Marine Biodiversity Policy Lead

WHO WE ARE

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which include a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it is career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there are lots of reasons to love life inside TNC. Want better insight into TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube or Glassdoor.

Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

Since establishing the Africa Program in 2007, The Nature Conservancy’s vision in Africa is to work towards fostering a sustainable future for people and nature, partnering with indigenous communities across 55 million acres on the continent. Our efforts are firmly rooted in people, leveraging scientific and technical expertise as we collaborate with governments and organizations to conserve and enhance Africa’s shared resources in the 9 countries we operate.

TNC’s work in Africa transcends three key pillars: securing ownership rights to lands and resources for local communities people, strengthening leadership and resource management, and helping communities value nature through a holistic appreciation of its benefits while increasing revenue streams for conservation efforts and socioeconomic development. Together with our partners, we are witnessing critical milestones in integrated land and fisheries management, ocean and source water protection, energy development, and sustainable food production working together and strengthening our resolve in tackling global challenges such as climate change, habitat and biodiversity loss that stands to adversely impact the nearly 1.4 billion people that share Africa.

TNC was established in Tanzania in 2009 and implements a range of activities across terrestrial, freshwater and ocean ecosystems. In Northern Tanzania, TNC collaborates with NGOs to sustain the health and connectivity of rangelands critical to Tanzania's wildlife, tourism and overall economic future. In the Greater Mahale Ecosystem TNC collaborates with Pathfinder International to implement an integrated Population, Health and Environment program called Tuungane. The program aims to improve livelihoods, whilst improving natural resource management on land and from fisheries, and conserve critical habitat for chimpanzees and other wildlife. In coastal areas TNC focuses on sustainable fisheries in support of coastal communities and ecosystem conservation. As of more recent, TNC supports the design and development of Marine Spatial Planning in support of the government's aspirations to grow a Blue Economy.

TNC is now embarking on a new USAID-funded marine activity, Heshimu Bahari, to complement its work. The USAID-funded Heshimu Bahari is a 5-year $13 million project implemented by Chemonics International Inc. and its consortium partners TNC and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). The project will build capacity in marine biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, improving the business-enabling environment, and monitoring and oversight of institutions and projects. The four objectives focus on building the capacity of the public sector and civil society; improving the enabling environment for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and fisheries management at all levels; increasing private sector engagement in marine conservation and coastal natural resources management; and enhancing data availability and use in decision making. The project will lead strategic partnerships to achieve its conservation goals and help to shape national biodiversity conservation policies for the country to achieve its conservation commitments.

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

TNC seeks a Marine Biodiversity Policy lead to progress legal and policy-based initiatives in support of Heshimu Bahari activities. This is a term-limited position dependent on TNC continuing to receive funding. This position will lead the policy component of the USAID Heshimu Bahari Project to strengthen the policy and legal frameworks that enable co-management, sustainable financing, and appropriate expansion of the marine protected area system to achieve resilient biodiversity conservation and enhance wild-caught fisheries production. This position will work closely with the Heshimu Bahari Team as well as with TNC Tanzania Country Program, Africa Ocean Strategy Team, Global Teams, and other project partners. The Marine Biodiversity Policy Lead will be based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and will report to the TNC Tanzania Country Director with a dotted lineto the Heshimu Bahari’s project Deputy Chief of Party. No employment visas or assistance is being offered with this position except for the local labor employment requirements.

WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU

The Marine Biodiversity Policy Lead will develop, liaise, and maintain relevant partnerships with international, regional, national, and local governmental, multilateral, bilateral, private, and non-governmental organizations to help advance the USAID Heshimu Bahari conservation objectives in the country.

Specifically, the Marine Biodiversity Policy Lead:

• Supports the USAID Heshimu Bahari Chief of Party (COP) and partners in project coordination, strategic guidance, and technical oversights to ensure polic gaps are addressed and relevant policies are considered.
• Collaborates with relevant government institutions and other conservation partners to develop and/or strengthen policy and legal frameworks that enable co-management, sustainable financing, and expansion of the marine protected area system.
• Collaborates with the private sector and relevant government institutions to develop fair, environmentally sound, business-friendly regulations that incentivize investment in, and sustainable management of, marine resources.
• Develops and presents policy statements, and recommendations to advance USAID Heshimu Bahari’s marine conservation strategies/ initiatives.
• Develops strategic partnerships to achieve USAID Heshimu Bahari’s conservation goals.
• Contributes to developing terms of reference, the establishment of specific goals, and priorities for policy related sub-awards and contracts, including modifications, to ensure Heshimu Bahari’s initiatives advance and/or advise national policies related to marine biodiversity conservation.
• Oversees tracking of assigned policy-related project objectives, ensuring activities and deliverables meet USAID and TNC requirements; all the while identifying any implementation challenges and providing the necessary support to address them.
• Supports preparation of project progress and final reports, communication materials, and review reports submitted by tracking subrecipients and provide technical advice to ensure policy interventions are incorporated and are well captured.
• Supports and promotes the adoption of relevant national government policy to aid the country in developing and meeting specific targets under the CBD, UNFCCC, and FAO standards.
• Works independently and collaboratively within broad project goals to broaden the knowledge and promote the adoption of relevant policies among coastal community-based conservation groups such as Women Involved in small-scale fisheries, Beach Management Units (BMUs), Collaborative Fisheries Management. Area (CFMAs), and Community Management groups (CMGs).
• Networks and communicates effectively and efficiently about both USAID Heshimu Bahari and TNC Tanzania’s marine conservation efforts.
• Develops and administers policy-related work plans and budgets and operates within budget to ensure sound financial performance.
• Keeps abreast of key institutional efforts and political events affecting oceans, coastlines, and marine biodiversity in the country and, as needed, throughout the WIO region, advising and guiding relevant Heshimu Bahari colleagues on appropriate actions and decisions.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• BA/BS degree and 5 years of experience in the fields of MSP and MPA governance, marine conservation, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with the knowledge of methods and standards of marine and fisheries biodiversity conservation.
• Experience in influencing, developing, and implementing marine conservation policy, strategies, and plans at the country, regional and international levels.
• Experience presenting to and/or effectively communicating with the business, government, or legislative staff and/or program leadership.
• Experience in current national, regional, or international evolving marine-related legislative and conservation trends at the country level.
• Experience interpreting and analyzing scientific, social, and economic data related to coastal and marine ecosystems and apply it in the implementation of the Heshimu Bahari activity.
• Experience working with corporate or NGO partners, and government agencies. 
• Fluency in English and Swahili.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience are appreciated.
• A Master’s degree appreciated
• Familiarity with social, economic, and political conditions and issues in Tanzania and/or the region.
• Experience coordinating projects in a decentralized organization, working across teams, operating units, and functions to achieve optimal results. 
• Prior international development experience with USAID or other U.S. Government agencies and donors preferred; 
• Outstanding written and oral communication, negotiating, and organizational skills. Ability to communicate complicated messages authentically and succinctly to different audiences and at different fora.
• Politically savvy.

WHAT WE BRING

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world! 

TNC offers competitive and comprehensive benefits packages tailored to the individual countries where we work. These may include health care benefits, retirement benefits, parental leave, paid time off, life insurance, and disability coverage as well as an employee assistance program and other life and well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers. 

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports the health and well-being of the people we employ.