Project Engagement Officer, USAID Caribbean Sustainable Ecosystems Activity, Barbados

Position Description

About PADF

The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) believes in creating a hemisphere of opportunity, for all. We work across Latin America and the Caribbean to make our region stronger—more healthy, peaceful, just, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable for current and future generations. For over 60 years, we have served the most vulnerable communities, investing resources throughout the hemisphere. We partner with and enable civil society, governments, and the private sector for the greater good of the region.

Position Overview

PADF is seeking a Project Engagement Officer to support a 5-year USAID-funded program to reduce threats to coastal and marine biodiversity in priority areas in the Caribbean. The activity will enhance climate resilience and human well-being of local communities, women, youth, and other marginalized groups while supporting the sustainability goals of large-scale tourism actors. The project will take place in the following countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.

The Project Engagement Officer in Barbados will oversee activities within the country. This role involves engaging with large-scale tourism stakeholders and local communities to enhance marine protected areas, promote sustainable fisheries, and improve solid waste management. Responsibilities include driving stakeholder and community engagement, vetting projects and partners, managing grants, enhancing communications, and conducting monitoring and evaluation (M&E) to align tourism growth with sustainable economic development and environmental preservation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Key responsibilities will include:

• Support engagement efforts with relevant local and regional stakeholders such as government representatives, tourism stakeholders, environmental organizations, academic institutions, financial institutions, fisheries organizations, solid waste management entities, other private sector, and communities to support marine conservation and biodiversity initiatives in the Caribbean. Engagements may include formal events, one-on-one meetings, focus groups, industry days, or other engagements as deemed relevant.
• Assist in the development and implementation of strategies to leverage tourism sector engagement for environmental stewardship and sustainable practices. Specific tasks may include:
  • Liaising with organizations such as the Hotel and Tourism Association, the Chamber of Commerce or Small Business Development Association regarding identification and development of projects.
  • Reviewing business plans or project concept notes.
  • Organizing community engagement activities and events.
  • Conducting due diligence on project partners and proposed initiatives.
  • Contributing to monitoring, evaluation, and learning related to project activities and partners.
  • Highlighting project accomplishments by developing content for reports, success stories, social media, and other communications products.
• Ensure compliance with USAID and PADF operational policies and procedures throughout project implementation, especially as they relate to grant management, branding and marking, and monitoring and evaluation.
• Contribute to capacity building initiatives for local stakeholders and community groups, enhancing their ability to participate in and benefit from sustainable tourism.
• Coordinate closely with project teams and partners in the other project countries, as well as project staff in Washington D.C.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the project’s Technical Director. 

Competencies

• Analysis/Problem Solving – Able to identify and separate out the key components of problems and situations. Able to manipulate and interpret a variety of information for patterns and trends and to deduce cause and effect. Can generate a range of creative solutions, evaluate them, and choose the most appropriate option.
• Planning and organizing – Able to achieve results in a quality, timely, and cost-effective way. Sees priorities, plans the efficient use of resources, and monitors progress against objectives. Anticipates crucial stages in projects. Formulates alternative means of achieving objectives. Responds effectively to unforeseen events.
• Interpersonal Effectiveness – Able to influence the views and behavior of others through persuasion and encouragement. Manages conflict or other sensitive issues tactfully and effectively.
• Communication – Able to communicate information and ideas clearly and articulately both in oral and written form both to experts and non-experts. Uses appropriate language, style, and methods depending on audience and the purpose of communication. Able to convey complex information clearly. Anticipates the information that others will need.

Personal Characteristics

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact with government-level stakeholders, civil society, and other stakeholders, as needed.

• Flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• A team player with the ability to work with a multi-disciplinary team. 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, International Relations, Business, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Three to five (3-5) years of experience and working knowledge on program management including grant coordination, financial tracking, and monitoring and evaluation in international development.
• Experience in building partnerships with diverse stakeholders across the tourism sector and community groups, driving wide-ranging initiatives for environmental conservation and sustainable development on a broad scale.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to effectively prepare clear and concise reports, strategies, and/or proposals.
• Working knowledge of standard computer applications such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint).

More About PADF

PADF is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established by the Organization of American States (OAS) in 1962. www.padf.org 

PADF’s core values. “H-E-A-R-T” = Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork.

Diversity. PADF is strong because we are diverse. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. PADF does not discriminate on the basis of ability, age, gender identity and expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal record. We welcome all kinds of diversity. Our employees include people who are parents and nonparents, the self-taught and university educated, and from a wide span of cultures, languages, socio-economic backgrounds, and perspectives on the world.

PADF is committed to safeguarding employees and those we serve, addressing inappropriate behavior, discrimination, and harassment. We take an intersectional approach, promote gender equality, and follow our Global Code of Conduct emphasizing our H.E.A.R.T. values. The code covers various aspects, including anti-trafficking, PSEAH (Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment), whistleblowing, and online safety.  

PADF is an Equal Opportunity Employer