MARINE SPATIAL PLANNING 
ENGAGEMENT OFFICERS

The Waitt Institute is seeking to fill 2 positions (in each of the atolls: B, Lh, ADh, M, F, Dh, Th, L, GA, and GDh atolls) for MSP Engagement Officers for 6-month part-time contract roles with the Noo Raajje Program. This 5-year partnership between the Government of the Maldives and the Waitt Institute  focuses on developing and implementing long-term sustainable solutions for the management and use of our ocean resources, including developing a National Marine Spatial Plan (MSP). Through this process, the program aims to designate at least 20% of Maldivian waters through fully-protected marine protected areas,  and advance existing blue economy activities including sustainable fisheries and tourism. More information about the program is available on https://www.nooraajje.org/

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Background

Marine spatial planning gathers and utilizes spatial information about natural resources and human uses of the marine space to develop a comprehensive and long-term ocean management plan. This process requires engagement on many levels of government, stakeholder groups, the general public and other project partners. Stakeholder engagement is a vital component of the MSP planning process in the Maldives, actively providing a platform for all voices, communities, and traditions to be heard.

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Duties and responsibilities 

Engagement officers will:

• Undergo training  

• Make travel arrangements and execute site visits to community islands within a designated Atoll 

• Coordinate and moderate in-person one-to-one & group community meetings for stakeholders to learn about the Noo Raajje program and participate in the MSP Consultation

• Schedule and moderate virtual one-to-one and small group sessions for stakeholders to learn about the Noo Raajje program and participate in the MSP Consultation

• Report to MSP Engagement Strategist and liaise with the MSP Consultation Coordinators to ensure work advances as planned and survey targets are being met

Minimum Qualifications Skills & Experience 

• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to efficiently and successfully manage, prioritize, and track multiple tasks 

• Excellent interpersonal skills 

• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team 

• Strong commitment to sustainable progressive ocean management 

• Strong communication skills (both English and Dhivehi) 

• Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated experience in surveying and excellent attention to technical details 

Salary

Engagement officer training will occur over the course of 3 days online and will pay $10 usd per day. Engagement Officers will receive a daily wage of $40 usd per day for work coordinating and moderating Noo Raajje info sessions and  MSP consultations. An additional $20 usd per diem will be covered for engagement officers conducting work travel to other community islands. All community events and travel related plans must be approved by MSP Engagement Coordinator Ms. Hulwa Khaleel before bookings are made.

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Contact information 

Kindly send an email of your resume & cover letter written in English with “MSP Engagement Officer” in the subject line of the email to Waitt Institute’s Program Manager, Ms. Robin Ramdeen, rramdeen@waittinstitute.org and Noo Raajje MSP Engagement Strategist, Dr. Shaistha Mohamed, shaisthamohamed@nooraajje.org by 16 June 2022 to be considered for a position.