The Marae Moana Coordination Office (MMCO), within the Office of the Prime Minister, IUCN Oceania Regional Office (IUCN-ORO), the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) with funding support from the European Union (EU) aim to establish and strengthen various forms of protected and locally managed areas within Cook Islands including protected natural areas (biodiversity and ecosystems), community-based conservation areas.
MMCO and IUCN-ORO are seeking to engage a Project Coordinator to support Cook Islands in the implementation of Marine Spatial Planning (MSP). This role will support the delivery of key aspects of Integrated Ocean Management (IOM) through coordinated planning and action between the government, island councils, stakeholders, community organizations, and their partners. MMCO will be responsible for the administrative management for this role while IUCN-ORO’s Marine Programme will provide technical guidance and support.
The Project coordinator will be integral to the success of Cook Islands efforts to build capacity and capability within Cook Islands for ‘National-scale Marine Spatial Planning’. This is part of the Government efforts to fulfil the obligations of the Marae Moana Act 2017.
The two main outcomes that Cook Islands are seeking to achieve are:
- Support for the National-Scale Marine Spatial Plan in Cook Islands by delivering a draft National Marine Spatial Plan.
- Support for the draft Typology and placement guidelines.
As part of the project, Cook Islands will use its existing 13 Step Marine Spatial Plan to implement to ensure drafting and implementation of the National Marine Spatial Plan.
Qualifications and Experience
- A bachelor’s degree in marine/environment sciences, natural resource management or environmental economics
- At least three years of professional experience in above work fields at NGO, CSO, or Government level
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
- Project coordination and administration experience
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in diverse cultural contexts
- Comfortable managing diverse responsibilities and adapting to changing priorities in a fast-paced work environment
- Ability to work under general supervision and take initiative to solve problems under supervisor direction
- Versatile, professional and well organized with knowledge of making administrative and procedural decisions
- Highly organized with solid attention to detail
- A background in grant management and project/programme management
- Knowledge of Cook Islands’ institutional and stakeholder landscape in marine environment
- Experience with any of the related themes: community-based management, ocean-related issues, capacity development, outreach, and education.
Selection Criteria
Suitability for this position will be assessed against the following key selection criteria:
- A bachelor’s degree in marine science, marine management, or equivalent
- At least three years’ experience in fisheries management and related fisheries work
- A good work practice with a focus on accurate and timely production of reports (experience in scientific data analysis and report writing skills as proven)
- High level of ethical conduct, honesty, and integrity. This position is subject to satisfactory police and medical assessment
- KSC 5. High level of oral and written communication skills, including the ability to develop and present information, train staff and liaise with senior management
- Must be able to demonstrate a strong commitment to upholding Public Service Values and Code of Conduct including high level of work attendance.
How to Apply?
- Applications are open to Cook Islands’ country nationals. Please submit a Curriculum Vitae with full contact details of three referees together with a cover letter explaining why you are suitable for this position. Please address each of the six selection criteria individually in your cover letter.
- Applications should be sent via email to Maria Tuoro – tuoro@cookislands.gov.ck and Shubha Singh – shubha.singh@iucn.org by 4.:00pm Friday 12th of September, 2025.
- Only short-listed applicants will be informed of application status. Salary will be commensurate with experience.
MMCO and IUCN are equal opportunity employers. Eligible men and women candidates are encouraged to apply. MMCO and IUCN have zero tolerance of child exploitation and abuse and is committed to ensuring a shared responsibility of all adults in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff, contractors and volunteers to share this commitment. Background & police clearance checks will be required.