The Freshwater Fisheries Manager, Gabon Program, directs all aspects of protection, science, stewardship and community relations for the freshwater fisheries program of Gabon, with a strong focus in the Bas-Ogooué region. S/he serves as the principle contact to government agencies, other conservation organizations and the academic community as it relates to freshwater fisheries management.
The Freshwater Fisheries Manager, Gabon Program, develops, manages and advances TNC Gabon’s freshwater fisheries program, working with partners from local communities and the private and public sector to create models of sustainable community-based fisheries management that include key aspects of improved fishing practices, community and sector governance, income-generation and socio-economic benefit from integrated planning of resource use, capacity building for communities and sector practitioners, habitat protection and monitoring and evaluation for measuring effectiveness of interventions and maintenance of long-term ecosystem health. Primary focus is for fisheries in Lake Oguemoué and surrounding lakes, with an interest in replicating the lessons learned in this priority focus site to the larger Bas-Ogooué wetlands region (Ramsar site) and other priority freshwater fisheries systems in Gabon.
S/he establishes the Conservancy as a major conservation partner within the area of freshwater fisheries management, defines conservation priorities and long-term strategies, builds strategic, scientific, and technical capacity in the field and develops key partnerships with local communities representatives, public and private organizations to identify and resolve technical issues and to widely communicate solutions and best practices. S/he develops innovative scientific methods, analyses, tools and frameworks to address the natural system needs, engage local community support for local conservation efforts, and negotiate complex and innovative solutions with government agencies and landowners to conserve and protect natural communities.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Geographic size and scope is focused primarily in Lake Oguemoué and surrounding lakes, but with a direct incidence and benefit for the larger Bas-Ogooué wetlands region (Ramsar site) and other priority freshwater fisheries systems in Gabon, overseeing all components related to sustainable and community-based fisheries management.
- Programmatic scope requires working in collaboration across many teams within TNC and partners.
- Leads and manages team and project to support and improve conservation efforts.
- Manage multi-disciplinary administrative and professional staff, with responsibility for performance management, training and career development. Establish clear directions and set stretch objectives.
- Establish and maintain optimal standards of performance for the program while controlling costs and administering budgets.
- Responsible for ensuring that public and private funds are raised to meet program needs.
- Builds cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Frequently makes independent decision based on analysis, experience, and context.
- 7 years’ experience in conservation practice or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including staffing, workloads and finances under deadlines.
- Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
- Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies.
- Experience negotiating.
- Bi-lingual proficiency in French and English.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 5-7 years’ experience in natural resource management and conservation, including work in fisheries and with communities stakeholders, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated proactive attitude, with experience leading and coordinating conservation field work in Gabon; experience in logistics management for conservation field related work.
- Demonstrated experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in relevant disciplines and regions.
- Knowledge of methods and standards of biodiversity information systems and initiatives or related field.
- Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in French and English.
- Demonstrated experience in fundraising.
- Politically savvy.
- Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.