Country Officer

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Primary responsible for the successful development and implementation of the country work plan to achieve our policy, transparency and government action outcomes

Policy Development and Analysis:

• Proactively stay abreast of relevant national and international political developments, policy landscape, and emerging issues in the fisheries and biodiversity sector, including the conduct of policy research and insights. 
• Provide timely updates to internal teams on key policy developments and their potential implications for the organization's advocacy work.
• Collaborate with the regional and global teams to draft policy recommendations and legal specifications for changes to fisheries and biodiversity-related policies and programs, ensuring alignment with the organization's advocacy goals.
• Identify policy opportunities/ windows and advance them by working through partnerships and governments.

Government Actions

• Work with the regional team to deploy a suite of interventions to support the achievement of the identified areas of work around fisheries and biodiversity.

Transparency

• Work closely with the national government, including multiple Ministries/Departments, and civil society to advance transparency for ocean governance.

Capacity Building:

• Organize workshops, seminars, and training sessions to build stakeholders' capacity on fisheries and biodiversity-related issues.

Candidate Description

1. University degree required.
2. At least five years of relevant professional experience working in public policy, public affairs, or political work.
3. Good understanding of political and regulatory processes.
4. Native Portuguese and proficient in English language skills.
5. Knowledge of fisheries management and experience in liaising with government stakeholders on fisheries issues.
6. Experience working with current and evolving politics, sustainability, and/or conservation trends.
7. Excellent research skills, proven experience in drafting policy documents and reports, and ability to translate complex scientific concepts. 
8. Proven ability to engage constructively and develop relationships to secure influence with governments and civil society.
9. Excellent diplomatic skills, including working and communicating effectively with a broad spectrum of individuals within various cultural environments.
10. A good self-starter, able to spot opportunities and act on initiative.
11. A desire to strive for continuous improvement by seeking and sharing feedback appropriately and respectfully.