OpportunitiesChief Operations Officer
Buccoo Reef Trust
Tobago, West IndiesThe Buccoo Reef Trust (BRT) is an environmental/educational non-profit organization based on the island of Tobago in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in the southeastern Caribbean. The BRT was established in 1999 to build intellectual and technical capacity in the tropical marine sciences throughout the southern Caribbean while promoting the development of sustainable livelihoods and wise use of the region’s renewable marine resources. The BRT’s mission is being achieved through the execution of an integrated programme of research, education and conservation. Current projects include: 1) A national demonstration project on integrated watershed and coastal area management in partnership with United Nations Environment Programme, United Nations Development Programme, Caribbean Environmental Health Institute and the Global Environment Facility; 2) A regional capacity-building and education programme for marine protected areas executed in collaboration with the International Coral Reef Action Network; 3) The development of sustainable aquaculture practices, with a focus on conch; 4) Marine educational programmes in Trinidad and Tobago’s primary and secondary schools; 5) Undergraduate and Postgraduate education in collaboration with the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, and US and UK universities; 6) A collaborative study of reef health with the US Geological Survey and 7) A collaborative programme of coral reef mapping and monitoring with Coral Cay Conservation; 8) Public outreach and education relating to all of the above programmes, in collaboration with the Tobago House of Assembly and other national and international partners.
Responsibilities:
• The primary responsibility of the Chief Operations Officer is to implement and facilitate the Buccoo Reef Trust’s programme of activities, to insure that the BRT meets its contractual obligations and achieves its’ organizational mission.
• The Chief Operations Officer reports to the Board of Directors and will assist the Board in reviewing the strategic plan of the BRT and pursuing opportunities for expanding and improving the Trust’s portfolio of activities.
• He/she will represent the BRT at national and international meetings and maintain a close working relationship with the relevant governmental and non-governmental agencies regionally and worldwide. The Chief Operations Officer will also liaise with the BRT’s affiliate organization in the US, the Buccoo Reef Trust USA, and facilitate activities that this US non-profit company undertakes in the Caribbean, and more specifically at the Trust’s facilities on Tobago.
• The Chief Operations Officer will have supervisory responsibilities over the Administrative Manager and will work with this individual and project leaders to insure the efficient and effective implementation and completion of the Trust’s programme of activities.
• This is not a research position, per se, but the Chief Operations Officer may pursue specific research projects that are consistent with the objectives of the Trust’s conservation or educational projects.
Qualifications: The Chief Operations Officer will be expected to have an appropriate mix of scientific and administrative experience, with a record of leadership and successful project development and implementation. He/she must have excellent interpersonal, networking and communication skills. A PhD or other postgraduate qualification in environmental sciences or science administration and/or a combination of six, or more, years of work experience in a similar field is required. Administrative experience in running a research and/or education facility would be an asset, as would experience in working with governments and regional and international institutions, development agencies and donor organizations. The ideal candidate must be familiar with the Caribbean region and understand the marine related issues facing Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Application: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, with the review of applicants beginning in October. Applications will be reviewed by the Board of Directors of the Buccoo Reef Trust and short listed candidates will be interviewed initially by phone and finalists will be invited for an interview on Tobago. Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter that addresses the following three questions.
- An environmentally-based non-governmental organization is a unique entity in that it rarely has any legislative mandate or direct management authority, yet aims to be an agent of positive change. Indeed, NGOs often take a leadership role in initiating change by building novel coalitions that result in a reassessment of the status quo. They do this by communicating with and through the general public and the governmental, educational and scientific communities. Describe how your experience and background will assist you in building the necessary coalitions with the four above mentioned groups.
- Successful non-governmental organizations operate in a highly competitive environment and are increasingly dependent on a track record of achievements and efficiency. They must meet contractual obligations and produce results that produce tangible benefits in order to attract donors and generate interest in the causes that they represent. This requires a clear understanding of the strategic role of the organization and the context within which it operates, as well as a sound business sense for the products and services that they are promoting. Describe your experience as it relates to being results driven and describe the business acumen you would bring to the Buccoo Reef Trust
-Professional and technical qualifications are often listed in an applicants resume. However, a listing of jobs or scientific publications does not adequately express ones work and/or personal experiences that have brought them to be applying for a particular job. Describe your motivation for applying for this position and what you will bring to the job that makes you stand out as the Chief Operations Officer.
Salary: Salary and benefits will be commensurate with the applicant’s background and experience.
