Aquaculture Specialist

The WIO Aquaculture Specialist supports the Africa Fisheries Strategy on planning and implementation of TNC-led sustainable aquaculture in the WIO. The priority is developing and supporting the growth of aquaculture in the target countries (Tanzania and Kenya) to support coastal communities, while reducing negative environmental impacts. The position will work closely with TNC's Africa Ocean Strategy Team, the Global Aquaculture Team, and other TNC staff as appropriate, and in partnership with fishers, local community, fishing industry, government, and non-government partners. Reporting to the Africa Fisheries Strategy Manager, the position will be based in Dar Es Salaam or Zanzibar (Tanzania) at TNC's partner office. No employment visas or assistance is being offered with this position except for the local labor employment requirements. This is an initial 2-year term limited position with an extension of tenure subject to performance and availability of funds.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The position supports the Africa Fisheries Strategy Manager in advancing TNC's Sustainable Aquaculture program in the WIO. They will apply a diversified knowledge of aquaculture-related scientific principles and practices to a broad variety of assignments, from research, analysis and writing, developing tools and frameworks, capacity building, strategy development, gender mainstreaming, project coordination and management to supporting and engagement with private sector seafood actors and traceability systems. They widely communicate solutions and best practices and engages support for WIO Aquaculture work within TNC and the conservation community as well as aquaculture groups. The Aquaculture Specialist establishes TNC as a major conservation partner in aquaculture, starting by upscaling the ongoing restorative seaweed aquaculture in Zanzibar Islands, mainland Tanzania and South Coast Kenya as well as crab farming initiative in Northern Coast of Kenya.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE

• Supports development and implementation of WIO aquaculture work with its focus on seaweed farming and help it grow from the current pilot phase to an established aquaculture program
• Expands the ongoing partnership and capacity building with seaweed farmers and purchasers on best farming practices through training, mentorship, and follow-ups of seaweed farmers in Tanzania and southern Kenya.
• Strengthens seaweed community groups, organizations, and stakeholder engagement; works with farmers, researchers, and supply chain actors to increase resiliency and sustainability of seaweed farming in the face of a changing climate.
• Integrates gender-responsive capacity development and ensures equitable benefits within coastal communities including supporting design and implementation of community gender actions plans
• Supports development of case studies, hosting of webinars and facilitating of learning exchanges for lessons and knowledge sharing on aquaculture projects
• Supports adoption of aquaculture-related nature-based solutions for livelihoods diversification within communities adjacent to mangrove forest in Kenya and Tanzania.
• Identifies and makes the case for the best opportunities for TNC engagement on aquaculture based on analyses of the market, ecological impacts, science and policy, type of aquaculture, partnerships, etc.
• Supports  writing of funding proposals and fundraising efforts as appropriate.
• Explores and establishes partnerships with farmers, public, private and NGO sector organizations to advance strategy objectives.
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• Identifies and assists to launch aquaculture projects with other sectors (e.g., fish, shrimp, sea cucumbers or bivalves) based on the strategy and identified opportunities, support and track and report on development of these projects over time.
• May involve managing projects that requires cross-boundary work and relationships e.g., seaweed farming projects within and between southern coast Kenya, northern coast Tanzania and Pemba Island.
• Supports  development  and management of  work plans and large project budgets.
• Under minimal supervision, make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
• May involve working in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• May involve frequent travel domestically and/or internationally, evening and weekend hours.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS in natural sciences with 5 years' experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrate knowledge and experience in marine science and conservation
• Experience conducting or working on aquaculture-related interventions, scientific research, ecosystem interactions and coastal zone management.
• Experience in working on partnership development with non-profit partners, private sector, indigenous community groups and government agencies.
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including managing finances and coordinating the work of other professionals and partners.
• Fundraising experience, including identifying donor prospects and donor cultivation
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Web Browsers.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 6-10 years' experience leading conservation projects related to the aquaculture sector or closely related fields (e.g., agriculture, fisheries) or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with the seaweed aquaculture industries and gender mainstreaming initiatives
• Demonstrated experience influencing, developing, and implementing conservation policy and plans.
• Ability to develop practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes and aquaculture business.
• Knowledge of methods and standards of biodiversity information systems and initiatives.
• Politically savvy and experienced in partnership development (partners, industry, community, government)
• Experience managing or knowledge of capacity building and training programs
• Experience working with coastal/remote communities in Tanzania and Kenya.
• Ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences including through strong writing skills
• Record of publications in scientific peer reviewed journals related to fishery science and/or coastal management
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in science and conservation, aquaculture development, land management, and natural resource preservation in Tanzania, Kenya or the WIO region.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated. Fluency in Swahili is highly desirable.
• Ability to work independently including keeping timelines.