The Marine Projects Coordinator works to support, develop, coordinate and implement Fisheries Strategy related activities in the Northern Coast of Kenya, reporting to the Africa Fisheries Strategy Manager. The position is based in Lamu working closely and in collaboration with NRT–Coast and involves working in partnership with fishers, local community, fishing industry, government and non-government organisations.
The Marine Projects Coordinator supports, develops, coordinates and implements community-based projects aimed at securing community rights to manage fisheries resources, establishing fish reserves or locally managed marine areas, and designing and implementing science-based management and monitoring plans and tools to support conservation and sustainable resource use including community-based marine and fisheries monitoring. S/He contributes local lessons to inform regional and nation-level policy reforms. Additionally, S/He supports piloting of community-based enterprises that incent sustainable fishing practices.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Develops baselines and/or conducts ecological monitoring of essential habitats including mangrove and coral reefs within Lamu-Tana Delta area, including socio-economic information (e.g. fisheries, shipping, energy, coastal and offshore infrastructure development, tourism, etc);
- Supports implementation of Marine-CoMMS – community-based coral-reef, marine and fisheries monitoring systems in Pate, Kiunga and Lower Tana Delta community conservancies
- Develops and implements integrated conservation planning approaches, including providing technical guidance, training and learning exchanges on fisheries, mangrove, coral reef, marine managed area design, tools and best practices;
- Builds capacity and demonstrates sustainable community-based management practices through Beach Management Units, Community Conservancies, Community Forest Associations and other community-led initiatives or frameworks.
- Supports establishment of fisheries co-management areas (including locally managed marine areas – LMMAs)
- Support piloting of community-based enterprises that incentivize sustainable fishing practices e.g. ‘Fish to Market’, “Blue Carbon” Payments for Ecosystem Services, and works with partners to engage upfront fishing industry players and eco-label organizations (e.g. Marine Stewardship Council) on supply chain practices.
- Supports review, development and implementation of applicable legislative and regulatory frameworks relevant to marine, coastal fisheries issues, and optimization of the conservation opportunities presented within these legal tools;
- Supports fundraising for and implementation of the NRT-Coast Marine Strategy
- Liaises regularly with relevant partners and gains cooperation to accomplish strategy goals.
- 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.
- May help develop and manage work plans and large project budgets.
- Demonstrate knowledge and experience in marine science and conservation and/or community based fisheries management
- Experience in working and partnership development with non-profit partners, indigenous community groups and government agencies.
- Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including finances and coordinating the work of other professionals and partners.
- Fundraising experience, including identifying donor prospects and donor cultivation
- Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
- Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- MSc degree in a related field and 6 -10 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Ability to develop practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in science and conservation, land management, and natural resource preservation in Kenya or the region.
- Conversant with current macro-level development projects in the Lamu area, for example the Lamu Port and South Sudan Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor.
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated. Fluency in Kiswahili required.
- Completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences
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.