JOB TITLE: Outreach & Field Director
LOCATION: Accra, Ghana
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-time
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 24 April 2026

About OCEANA

OCEANA is the largest organization dedicated exclusively to ocean conservation. Established in 2001 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., OCEANA leads strategic campaigns designed to achieve measurable improvements in marine management and ocean conservation across multiple countries.

OCEANA places strong emphasis on science-based solutions to identify challenges and develop effective, lasting responses to threats facing the world’s oceans.

The Ghana office—OCEANA’s first office in Africa, established in early 2026—operates from Accra. The office works directly with coastal communities to rebuild fish populations, improve nutrition, and strengthen sustainable livelihoods. It leads field-based engagement that connects communities, science, and policy to deliver real-world conservation impact.

OCEANA fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and purpose-driven environment where field engagement, community trust, and measurable impact guide every action.

Position Overview

OCEANA seeks a dynamic and experienced Outreach & Field Director to lead community engagement and field operations across Ghana. The Director will build strong relationships with coastal communities, coordinate field teams, and drive grassroots support for ocean conservation initiatives.

You will translate conservation goals into effective community-based action, ensuring that field programs are inclusive, well-coordinated, and aligned with OCEANA’s broader advocacy and campaign strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all outreach and field operations across multiple coastal communities in Ghana.
• Develop and implement community engagement strategies that build trust and long-term support for conservation initiatives.
• Cultivate strong relationships with fishing communities, local leaders, and key stakeholders to advance OCEANA’s mission.
• Coordinate multi-site field programs and ensure consistent execution of outreach activities.
• Mobilize community participation in advocacy, education, and conservation campaigns.
• Represent OCEANA in community meetings, public forums, and field engagements with professionalism and cultural sensitivity.
• Collect, analyze, and report field data to inform campaign strategies and decision-making.
• Work closely with campaigns, policy, and communications teams to align field activities with organizational objectives.
• Support recruitment, training, and supervision of field staff and volunteers.
• Ensure all outreach activities reflect principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Maintain high standards of discretion when handling sensitive community and program information.
• Travel extensively (approximately 40%) to field locations across Ghana.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in community outreach, advocacy, or field program leadership.
• At least 5 years of experience in grassroots organizing and volunteer mobilization.
• Demonstrated experience working within Ghana’s fisheries, marine, or coastal ecosystem landscape.
• Proven success managing multi-site field operations and coordinating dispersed teams.
• Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience will be considered.
• Valid authorization to work in Ghana is required.

Skills and Knowledge

• Strong track record of building trust and mobilizing communities toward shared goals and measurable outcomes.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in diverse and collaborative environments.
• Strong written, verbal, and public speaking skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of audiences.
• Ability to communicate effectively in local language(s) spoken in key fishing communities is an advantage.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple field projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and maintain accountability in fast-paced environments.
• High level of discretion when managing sensitive information and community relationships.
• Strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in all outreach and engagement activities.
• Ability to advocate effectively for complex and ambitious conservation positions in both small and large settings.

Core Competencies

• Action-Oriented: Drives field initiatives forward with urgency, energy, and focus on results.
• Instills Trust: Builds credibility through honesty, integrity, and consistent community engagement.
• Effective Communication: Delivers clear, compelling messages and adapts communication for diverse audiences.
• Manages Complexity: Analyzes field data and situations effectively to guide sound decision-making.
• Persuades: Builds relationships and uses influence to gain support and drive collective action.

How to Apply

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