Description

Senior Manager, Public Policy, Mexico Oceans

Location

La Paz, Mexico; Mexico Remote (Mexico City Preferred)

Application Instructions

Interested applicants, please include a cover letter.

Program Overview

The ocean is the lifeblood of our planet. It moderates the climate, is foundational to the livelihoods and wellbeing of billions, and is key to global food security and nutrition. Yet climate change and overexploitation are rapidly threatening the ocean's ability to act as a foundational system for a thriving world, and these pressures are accelerating faster than existing policies and management systems can respond, putting at risk the ocean's ability to sustain both people and the planet.

That's why EDF Oceans creates transformative, incentive-aligning solutions that leverage a vibrant ocean to support people and nature. By harnessing policy and market-based tools that reward stewardship and sustainable use, our interdisciplinary team of scientists, economists, policy experts, and practitioners work to revolutionize ocean systems at scale and improve the health of the planet and the lives of billions of people. From advancing ocean-based climate innovations to supporting ocean-reliant communities in building long-term resilience to reforming fisheries management worldwide, we apply rigorous science and pragmatic economics to advance durable policies, market-based tools, and forward-looking strategies that unlock large-scale impact — ensuring a vibrant ocean is the cornerstone of a healthy planet and resilient communities.

Overall Function

The Senior Manager, Public Policy will lead the development and execution of a national-scale policy strategy to advance EDF's ocean priorities in Mexico. They will be responsible for building and leveraging political capital to achieve program objectives, securing agreements with key stakeholders, and driving effective engagement across relevant levels and branches of government. The Senior Manager will represent EDF with federal and state authorities, legislators, scientists, and strategic partners in Mexico, while working in close coordination with EDF's Mexico Fisheries & Oceans team to ensure alignment on shared objectives. The position reports to the Senior Director, Mexico Fisheries & Oceans.

Key Responsibilties

• Lead the public policy function for EDF's Mexico program, including developing workplans, setting priorities, directing execution, and reviewing progress against program objectives.
• Supervise and mentor staff and consultants, as applicable, fostering an inclusive, high-performing team and providing guidance in complex situations.
• Develop and lead national- and state-level policy strategies that advance program goals, exercising independent judgment to identify opportunities, assess risks, and determine the most effective course of action within EDF priorities.
• Establish and sustain high-impact relationships with senior government officials, legislators, technical agencies, scientists, and external partners, and secure successful outcomes through those partnerships.
• Lead execution of complex policy initiatives and negotiations, translating technical and scientific information into clear policy options, workplans, proposals, and persuasive materials for decision-makers.
• Represent EDF in formal presentations, strategic discussions, and negotiations with senior internal leaders and external stakeholders in Mexico.
• Partner effectively with EDF's Mexico Fisheries & Oceans team, subject-matter experts, consultants, and external allies to coordinate efforts, align strategies, and achieve shared objectives.
• Communicate project vision and results to EDF staff, partners, funders, and other stakeholders through reports, presentations, and other methods.
• Apply expert judgment and innovative problem-solving to complex policy issues that may not have clear precedent, identifying solutions and adjusting strategy as conditions evolve.
• Participate in advancing EDF's organizational effectiveness and culture goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field with at least 8 years of relevant experience required. A Master's degree or equivalent may substitute for up to 2 years of relevant experience, and a Ph.D. or equivalent may substitute for up to 4 years of relevant experience.
• Expert knowledge of public policy, government relations, and advocacy strategy, with strong familiarity with issues related to the environment, fisheries, aquaculture, climate change, resource management, blue economy, and federal budget allocations in Mexico.
• Deep understanding of executive and legislative policymaking processes, including substantial experience shaping policy outcomes through political advocacy and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to independently develop strategies, determine approaches to complex projects, and make sound decisions within organizational priorities, policies, and standards.
• Proven experience leading complex initiatives with multiple workstreams, partners, and deadlines, including developing workplans, coordinating execution, and driving results.
• Strong people-management and leadership skills, including experience supervising, mentoring and reviewing the work of staff and/or consultants.
• Demonstrated success establishing and managing high-level external partnerships and trusted relationships with senior government officials, legislators, technical agencies, and diverse partners.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to advise, educate, and influence diverse audiences and to make formal presentations and negotiate workplans, initiatives, and proposals with senior stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to develop innovative solutions for complex issues that may not have clear precedent.
• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.
• Highly organized and adaptable, with strong attention to detail and the ability to prioritize effectively under changing conditions and deadline pressure.
• Willingness and ability to travel in Mexico and internationally as needed, up to 30% per year, for meetings, site visits, and partner engagement.
• Full professional proficiency in English and Spanish required.
• Specific knowledge of Mexican political landscape required.