groups. 

● Continue to foster the strengthening and optimization of POLO’s Water Association potable water and wastewater treatment plant operation.

 Competencies: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following: 

Adaptability - Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles. Measures self against standard of excellence. Recognizes and acts on opportunities. Sets and achieves challenging goals. Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.

 Communications - Exhibits good listening and comprehension. Expresses ideas and thoughts in written form. Expresses ideas and thoughts verbally. Keeps others adequately informed. Selects and uses appropriate communication methods.

 Continuous Learning - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses. Pursues training and development opportunities. Seeks feedback to improve performance. Shares expertise with others. Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills.

 Customer Service - Displays courtesy and sensitivity. Manages difficult or emotional customer situations. Meets commitments. Responds promptly to customer needs. Solicits customer feedback to improve service. 

Problem Solving - Develops alternative solutions. Gathers and analyzes information skillfully. Identifies problems in a timely manner. Resolves problems in early stages. Works well in group problem solving situations. 

Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities. Contributes to building a positive team spirit. Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views. Gives and welcomes feedback. Puts the success of the team above their own interests.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

 To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Additionally, the program coordinator must have: 

● Bachelor's degree from university and 4 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Preferred education fields: Environmental sciences, Engineering (civil/sanitation), Biology. 

● Write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals

 ● Effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, customers and the public

 ● Work with mathematical/statistical concepts Apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and properties to practical situations 

● Ability to work with the following programs/resources: 1. MS Office 2. Google suite 3. Email including but not limited to: Gmail, Outlook, mail merge and folders 4. Presentation software such as powerpoint and google slides 5. Operating systems: MacOs and Microsoft Windows 6. Social media platforms 7. Advanced Diving certificate preferred 

● English 100% proficiency (oral, written)

 ● Committed to conservation and alliance building. DESIRED QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS 

● Excellent organizational and prioritization skills, and proven capacity to accomplish complex assignments requiring cross-organizational cooperation

 ● Fast learner with proven ability to incorporate new information to improve strategy and solve problems

● Resourcefulness and ability to work proactively; ability to complete tasks independently, efficiently, and in a timely manner; ability to work effectively with a remote team; and the ability to work with colleagues and partners in the field 

● Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with individuals from a variety of disciplines, cultures and backgrounds 

● Flexibility and willingness to work in situations of flux; ability to work in a fast turn-around environment 

● Strong work ethic and willingness to take ownership for wide-ranging responsibilities while exhibiting the utmost professionalism and discretion 

● Willingness to adjust hours to accommodate the needs of the job across time zones 

● Budget and financial tracking experience

 ● Willingness to work in an office 

WORKING CONDITIONS

The coordinator may work in variable weather conditions, at remote outdoor locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, coastal and marine environments and vessels, and under physically demanding circumstances that may require considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain. Work conditions may require international and domestic travel including to remote island areas, the mainland U.S., neighboring and other islands or nations. Additionally, the work may be performed independently without day-to-day supervision and may require work during the evenings and on weekends. 

CORAL Values 

Collaborative: We work in partnership with individuals, communities, organizations, and governments to find real-world solutions to save coral reefs; We believe that we are stronger when we work together.

Adaptable: We pride ourselves on our ability to solve some of the world’s most challenging problems with creativity, science, and humanity.

Committed: We are dedicated to creating lasting change for coral reefs and the people who depend on them; We hold ourselves accountable to communities, supporters and each other. 

Science-based: Our solutions are informed by traditional knowledge and the latest science; We use research and monitoring to tell us how to effectively keep reefs healthy so that they can adapt to the effects of climate change.

Optimistic: Our research shows that there is hope for coral reefs and the people who depend upon them; We believe that we can make a difference.

COMPENSATION 

Competitive market based salary and generous benefits that include medical,generous vacation and parental leave, and paid holidays. 

HOW TO APPLY 

Please email a cover letter, résumé and your salary expectations to Sheyla Maldonado at [email protected] and [email protected] (Note: Please include the Program Coordinator of the Bay Islands in the subject line). 

The Coral Reef Alliance is committed to workforce diversity. Qualified applicants will receive full consideration without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, health status, or national origin.