Deputy Chief of Party -Endangered Ecosystems Northern Tanzania The Nature Conservancy Arusha
Job Type: Full-Time
Closing Date: 30th October 2023
Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

 

ABOUT THE NATURE CONSEVANCY 

Founded in 1951, the Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable.  One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we strive for a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 72 countries, including all 50 United States, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.

Endangered Ecosystems - Northern Tanzania (EENT) is a Cooperative Agreement (AID-621-A-15-00004) funded by USAID/Tanzania. The project focuses on protecting rangeland habitat for people and wildlife in northern Tanzania. EENT is entering a new phase in July 2018, with a focus on (1) joint visioning, exchange of lessons, and planning of multiple organizations, communities, and institutions through a stakeholders’ forum on healthy, connected rangelands, (2) harmonizing land use planning across village boundaries for rangelands connectivity in key wildlife corridors, (3) piloting systems for community-based, holistic rangeland management, restoration, and monitoring, and (4) improved collaboration and communications of multiple organizations through a partnership called the Northern Tanzania Rangelands Initiative (www.ntri.co.tz).

YOUR POSITION WITH TNC

The Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) will support management of the EENT project, with a focus on managing the implementation of activities under the project strategy for Multi-Stakeholder Engagement. You will ensure quality implementation of this strategy, including oversight of relevant sub-awards and contracts, maintaining positive working relationships with stakeholders in multiple districts, and facilitating effective execution and reporting of activities. You will lead the coordination of a stakeholders’ forum on rangelands in close coordination with regional and district government in Arusha and Manyara regions and partners, and will oversee effective implementation of activities to harmonize land use planning across villages to promote connected rangelands and advance rangeland management. You will provide leadership in ensuring that project activities are designed to empower women and youth and address climate change adaptation.  This is a term-limited position through September 2020 (the remaining duration of the 5-year USAID funding window), and will report to the EENT COP. The position is based at The Nature Conservancy (TNC) office in Arusha, Tanzania.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

 

The Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) will support the Chief of Party (COP) in the management of the EENT project. S/he will lead coordination of the Multi-Stakeholder Engagement Strategy with government counterparts, including management of associated field operations, sub-awardees, contracts, and consultants; and ensuring that activities implementation meets USAID and TNC standards. The DCOP will play a key role in supporting the COP to achieve the results defined in the Cooperative Agreement. On behalf of the EENT project, s/he serves as the principal contact to government agencies and community beneficiaries. The DCOP manages technical aspects of USAID funding to ensure meaningful engagement of women and youth, incorporation of climate change considerations into natural resource management activities, and ultimately, the achievement of lasting outcomes and results S/he contributes to project reporting and the implementation of systems to manage partner activities. A focus will be on achieving effective collaboration among partners, the Government of Tanzania, and community stakeholders to improve rangeland management, conservation, and community benefits on the landscape.  

 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE


  •  Works with the COP and partners to manage the implementation of EENT activities in line with approved work plans.
  •  Leads management of EENT project strategy one, multi-stakeholder engagement, including maintenance of optimal performance standards to meet targets and expected outcomes of annual work plans and the Cooperative Agreement while remaining within budget.
  •  Ensures effective implementation of EENT field operations focused on rangeland management, land use planning and tenure, incorporating climate change adaptation and empowerment of women and youth.
  •  Manages sub-awards and consultants relevant to project strategy one, multi-stakeholder engagement. 
  •  Ensures that conditions are in place for the implementation of events, including effective communication with stakeholders from government and communities in events planning and implementation.
  •  Maintains a project events calendar.
  •  Ensures that activities under the strategy for Multi-Stakeholder Engagement are effectively reported on technically and financially. 
  •  Organizes and reports upon implementing partner meetings and provides follow-up.
  •  Assists in preparation of annual work plans and quarterly and annual performance reports. 
  •  Ensures meaningful engagement of women and youth and the integration of climate change considerations into project planning and implementation. 
  •  Supports the monitoring of key deliverables, outputs, and outcomes as per work plans and sub-grantee/contractor agreements.
  •  Maintains positive working relationships with local and national government institutions, other stakeholders, and partner organizations.  
  •  Prepares presentations, lessons learned, and reports as needed.
  •  Serves as Acting COP when the COP is unavailable.
  •  Frequently travels domestically.                

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS


  •  BA/BS degree and 7 years’ experience in conservation practice or related field such as protected area management, community conservation, natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  •  Experience developing partnerships and maintaining positive relationships with the Tanzanian government, non-profit organizations, and community groups.
  •  Experience managing complex or multiple donor-funded projects in Tanzania, including managing finances and coordinating the work of other professionals and partners.   
  •  Experience implementing projects with rigorous timelines and deliverables and tracking program quality through donor approved monitoring and evaluation systems.
  •  Demonstrated experience in influencing, developing, and implementing conservation policy and plans at the country or regional level. 
  •  Experience negotiating.
  •  Written and verbal communication proficiency in English and Kiswahili
  •  Ability to effectively lead participatory meetings and workshops. 
  •  Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  •  Experience implementing USAID-funded projects strongly preferred.
  •  Knowledge of Tanzania’s environment sector and wildlife management policies, laws, and development issues.
  •  Experience implementing initiatives that mainstream gender and youth empowerment.
  •  Experience incorporating climate change adaptation into the planning and implementation of activities in the natural resources sector
  •  Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience.
  •  Knowledge of methods and standards for rangeland management, land use planning, or related fields.
  •  Politically savvy.
  •  Comfortable operating in a non-hierarchical and collegial manner.
  •  Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives, and managing performance.