Maritime Environment Policy Officer

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Maritime Environment Policy Officer

Global / Remote – Full-time

Contract Type

ID is established in the United States, United Kingdom, and Switzerland (New York, Washington, London, Geneva) with additional personnel operating globally. ID will consider applicants outside of its core locations, but benefits packages and contract type will vary based on locality. The successful candidate should be comfortable with a flexible, hybrid role which will include a combination of work from home and co-working space depending on location. This role will require travel, including to London. Candidates must have the legal right to work in the location they are applying to work in.

Remuneration

Competitive salary and benefits package provided, including unlimited leave policy and flexible working arrangements. Benefits and compensation vary based on location. Expected salary ranges for this position are:

• USA: $64,211 – $88,183
• UK: £33,949 – £51,030
• Switzerland: CHF 63,839 – CHF 85,662

Salaries for other locations will be determined based on local market conditions. Placement within the range reflects experience and location.

Deadline

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Description

Independent Diplomat (ID) is a unique non-profit venture in the world of international relations, diplomacy and conflict prevention. ID offers independent and confidential advice and assistance on diplomatic strategy to governments, political groups, international institutions, and non-governmental organizations.

ID has advised the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) at the highest level since 2009. This partnership has helped transform the low-lying island state into one of the most influential climate leaders on the international stage. ID provides technical and strategic advice, in-the-room support during negotiations, and communications and legal advice. ID works with RMI to ensure that it is a prominent voice for ensuring just, equitable and ambitious outcomes for vulnerable countries across multiple relevant forums, including the UNFCCC, the Human Rights Council, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). More recently, we have started to support RMI on the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).

At the IMO, RMI participates at the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) and is a major force behind efforts to address emissions in international shipping, including through the 2018 and 2023 IMO GHG Strategies and the binding regulations required to implement them. RMI is also engaged in developing the basis for IMO’s engagement with the BBNJ, in a manner that ensures no undermining of the IMO mandate.

Core Responsibilities

The Maritime Environment Policy Officer will be responsible for providing, as part of a small team, political advice and support to ID’s client, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Government. The Policy Officer will support ID’s Senior Policy Advisor, Michael Dobson, who leads work on maritime environment policy within ID’s climate program.

This role is likely to include:

• Policy delivery: Providing advice on diplomatic strategy and negotiations, principally in the IMO, as well as other relevant fora. This may include, for example, developing draft texts, providing background research and analysis to inform and support negotiating positions, and briefing ministers, envoys and ambassadors. We are particularly interested in candidates who bring knowledge of ocean, climate, biodiversity, and maritime policymaking.
• Relationship management: The ID ethos centres on being led by the partners we advise. The candidate will build and sustain strong relationships of trust with representatives of the RMI Government. The candidate will also build and sustain relationships across government, civil society and academic institutions in the maritime environment space.
• Public diplomacy: Providing support on communications and media engagement, including advising on messaging, outreach to media contacts, and social media to maximise impact.
• Project management: Contribute to planning and managing calendars, monitoring and regular reporting to the client and donors.
• Fundraising: All staff are expected to support efforts to secure the funding required to sustain our work. The candidate will support relationship management with existing donors, conduct outreach to new donors, and develop project proposals, in collaboration with the Senior Policy Advisor, Director of Global Threats, and Managing Director.

Required Qualifications

• 2-4 years experience in ocean and climate policy, and/or diplomacy and international law. Familiarity with IMO and BBNJ political dynamics and working methods an asset, but not required.
• Personable and creative self-motivator with a strong work ethic and a willingness to work flexibly.
• Excellent analytical skills, with an ability to translate analysis into political action.
• Excellent writing and communication skills, including the ability to brief effectively in writing and in person, and an ability to handle complex information confidently.
• Familiarity with the climate change and sustainable development-related challenges of small island developing states.
• A relevant university degree.
• Experience working with a geographically diverse team is preferred, but not required.
• Commitment to Independent Diplomat’s mission.
• The successful candidate may be required to register under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).

We are a small and nimble team, and the successful candidate will bring enthusiasm and flexibility to the role. Candidates with experience and skills in some but not all of the areas above are encouraged to apply.

Submission Guidelines

Please submit a two-page CV and one-page cover letter demonstrating your suitability for the position to jobs@independentdiplomat.org, indicating "[SURNAME] – Maritime Environment Policy Officer" in the email subject line.

The cover letter should:

• Explain the reasons for your interest in this position;
• Demonstrate your suitability for the role;
• Indicate your available start date / notice periods with current employment;
• Indicate the location you are applying to work in.

The CV should include the names and contact details of two references.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Due to a large expected number of applicants, we regret that we are unable to confirm receipt of applications or provide feedback to unsuccessful candidates. For further information about Independent Diplomat, please visit our website at: https://independentdiplomat.org/

Equal Opportunity Statement

Independent Diplomat is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions based on qualification and merit. Our objective is to encourage diversity and have the best available person in every job. ID’s policy prohibits discrimination based on race, colour, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, sex (including pregnancy), religion, marital status, familial status, age, alienage or citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, military status, domestic violence victim status or any other unlawful consideration.

Data Protection Notice

By submitting an application to ID, you expressly consent to ID processing the personal data contained in your application, including, but not limited to, the information contained in any cover letter, curriculum vitae, resume or references. We will hold your information securely and use it only to process your application. When the post has been filled, ID will erase your personal data securely. For further information about ID’s Data Protection Policy, including why and how we process and transfer personal data, and your rights with respect to your personal data, please refer to our website at www.independentdiplomat.org

More information: https://www.independentdiplomat.org/about-us/employment