Project Executant

Project Name: Strengthening the Resilience of Coastal Communities and Coastal Ecosystems to Climate Change

Reports To: WWF TCO Seascape Programme Lead

Duty Station: Dar es Salaam

Summary:

The Project Executant will lead the Tanzanian part of the regional Southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO) mangrove project entitled: Strengthening the resilience of coastal communities and coastal ecosystems to climate change. The project has three outcomes:

• Local and national institutions in Tanzania are committed to and have adopted policies and legislation that recognize the rights of local communities to manage, use, and benefit from mangroves.
• Sustainable management of mangroves supports effective ecosystem-based climate change adaptation solutions for coastal communities in Mozambique and Tanzania.
• Sustainable community-led enterprises are established, and enabling conditions are in place to support communities managing mangroves beyond the project.

Main Function:

Under the direct supervision of the WWF Seascape Programme Lead, the candidate will champion the implementation of mangrove conservation and livelihood initiatives in Mafia, Kibiti, and Kilwa Districts. The goal is to create and facilitate knowledge production and exchange, demonstrate best practices on effective mangrove management, and contribute to WWF Tanzania’s conservation strategy, the SWIO conservation strategy, WWF Ocean practice strategy, key project partners’ mangrove/conservation strategies, and Tanzania’s National Mangrove Strategy. The candidate will be the key partnership facilitator for WWF Tanzania and will work closely with other regional project implementing partners from WWF Madagascar, Kenya, and Mozambique.

The candidate should build on the achievements, findings, and lessons learned from the existing implementing partners, utilizing their technical and regional experience. Additionally, the candidate will enhance national advocacy efforts for mangrove conservation and contribute to increased regional network building through collaboration with the WIO Mangrove Network and the WIO Mangrove Partnership Group.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Provide technical input on the planning, design, and implementation of the project to improve the sustainability of mangrove habitats and species under threat.
2. Lead in project management, reporting, monitoring, and evaluation as needed.
3. Support the implementation of the seascape programme and WWF TCO Conservation Strategic Plan (CSP) and programme strategic objectives, especially on mangrove habitats and species.
4. Develop and implement integrated conservation planning approaches and provide technical guidance on mangrove ecological and livelihood values in the project area.
5. Prepare and monitor the implementation of contracts with third parties and partner institutions in collaboration with the Seascape Programme Lead.
6. Interact with Government officials, especially District Authorities, Tanzania Forest Service (TFS), National Environmental Management Council (NEMC), relevant NGOs, CBOs, and mangrove communities.
7. Build capacity and demonstrate sustainable community-based management practices through existing community-led initiatives and frameworks such as Village Natural Resources Committees (VNRC), Beach Management Units (BMUs), and other rural user groups.
8. Support community-based enterprises development that incentivizes sustainable mangrove management practices.
9. Support the review, development, and implementation of applicable legislative and regulatory frameworks (e.g., bylaws) for mangrove communities (VNRCs) and government agencies to optimize user rights and conservation opportunities.
10. Produce semi-annual, annual technical progress reports, field reports, and any other reports (e.g., monthly snapshots, field stories) as required.
11. Coordinate exchange visits, trainings, and capacity-building efforts related to mangrove restoration and management for coastal communities, district staff, NGOs, CBOs, and rural user groups.
12. Collaborate with the WIO Mangrove Network (WIOMN) secretariat, WWF TCO marine programme partner organizations, and community user groups and associations.
13. Develop communication materials and stories in collaboration with the programme communication officer and TCO communication manager.
14. Develop project Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) baseline and M&E plan with the support of the Programme Monitoring and Learning Officer.
15. Represent WWF TCO and Seascape Programme in various meetings and conferences as appropriate for the project and enhancement of personal capacities.
16. Work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
17. Frequent travel domestically, regionally, and internationally, including evenings and weekends.
18. Perform any other duties as may be required by the Marine Seascape Programme Coordinator and/or the WWF TCO Conservation Manager.

Working Relationships:

Internal: Interact regularly with WWF TCO Seascape Programme Team, Projects and Core Staff, the project core team, thematic leads, and WWF Network staff.

External: As Mangrove Conservation Project Executant, work with Partners in Tanzania, WIO region, and WWF Mangrove Network and WWF Ocean practice thematic leads in various project interventions.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience Requirements:

• University degree, preferably a BSc or higher in forestry, and natural resource conservation and management.
• Minimum of 3 years working experience in government, intergovernmental organizations, local and/or international conservation NGOs.
• Experience in coastal conservation initiatives (programmes or projects), particularly on mangroves in the Tanzanian context, as well as policy advocacy experience are advantageous.
• Energetic and strategic individual to ensure matchmaking partnerships and advocacy at the national level are facilitated to generate national commitments and catalyze implementation arrangements.
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills, particularly in multi-stakeholder contexts, good communication, and team management spirit.
• Willingness to travel within the region and internationally, as well as to work in remote field areas.
• Knowledge of coastal communities in Tanzania is highly considered.
• Proficiency in computer software packages for word processing, databases, spreadsheets, and internet use. Knowledge of GIS and mapping will be an added advantage.
• Ability to meet deadlines, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Excellent knowledge and use of English and Swahili.

Mode of Application:

Applications must include a complete Cover Letter & CV with full contact details of three referees and should be addressed to the People & Culture Manager, via email to: hresources@wwftz.org by Wednesday, 20th November 2024 at 5:00 pm. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the interview.

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