Position: Mangrove Ecosystems Project officer (‘Bengo’ Project)

Programme: Marine Programme 

Reports to: Marine Coordinator  Supervises: none Location:  TBD

Grade: A3

I. Major functions:

To ensure quality and timely delivery of mangrove project outputs for WWF TCO Marine Programme under the support of “Sustainable use of mangroves in the Western Indian Ocean project” (Bengo/BMZ), part of the regional project for Tanzania, Kenya and Madagascar. These include ensuring effectively delivering on project planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation throughout the project cycle to ensure the objectives, work plans and activities are executed together with a range of stakeholders and partners (strategic and implementing) as well as to imparting skills and sharing knowledge on mangrove restoration, management and conservation of its habitats. The project officer will also contribute to deliver for TCO Conservation Strategic Plan and other related regional initiatives under WWF South-West Indian Ocean (SWIO) and Northern Mozambique Channel (NMCi) regional portfolios on related matters. The project officer, with support from Marine Programme Coordinator, will execute the following tasks:

II. Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide technical input on the planning, design and implementation of “Bengo project” to improve the sustainability of mangrove habitats and species under threat;
• Lead in project management, reporting, monitoring and evaluation as needed;
• Supports implementation of marine programme and WWF TCO Conservation Strategic Plan (CSP) and programme strategic objectives especially on mangrove habitats and species;
• Develop and implement integrated conservation planning approaches and provide technical guidance on mangrove ecological and livelihood values in the project area;
• Prepare and monitor the implementation of contracts with third parties and partner institutions in collaboration with the Programme Coordinator;
• Interact with Government officials especially the District Authorities, Tanzania Forest Reserve (TFS), National Environmental Management Council (NEMC), relevant NGOs, CBOs and the mangrove communities; Build capacity and demonstrate sustainable community-based management practices through existing community-led initiatives and frameworks through Village Natural Resources Committee (VNRC), Beach Management Units (BMUs) and related rural user groups;
• Support community-based enterprises development that incentivizes sustainable mangrove management practices; Support review, development and implementation of applicable legislative and regulatory frameworks (e.g. bylaws) relevant for mangrove communities (VNRCs) and government agencies (main laws) for optimization of conservation opportunities; (h) Produce semi-annual, annual technical progress reports, field reports and any other reports (e.g. monthly snapshot, field stories) as may be required;
• Co-ordinate exchange visits, trainings and capacity-building related to mangrove restoration and management for coastal communities, district staff, NGOs, CBOs and related rural user groups;
• Collaborate with WIO Mangrove Network (WIOMN) secretariat and WWF TCO marine programme partner organizations and community user groups and associations;
• Develop communication materials and stories in collaboration with programme communication officer and TCO communication manager;
• Develop project Monitoring and Evaluation baseline as well as M&E plan under the support of Programme Monitoring and Learning Officer;
• Represent WWF TCO and Marine Programme in various meetings and conferences as appropriate for project and enhancement of personal capacities;
• Work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances is highly considered; (q) Frequent travel domestically, regionally and internationally, evening and weekends;
• Carry other duties as may be required by Marine Programme Coordinator and/or the WWF TCO Conservation Manager.

III.    Profile

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree (Bachelor or similar level) in a subject relevant to Environmental conservation (marine science, social studies etc) or equivalent work experience in the coastal marine conservation field (2 – 3 years);
• At least three years’ experience working in mangrove management and/or project management in addition to above required degree or work equivalent;
• Master’s degree on the above qualifications is an added advantage;
• Experience in working with bilateral and multilateral donors;
• Experience in mangrove marine resource management, sustainable coastal livelihoods will be an added advantage;
• Understanding of, and sensitivity towards, the culture and livelihoods’ context of rural mangrove coastal communities in Tanzania is highly considered;
• A proven ability to work effectively and independently with minimum supervision, and to deliver high quality and timely outputs;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both Kiswahili and English and High level of computer literacy and technical report writing

VI. Working Relationships

Internal (WWF):

• Reports to: Marine Programme Coordinator.
• Will liaise with the WWF TCO Marine Programme Coordinator and Conservation Manager on relevant programmatic and aspects of the WWF TCO Marine Programme; with the WWF TCO Head of Finance and the TCO finance staff team on financial matters; with the WWF TCO Operations Manager on operational issues and the WWF TCO People & Culture Manager on human resources issues;
• Interacts frequently with WWF staff withing the network in particular WWF Germany and other national offices for timely execution and appropriate technical undertakings;

External:

• Interacts frequently with Government officials, especially from the Fisheries Division, VicePresident’s Office, Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) and relevant District authorities in project and programme operational areas (Rufiji, Kilwa, Mafia, Kigamboni, Mkuranga and Mtwara Rural), SWIO and NMCi Secretariat on relevant aspects, partner NGOs, CBOs and mangrove communities etc.

This job description covers the main tasks and conveys the spirit of the sort of tasks that are anticipated proactively from staff. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to organization needs.

Female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. WWF is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to having a diverse workforce

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Detailed Job Description can be obtained via https://www.wwf.or.tz/jobs_and_opportunities/jobs/ 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 Friday, 20^th OCT 2023 at 17h00. Only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted. WWF is an equal opportunity organization and has a principle of zero tolerance for fraud and corruption, if you encounter such an incident, then report it by sending an email to fcci@wwftz.org