Start date: July 1, 2019 (provisional)
Application deadline: May 16, 2019
Expected travel: Will travel throughout the region as needed to implement the project activities.
Western Indian Ocean region:
The Western Indian Ocean (WIO) is a socially and biologically diverse region with a 9,000-kilometre coastline that contains some of the world’s most extensive and most climate resilient coral reefs and mangroves that are critical sources of protein, coastal protection, and income to coastal populations, many of whom are poor and marginalised. Real and significant threats related to overexploitation of fisheries, habitat clearing, and pollution are threatening the integrity of the region’s ecosystems, and their ability to provide goods and services to coastal communities.
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has just been awarded a project entitled ‘Creating a network of resilient MPAs in globally significant areas of the Western Indian Ocean’ by the Blue Action Fund (BAF). The expected outcome of the proposed project is that 6040km2 in new, expanded, and existing MPAs and their surrounding sustainable use zones in two climate resilient seascapes of global biodiversity importance are effectively and sustainably managed by NGOs and relevant actors including government, communities and civil society. The project will be implemented in Kenya, Madagascar and Tanzania for a period of 4 years by WCS in partnership with the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA).
Job Summary:
WCS is now seeking a full-time Project Coordinator to lead implementation of the BAF-funded project. Under the supervision of the MWIO Regional Director, the Project Coordinator has the responsibility for the planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of all activities funded by the BAF. He/she will carry out these responsibilities in close collaboration with the Country Directors and lead marine staff of WCS’s country programs in Kenya, Tanzania and Madagascar. The Project Coordinator will be based in one of the three country program offices involved in the project.
Major Responsibilities:
Updating and finalisation of the 4-year project site document / workplan and budget and development of annual workplans and budgets
Coordination of implementation of site based activities according to the agreed workplan and budget
Technical and financial monitoring of project implementation (workplan and pipeline monitoring)Coordination of technical reporting for site level activities.
Leading communications activities related to project.
Liaison with project donor and partners throughout project implementation.
Tasks
Coordination and supervision of project activities according to the agreed workplan and budget
Technical and financial planning of activities in collaboration with WCS team members and external partners in line with annual work plans
Organisation of regular meetings and calls between key WCS team members and partners to discuss project implementation
Supervision of activities implemented on-site including training and support to staff working on the project and field visits to supervise activities and resolve issues as they arise
Technical and financial monitoring of implemented activities and adoption of corrective action as needed to ensure adherence to workplan and budget
Support to logistical arrangements for smooth implementation of activities including mission planning for staff, and organization of visits of partners
Ensuring compliance with all WCS administrative procedures in the accomplishment of the tasks
Coordination of reporting for project activities
Coordination and submission of annual technical, financial and impact reporting
Coordination of quarterly internal technical and financial reviews to measure financial progress and achievement of milestones
Contribution to communications activities and presentation of site
Minimum Requirements:
Masters in marine conservation, natural resources management, fisheries, environmental science, or a related field.
At least 5 years professional experience in the management of complex development projects in developing country context in the marine conservation or natural resources sectors.
Excellent technical and financial project management skills and experience in managing multi-cultural project teams
Experience working and living in remote locations in developing countries and ability to deal with basic living conditions
Good communication, organization and animation skills
Ability to work in a team and in a multidisciplinary setting
Ability to travel frequently
Experience in the Western Indian Ocean will be an advantage
Excellent communication skills in in English and French; knowledge of Malagasy or Swahili will be an advantage
