Maria Josella Pangilinan

I am an experienced Project Manager. I have 28 years’ experience in Sustainable Livelihoods, and Natural Resource Management (terrestrial and coastal). Through my Natural Resource Management work, I have gained significant knowledge and experience in disaster risk reduction and management, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and mainstreaming gender and social inclusion into programs and projects. 

I worked on climate change issues in various roles since 2010. The most recent of which was the Climate Resilience Program Director post with Conservation International where I provide overall guidance and direction to the program. I led the implementation, monitoring and learning of all Climate Resilience projects and initiatives of the organization. I am also responsible for developing and maintaining partnerships with external and internal partners to ensure that agreed activities were judiciously delivered. I also provided technical advice and support climate change innovation, trends, risks, and opportunities particularly on  nature-based solutions, decarbonization, low and zero carbon technology. 

I have demonstrated proficiency in all program and project management and support functions, including monitoring and evaluation, financial monitoring and management, provision of technical assistance, reviewing proposals and budgets, internal/external communications, design, facilitation and documentation of program activities/experiences, and partnership development. I can manage the work with very minimum supervision and juggle multiple tasks effectively. 

In addition, I have good interpersonal and management skills. I can work alone or with a team. I have good working relations with international as well as local colleagues. I have coordinated with partners on program activities, projects, schedules, and other relevant concerns. 

Program Director, 10/2016 - 08/2022

Conservation International, Quezon City, Philippines

• Led and provided strategic direction for the Nature-Based Solutions to Climate Change Program
• Supported the development and implementation of projects under the Nature-Based Solutions to Climate Change particularly forest and coastal wetlands restoration and conservation to complement CI's Sustainable Landscapes and Seascapes initiatives 
• Provided overall technical support and oversight to Nature-Based climate change adaptation and mitigation initiatives and ensure climate change information and concerns are mainstreamed in CI Philippines' programs and projects.
• Ensured that program implementation goals and outcomes are successfully achieved within a given timeframe
• Managed program and project work plans, budgets, contracts, and sub agreements to ensure that program outcomes are achieved and will be sustained
• Prepared narrative and financial reports to donors for projects under the Climate Resilience Program
• Developed project monitoring, evaluation and learning tools as part of project development process for the Nature-Based Solutions to Climate Change Program
• Led the periodic review and evaluation of activities according to the project M&E framework, work plan and grant requirements
• Prepared and conducted all related program status reviews
• Provided management, guidance, and direction to more than 10 staff members and consultants
• Identified and developed strategic partnerships with donors and the private sector to ensure a coordinated approach to financing Nature-Based solutions to climate change initiatives and to secure additional funding to support for program and project implementation

Project Manager, 10/2013 - 09/2016

Conservation International, Quezon City, Philippines

• Supported the development and management of CI Philippines' Climate Change program 
• Managed and supported Climate Change projects in the Verde Island Passage (VIP)
• Provided management, guidance, and direction to more than 10 staff members and consultants
• Designed and implemented planning, monitoring, evaluation, learning and reporting tools and procedures for the program and projects developed under the program
• Generated grants portfolios and ensured that portfolios were regularly updated and made available to relevant staff
• Facilitated the development and refinement of capacity building, diversified income and livelihood strategies for partner areas
• Participated in Climate Change networking, policy, and governance work at the local, national, and international level
• Prepared and managed program and project work plans, budgets, contracts, sub agreements, and narrative and financial reports to donors

Environment Sector Manager, 02/2011 - 09/2013

United States Peace Corps, Pasay City, Philippines

• Developed and managed Peace Corps Environment program in the Philippines including the identifying opportunities for program learning and sharing
• Managed and provide technical support to at least 50 Environment Sector volunteers
• Represented the Peace Corps program to relevant national, regional, and local government offices; non-governmental organizations; teaching institutions; and other organizations
• Designed, organized, and conducted technical training, performance assessments, monitoring and evaluation visits, counseling, and other skill-building events for Environment Volunteers
• Prepared documentation including project reports, project assessments, business communications, and other narrative texts
• Prepared, implemented, and monitored budgets to ensure that resources are optimized and managed judiciously

Senior Program Officer, 09/2009 - 12/2010

Christian Aid-Typhoon Ketsana Humanitarian Response Programme, Quezon City, Philippines

• Provided overall guidance and management to the Christian Aid-Typhoon Ketsana Humanitarian Response Programme (Relief and Rehabilitation phase)
• Provided management, guidance, and direction to 20 staff members and partners
• Conducted periodic surveillance of developing and on-going humanitarian crises in areas where Christian Aid partners work
• Assisted community and local civil society organization partners in networking and partnership building particularly with government and other international organizations
• Designed and implemented planning, monitoring, evaluation, learning and reporting tools and procedures for the program in compliance with Christian Aid quality standards and donor requirements
• Ensured accountability and timely reporting to donors
• Prepared narrative and financial reports of the program to all donors.

