Coordinator – Neotropics Training Program
June 01, 2010
The Environmental Leadership & Training Initiative (ELTI), a professional-level, applied, tropical biodiversity conservation education program seeks a talented and energetic Coordinator for its Neotropics Training Program. ELTI is led by the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies (F&ES), New Haven, CT in collaboration with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), Panama City, Panama. The mission of the program is to enhance environmental management and leadership capacity of people and institutions in regions of high biological diversity with an emphasis on the Neotropics and Tropical Asia. The program focuses on strengthening the understanding and skills of decision makers and land managers from the Neotropics and tropical Asia to conserve, restore and reduce major threats and impacts to tropical forests through a variety of workshops, field-based courses and other professional-development opportunities. Some events are based out of Panama and Singapore, although most take place in other countries in both regions.
Because of the limited direction and supervision provided for the work being performed, this position is classified as an independent contractor. The contract period is one year from the date of hire, with possibility for renewal.
Location
The Neotropics Training Program Coordinator preferably will be based at STRI in Panama City, Panama or alternately at Yale University in New Haven CT. The coordinator will be responsible for overseeing the program’s activities throughout the Neotropics region. Extensive travel to field sites in the region will be required.
General Purpose
Independently manage the development of courses, workshops and conferences in key areas in the Neotropics on strategies to conserve, restore and reduce impacts and threats to tropical forests.
Essential Duties of the Position
- Provide overall management and strategic guidance to ELTI’s Neotropics Training Program.
- Develop the structure, curriculum, content and materials for ELTI’s training events in the region.
- Identify, recruit and/or hire event coordinators, professors and expert lecturers as required.
- Lead the identification, selection and recruitment of training event participants.
- Identify and select course locations and travel routes.
- Explore and support the establishment of strategic partnerships with other organizations.
- Explore, identify and select field-based activities and visits to conduct during the training events.
- Deliver lectures and talks during the training events in areas of expertise or as required.
- Develop contingency plans for last-minute changes to travel routes, absentee lecturers or other foreseeable situations.
- Support and evaluate participant’s individual or group work projects.
- Provide support with budgeting and financial reporting and control.
- Develop and implement training event evaluations systems.
- Prepare course reports and conference proceedings.
- Supervise and mentor Training Assistants and interns.
Experience and Training
- Masters-level degree in environmental studies, natural resource management or a related discipline and a minimum of 5 years of experience in the same job family or an equivalent combination of experience and education. Preferred: PhD degree.
- Prior experience in environmental science (forestry, agriculture, or related discipline) and/or biodiversity conservation.
- Knowledge on issues of reforestation and ecosystem services produced from forests.
- Experience in developing and teaching field-based courses.
- Experience in training both non-technical and technical/expert audiences.
- Prior experience living and working in the Neotropics and in rural settings.
Skills, Abilities and Requirements
- Excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to engage effectively and cultivate working relationships with a wide range of audiences.
- Fluency (written and spoken) in Spanish and English. Proficiency in Portuguese preferred.
- Strong writing, communication, organizational and administrative skills.
- Good computer skills (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Internet).
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work cooperatively with internal staff and external parties.
- Ability to function productively as a member of a work team.
- Availability to travel regularly.
Applicants should send by June 30, 2010 their curriculum vitae, a statement of their interest in becoming the Neotropics Training Program Coordinator, and a list of three references to:
Javier Mateo-Vega
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Apartado Postal 0843-03092
Panamá, República de Panamá
mateoj@si.edu or javier.mateovega@yale.edu
Additional information on this position may also be obtained by contacting Javier Mateo-Vega at the aforementioned address and emails.