Campaigner and Policy Advisor

at  Oceana INC

GENERAL SUMMARY

Oceana is an international organization dedicated to protecting the oceans. The way it accomplishes this mission is through science, which is the basis for building campaigns to achieve political, legislative and public policy changes in partnership with policymakers, regulators and the communities we work with. Oceana’s main areas of work are: Restoring fish abundance and moving toward sustainable fisheries; protecting marine habitats; and reducing pollution in the oceans.
Eligible candidates will be part of the Campaigns team and will work with a multi-disciplinary team to bring policy and campaigning expertise to win Oceana Mexico’s campaigns. The position will collaborate with other staff and contribute to the campaign strategies. The Advisor helps position Oceana to influence the design and promotion of our campaigns. Typical responsibilities and skills include gathering information, conducting research, writing persuasive documents, analyzing political trends, providing advice to support the successful execution of campaigns. The position plays a strategic role in influencing decision making and contributes to the achievement of organizational objectives through Oceana’s relationship with key decision makers. The position reports to the Senior Campaign and Policy Director.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:

• At least five (5) years of related experience, preferably either working in or influencing the legislative process in Mexico. Government experience is a plus. Environmental or fisheries-related experience is desirable but not required.
• Political Science or related degree and three (3) years of experience working in or with NGOs or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• Manage the research and writing of reports, papers, and other materials.
• Experience working with social actors, building trust, making agreements, facilitating workshops where social actors are participants.
• Experience completing projects under tight deadlines and effectively managing a demanding workload.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of the political context in Mexico, and the states in which Oceana works.
• Must be an effective team player and have proven ability to work and collaborate with professional staff.
• Strong political judgement and understanding of the political environment relevant legislative and policy processes.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Desire and ability to advocate for complex, aggressive conservation positions in both small and large settings.
• Possess strong oral and written communication skills and keen analytical ability.
• Strong writing and communications skills
• Fluency in Spanish and English is required
• 30% of travel time is required

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Cover letter will be viewed as a writing sample and should explicitly highlight examples of demonstrated experience with 2-3 points in the “Essential Functions” section above.
Oceana values a diverse workforce and welcomes people different from each other in many ways, including characteristics such as race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, and national origin. Oceana considers all qualified candidates and seeks to recruit from a diverse candidate pool.
Oceana’s Mexico offices have operated on a hybrid schedule

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Execute campaign activities through effective planning and implementation; detecting potential areas of challenges and opportunities to adjust advocacy activity as needed proactively.
• Contribute to the communication strategy of Oceana campaigns by providing analysis on the newsworthy elements of the political context.
• Collaborate, implement, and support Oceana in Mexico’s policy and advocacy strategies in Federal and Local Congress.
• Effectively engage with key political decision-makers.
• Develop contacts in the Congress and the Executive Branch and manage a database with relevant information.
• Collaborate in the design and management of legislative and rulemaking strategies.
• Create advocacy and public documents (fact sheets, draft congressional letters, public comment letters, backgrounders, action alerts, and reports) in support of Oceana’s goals and projects.
• Identify and analyze emerging ocean conservation issues and opportunities that Oceana may want to work on in the future.
• Analyze conservation policy actions, legislative proposals, and reports and monitor political developments that might affect Oceana’s policy objectives.
• Build and strengthen alliances with social actors, such as the fishing sector and the grassroots community in Mexico City.
• Collaborate and support the field work of the Campaign team, travel, organize workshops, logistics, and meetings with local communities, allies, and authorities.
• Other responsibilities as appropriate and necessary to achieve campaign objectives