Summary

As a federal enterprise, GIZ supports the German Government in achieving its objectives in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. Kenya and Tanzania's coasts are part of the Somali Current Large Marine Ecosystem with unique biodiversity recognized by WWF and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

The project region of Kwale-Tanga has ecologically valuable structures such as mangroves, coral reefs and seagrass beds that provide a unique habitat. With over 13,000 ha in the Tanga region alone, mangrove forests dominate the coastal area here. The length of coral reefs (376 km) is regionally significant in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region, and seagrass beds occupy up to 8 km² of area in the project region. These structures provide coastal protection, breeding grounds and refuges for many rare and endangered species. Biodiversity in the region is high with 380 fish species and 47 coral genera. Kenya and Tanzania are home to 12 of 13 seagrass species, 9 of 10 mangrove species, and all five sea turtle species in the WIO. In addition, the project region provides habitat for migratory birds and up to 37 species of marine mammals, such as dugongs and dolphins.

The project of transboundary marine, coastal conservation, and sustainable management in Kwale, Kenya and Tanga, Tanzania aims to establish a transboundary and participatory management of marine and coastal resources that contributes to the protection of marine and coastal biodiversity in this border region.

Ecosystem services of this coastal and marine ecosystem provide livelihoods for 60% of the region's rural population and the basis of the economically important exchange between Tanga (Tanzania) and Kwale (Kenya). Marine and coastal resources are the main source of income. Local fishermen depend on fish- supplying seagrass beds and mangrove forests, which provide timber, fuel, and tannin, among other resources. In particular, the presence of whale sharks in the region promotes local tourism.

The project addresses existing capacity needs and gaps at both national and local levels; focuses on capacity strengthening measures on transboundary planning and management; aims to strengthen management and co-management of protected areas through measures that build on existing multi-stakeholder committees; while offering further protection of valuable ecosystems, the rehabilitation of damaged areas and the creation of alternative sources of income for the population or targeted public relations work.

The project of transboundary marine, coastal conservation, and sustainable management in Kwale, Kenya and Tanga, Tanzania looking to fill the position(s) of Advisor, Marine Conservation.

Responsibilities

The post holder is responsible for:

• Applying diversified advisory services on marine and coastal conservation and fisheries-related scientific principles and practices to a broad variety of assignments; from high level multistakeholder collaboration, consortium dynamic management, capacity building, strategy development, project coordination and management support, and engagement with public and private sector
• Overlooking the preparation of scientific baseline studies for the identification of biodiversity hotspots for the subsequent creation of new protected coastal or marine areas
• Supporting the establishment and coordination of multi-actor processes at both national and regional levels
• Coordination of project implementation of implementation partners of the project and developing synergies and cooperation arrangements with other relevant partners.
• Providing technical assistance of the Marine Parks and Reserves Unit (MPRU) of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries
• Development of training and information modules and support in anchoring these in national structures
• Close coordination with political partners (especially MPRU), but also with research institutions
• Participating in and providing technical support towards strengthening or building successful community-led governance models (e.g., Beach Management Units, Community Conservancies, Community Forest Associations, etc.) for sustainable coastal and marine protection.
• Participating in, raising awareness among key stakeholders and the population; capacity development of different actors; data resources establishment and research capacity development and knowledge management
• Monitoring of and reporting on the progress of project activities in the Dar es Salaam region
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Tasks

The post holder will:

• Support the development of scientific studies as basis for the identification of potential new coastal or marine protected areas
• Coordinate the creation of multi-stakeholder platforms for the validation of studies, identification of coastal and marine protected areas and the participatory management of those.
• Support the establishment and implementation of locally co-managed coastal and marine protected areas
• Coordinate and supervise interventions of project activities through implementation partners and identify synergies with existing sectors
• Provide team support, technical information, and assisting in coordination of key conservation actors in Kenya and Tanzania
• Build partnerships and working with local communities, fishermen, internal and external scientists, consortium members, and NGO partners to enhance collaboration and synergy
• Coordinate measures to create incentives that drive community benefits, sustainable management and livelihoods that build lasting support for conservation
• Foster cross project learning and strengthen a Community of Practice for the sharing of best practices and lessons learned for adaptive management
• Support development of program-level Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning framework for marine conservation, fisheries, and coastal community-led conservation initiatives.

Education and Qualifications

• Degree in conservation, (marine) biology, environmental science, environmental engineering, natural resource management or other related field of study
• 5 Years of experience in project management and coordination
• 3 years of relevant professional experience in the field of participatory coastal and marine conservation

Requirements

• Proven knowledge and experience on community-led coastal and marine conservation, coastal fisheries management, and marine science, especially in the context of the Western Indian Ocean
• Experience in conducting or working on fisheries-related scientific research, ecosystem interactions and coastal zone management
• Strong experience with coordination and creation of multi-stakeholder platforms.
• Experience in developing supportive and collaborative partnerships with other non-profits, community groups and/or government agencies and in the coordination of those
• Experience with monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems
• Strong technical writing and data analytical skills, interpretation, and presentation of information to a broad range of audiences and stakeholders
• Familiarity with issues related to nature-based solutions to climate change
• Good project management skills to support the development and implementation of workplans, grants, contracts, and project budgets

Characteristics

• Excellent communication skills in English and
• Intimate knowledge and sensitivity to the social, economic and political conditions and problems on the ground and in the
• Experience in working with local communities, partners, government agencies and the private sector
• Independent worker with a willingness to take initiative with limited day-to-day supervision, but with a strong commitment to achieving goals and meeting deadlines.