Project Manager (SAvE Whales project)

Project Manager – SAvE Whales project (SWPM)

The Green Tank is an independent, non-profit think tank developing policy solutions for a sustainable future based in Athens, Greece. OceanCare is a Swiss non-profit organization working nationally and internationally in areas related to marine wildlife protection and ocean conservation.

The Green Tank and OceanCare are partners of the SAvE Whales project.

About the SAvE Whales project: A population of sperm whales was discovered in the Hellenic Trench by the Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute in 1998. Vessel strikes were soon identified by them as the main threat for the survival of this endangered population. SAvE Whales, which stands for “System for the Avoidance of ship-strikes with Endangered Whales”, was first developed in a pilot project between 2019 and 2021 by Pelagos and FORTH, fully funded by OceanCare. It offers a pioneering technology, serving as a complementary response measure to the threat of vessel strikes. A Memorandum of Understanding, singed in June 2024, by the Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy, the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency, OceanCare and Τhe Green Tank provides for the scaling up and the full implementation of the system in the Kythira Strait by 2028.

The Green Tank and OceanCare are looking for a Project Manager to undertake the implementation of the SAvE Whales project, an exciting new project involving innovative technologies to support the conservation of sperm whales.

Project Manager Position Objective

  • Management of the SAvE Whales Project from its early stages to completion, ensuring that all relevant phases are executed within the scope, schedule, and budget, while maintaining a positive spirit of collaboration across all parties and stakeholders involved.

Key Responsibilities

The Project Manager’s responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

  • Project Planning and Scheduling, including development of project plan, allocation of tasks, timelines and deliverables and recommending adjustments as needed.
  • Project Execution, including day-to-day management, in coordination with the Green Tank; determining production parameters and procurement specifications in collaboration with the SAvE Whales Project partners and offering logistics and operational support to the SAvE Whales scientific partners (e.g. permit applications, filing requirements, testing and calibration of the Project system).
  • Identification of potential industrial contractors to develop the SAvE Whales system (e.g. data transmission, mooring and/or cabling requirements, component manufacture for the acoustic observatory, data transmission and related land-based analysis center) and operational partners to test it (e.g. shipping companies).
  • Stakeholder Management and Support, including organizing team meetings and ensuring effective communication with all SAvE Whales partners, SAvE Whales scientific partners, and other key stakeholders, contractors and collaborators and managing expectations.
  • Budget and Resource Management, including identification of resource needs, budget forecasts and reporting, while ensuring high-quality-low-cost efficiencies.
  • Fundraising aimed at securing additional funding.
  • Risk Identification, Management and Mitigation.
  • Monitoring and Reporting, including regular project status and financial reports and regular updates to the SAvE Whales Steering Committee as well as a final report.
  • Team Leadership and Development.

Required Qualifications and Skills

  • Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business or Project Management, or a related field.
  • Experience:
    • Minimum of five years of experience managing projects in research or innovation involving technology implementation, operational logistics;
    • Experience working in (or with) the private sector regarding procurement, cross-market engagement and partner acquisition.
  • Skills:
    • strong organizational and leadership abilities;
    • team spirited and able to work autonomously;
    • problem-solving, critical thinking with an attention to detail;
    • proficient in project management tools;
    • budgeting and financial skills;
    • time management;
    • ability to work under pressure in and adapt to changing priorities.
  • Language: Fluency in English and Greek (spoken and written).

Additional skills considered an advantage:

  • Knowledge of data transmission technologies
  • Background in environment and marine conservation

Terms and Conditions

  • Type of contract: External project-based contract.
  • Working hours expected: 20 hours per week.
  • Location: The job applicant should be permanently based in Athens, Greece. Tele-working possible; office space available at the Green Tank’s premises in Athens.
  • Contract Duration: initially 1 year starting in January 2025 (with probation period), with expectation of contract to be renewed annually through December 2028.
  • Travel Requirements: limited ad hoc reimbursed travel within Greece and abroad.

Application requirements

If this project-based position sounds appealing to you, please send us your application to info@thegreentank.gr mentioning in the subject line: “SWPM Your Name” by 20.12.2024.

The application must include the following:

  • CV / Resume.
  • Cover letter indicating interest in the position in English and Greek.
  • Provision of financial estimate for services rendered, identifying VAT or other costs, will be an advantage.