Opportunity to join our team: Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition China Coordinator

Position Description

Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition China Coordinator

Title: Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition China Coordinator

Location: Based in Asia Pacific time zones with ability to travel to China  

About ASOC: 

A coalition of over 30 NGOs dedicated to Antarctic environmental protection, ASOC represents the environmental community at Antarctic governance meetings and works to promote important Antarctic conservation goals. ASOC is currently promoting the creation of a representative system of large Marine Protected Areas in the Southern Ocean. ASOC monitors various issues that impact the Antarctic, including climate change, tourism, fisheries management, biological prospecting and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Additional initiatives include calling for stricter regulation of all vessels operating in the Antarctic, implementing precautionary management measures for krill, regulating Antarctic tourism, and monitoring the implementation of the Environment Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty. ASOC employs contractors all over the world who are experts on Antarctic environmental issues and who work closely with the countries who have a major presence in the Antarctic. ASOC also raises public awareness through our website, social media, media releases and advocacy initiatives.

Job Description: 

The Coordinator will build active support among Chinese stakeholders, including decision makers, NGOs, media, and scientists to secure an agreement with Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) Member states on the designation of three new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), including: the Weddell Sea, East Antarctica and the Antarctic Peninsula. The Coordinator will focus on encouraging  Chinese stakeholders to engage in regular coordination with MPA proponents in advance of key meetings in July 2024 and October 2024. 

This position will report to the MPA Campaign Director. 

Responsibilities:

• Develop a strategy to enhance, secure, and win Chinese support for MPAs in the Southern Ocean in accordance with the ASOC 2024 Campaign Plan. 
• Coordinate with ASOC, Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy, and Conservation International China to oversee work plan implementation including attending weekly/biweekly coordination calls. 
• Attend governance (CCAMLR and ATCM) and other meetings to engage with stakeholders in coordination with the Campaign Director. 
• Collect and summarize positions of government, stakeholders, and public in the context of SO MPAs. 
• Develop and support development of educational communication products such as online content, blogs, articles, factsheets, op-ed, videos, and social media content to be published within China. 
• Translate relevant supporting documents between English and Chinese.
• Engage with the Chinese CCAMLR delegation and other Chinese stakeholders including government officials where possible.
• Meet with MPA proponent embassies in Beijing. 
• Develop relationships with Chinese scientists working on Antarctica issues including MPAs, fisheries management, biodiversity protection, climate change mitigation, and other subjects relevant to the campaign. 

Requirements: 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required, a graduate degree in public affairs, public policy or environmental science preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant campaign experience in public policy, environmental conservation, or international marine conservation with a track record of successful advocacy. 
• Experience in engaging with government officials, NGOs, media, scientists, and stakeholders. 
• Demonstrated understanding of Chinese laws, policies, and positions regarding environmental issues and conservation. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with confidence in presenting ideas and diplomatically persuading others as appropriate. 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, respond to short-term deadlines, balance multiple priorities, and maintain accuracy and attention to detail. 
• Excellent command of English and Mandarin. 
• Preferred: existing relationships with stakeholders, researchers, and government within China. 
• Preferred: existing knowledge of the Chinese positions on Antarctic issues.  

Compensation: 

This is a full-time contract position and compensation will be determined based on the contractor’s hourly/daily rate. This contract is for a term period through December 31, 2024, with the possibility of an extension pending continued funding support.

Application process: 

To apply, please email jobs@asoc.org with 2-3 sentences on your interest including hourly/daily rate, resume, and writing sample by March 20, 2024. Do not submit a cover letter. Please do not call. Applications submitted through LinkedIn Easy Apply will not be considered.