Job title: Mangrove Conservation Officer

Supervisor: Mangrove Conservation Manager

Duty Station: Unguja, Tanzania.

Start Date: December, 2023

Application Closing date: 17^th November, 2023

 

Context/Background

Mwambao Coastal Community Network was established in 2010 to help communities in Tanzania’scoastal areas develop strong and effective local resource management systems that support livelihoodsand sustain marine ecosystems. Mwambao works to empower local communities and enable them tolearn from each other through a community-based network spanning different coastal areas and communities. This network structure fosters learning as well as collective action on shared interests suchas influencing policy.

Mwambao has emerged as a leading actor in facilitating community-based marine management in Zanzibar as well as north-eastern Tanzania working with a number of key international partners.

Mwambao has been working with Blue Ventures since 2016 to support the effective management of the

Menai Bay Conservation Area (MBCA), Tumbatu Marine Conservation Area (TUMCA) and Mnemba Island Marine Conservation Area (MIMCA) and Pemba Channel Conservation Area (PECCA). Mwambao takes a right based approach to implementing measures that improve mangrove and reef ecosystem health, improve sustainability of key fisheries, improve local well-being through the inclusion of fishers into their fishing ground management, and provide opportunities to engage in other livelihood activities.  

 

Overview of the role

The Mwambao that this role relates to build upon work to date in PECCA ,TUMCA, MBCA and MIMCA expanding the target area and the number of communities engaged. The work will cover both communities involved in existing work on Bumbwini-Mkokotoni Bay, Fujoni-Kiombamvua and additional communities from Jozani-Chwaka Bay in Unguja and PECCA areas in Pemba. The NGO’s goal is to conserve networks of globally significant marine protected areas and sustainable use zones in the areas so as to enhance ecosystem services that contribute to reducing climate change risks for people and biodiversity.

The role will involve working closely with key project partners and other contractors to ensure delivery of the grant on time and on budget in full compliance with Mwambao financial guidelines, within the terms of the Grant Agreements, and in accordance with the relevant policies and procedures.

 

Key Relationships

Reporting to: Mangrove Conservation Manager

Key relationships within Mwambao-MCCC: Chief Technical Advisor, Head of Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL), and Head of Programmes.

Roles and Responsibilities

The key roles and responsibilities are as outlined below:

Project Delivery

• Liaise with other members of the Mwambao Team, specifically over the implementation of activities and reporting in the Unguja headquarters office.
• Liaising and negotiating with regulatory authorities, government institutions and other professionals within institutions to push the implementation of project activities
• Capacity building of the BMUs/VNRCs/COFMAs on mangrove conservation and mangrove restoration.
• Carry out monitoring and evaluation visits as prescribed by workplan
• Assist in mangrove-based carbon assessment surveys and studies and participate in analysis and interpretation
• Train Community on best ways of mangrove conservation and management
• Carry out awareness-raising activities in and outside project sites as well as specifically carry out dissemination efforts in PECCA , TUMCA , MBCA and MIMCA CMGs

 

Project Management

• Work closely with the Mangrove Conservation Manager to develop annual activity plans and short periodic plans .
• Collaborate with Head of Programmes and Program Coordinator in Unguja to ensure the smooth implementation of mangrove activities.
• Help to ensure strong cooperation with local government and Districts administrations.
• Act as local mangrove contact point within Unguja and Pemba for the delivery of the Mwambao project
• Regularly report on all activities including keeping a project diary, timesheet filling and log book submission timely.
• Represent Mwambao and connect with the respective District/regional Authorities in supporting mangrove concerns, specifically successful mangrove restoration techniques and methodologies.
• Work closely with the Unguja Program Coordinator to plan and implement approved workplans according to the project document ,reporting on progress at required intervals (dimple weekly progress reports ,quarterly progress reports ,semi-annual progress reports and annual progress reports )
• Regular reporting as per project and donor requirements to the Mangrove Conservation Manager (direct line manager), Head of all Programs and Program Coordinator
• Keep regular accounting procedures as prescribed by Mwambao for all advances received and liaise with the Head of Finance and his/her accountants.
• Do any duty or tasks required by Mwambao seniors and line managers in accomplishing organization vision and missions.
• Work closely with MKUBA manager on mangrove-based groups on all matters including effective eco-compliance within Unguja.

 

Communications

• As required, represent mangrove issues at appropriate external meetings and fora, including consultations, meetings, and briefings.
• Collaborate with the Head of Programmes and Project Coordinators to effectively communicate the project to Central and Local government
• Maintain teamwork with Mangrove Manager and other colleagues 

 

Person specification

Essential:

Skills

• A good understanding of mangrove challenges and climate change mitigations and adaptation measures to the Tanzanian community.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including report writing
• Ability to operate and familiarity with GIS
• Good command of Microsoft Office skills, including PowerPoint and Excel
• Ability to work with partners and consultants
• Excellent time management and organizational skills

 

Behavioral qualities

• Excellent interpersonal skills, specifically the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with partner organizations and local communities
• Rigorous and diligent approach to work

 

Desirable:

• At least 2 years’ experience of natural resources management and conservation and/or livelihood development projects in Tanzania or the Zanzibar islands
• Experience in mangrove management is preferable qualification
• Willingness to work in the field in sometimes harsh conditions
• Understanding of community woodlots/forests, small scale fisheries and/ or mangrove conservation approaches
• A degree or equivalent in a related field or related qualifications

To apply for this post please submit a CV and Cover Letter (max 2 pages) and complete this form by

November  17^th 2023. The cover letter should include why you are interested in this position with MWAMBAO and emphasize how your skills and experience match those required for the job.  Only candidates who meet the requirements for this position will be contacted for an interview.

More information about MWAMBAO/MCCC can be found at: http://www.mwambao.or.tz