Project Officer, 05/2008 - 01/2010

Christian Aid, Building Disaster Resilient Small Island Communities Program, Quezon City, Philippines

• Provided overall guidance and management to the Building Disaster Resilient Small Island Communities Program
• Provided management, guidance and direction to 4 staff members and 3 partner organization staff
• Developed and maintained a systematic monitoring and reporting to donors
• Conducted review, monitoring, evaluation and learning activities of funded projects for local partners
• Conducted financial and systems management for the program including financial monitoring, budget preparation, grant management
• Maintained networking and linkages with Christian Aid partner organizations, INGOs and government organizations
• Provided technical assistance to partners particularly in the aspect of Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change Adaptation, Emergency Response/Management and Sustainable Livelihoods
• Conducted periodic surveillance of developing and ongoing humanitarian crises in areas where Christian Aid partners work
• Coordinated with and supported partners organizations on imminent disasters such typhoons, floods and landslides that will affect their areas to ensure that timely and responsive support were provided
• Developed emergency alert notes and emergency response proposals for partner organization areas affected by disasters in the Philippines
• Provided technical assistance to partners for relief and rehabilitation initiatives on the ground
• Provided support in partnership development and fundraising for effective humanitarian response

Project Officer, 08/1998 - 10/2007

Voluntary Service Overseas Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines

• Provided technical assistance to SPARK program regional partners and international volunteer professionals particularly in the aspect of Sustainable Livelihoods and Coastal Resource Management
• Developed and managed the Secure Livelihoods program in the Philippines including the identifying opportunities for program learning and sharing
• Developed and maintained a systematic monitoring and reporting to donors for Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia
• Conducted review, monitoring and evaluation of funded projects for local and regional partners
• Conducted financial and systems management for the VSO Philippines program including financial monitoring, budget preparation, grant management
• Reviewed projects grant proposals and budgets of the program partners and prepare grant agreements for approved projects and facilitate contract signing
• Conducted networking and advocacy work for the VSO's Secure Livelihoods Program
• Provided necessary support to the Peace Building, Disability and National Volunteering Program of VSO Philippines.

Environmental Researcher, 11/1997 - 07/1998

Woodward-Clyde Philippines, San Juan City, Metro Manila, Philippines

• Conducted biophysical assessment for seagrass, benthic, mangroves, fisheries, terrestrial and wildlife communities
• Conducted water quality assessments for marine and aquatic environments
• Processed data and provided appropriate analysis for the results of the assessment
• Prepared assessment reports for Environmental Impact Assessments and Initial Environmental Examination.

Researcher, 11/1994 - 10/1997

International Center for Living Aquatic Resources Management, Makati City, Philippines

• Participated in the preparation of research tools and methodologies for the study on Coastal Co-Management Arrangements in the Philippine and Community-Based Coastal Resource Management Project in the Philippines from 1984 to 1994
• Conducted field work and data gathering (interviews, focus group discussion, biophysical assessment, and surveys) for the study
• Participated in the preparation of report
• Developed strategies and programs on Coastal Resource Management for Local Government Units

Researcher, 09/1994 - 11/1994

Winrock International

• Assisted in the preparation of research tools and methodologies for the study on Government-Initiated Natural Resources Management Project in the Philippines
• Conducted field work and data gathering (biophysical assessments, interviews, focus group discussion and surveys) for the study
• Assisted in the preparation of report

Senior Researcher, 02/1992 - 09/1994

Tambuyog Development Center

• Prepared research tools and methodologies for the study “Towards Community-Based Coastal Resource Management”
• Conducted field work and data gathering (marine and aquatic assessments, interviews, focus group discussion and surveys) for the study
• Prepared report on marine and aquatic assessments (mangrove, seagrasses, corals, benthic communities, fisheries)

Developed strategies and programmes for coastal communities on Coastal Resource Management (CRM)

I have a Bachelor's Degree in Zoology major in Marine Science which I completed in April 1991 at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. I completed all the coursework for my Masters in Environmental Science but my thesis completion is still pending.