Senior Project Officer

• Assume overall oversight and management responsibility for the effective implementation of the project, ensuring alignment with the project objectives, timelines, and budget.
• Oversee day-to-day implementation of the project in line with the work plans, ensuring resources are employed efficiently and effectively, assuring quality of project activities and outputs; monitor and supervise the work of consultants as far as possible, ensure timely and responsive delivery of contracted outputs; supervise and lead the project team in discharging their duties at an optimum level.
• Prepare, organize, and participate in monthly catch-up meetings or other scheduled coordination meetings as needed with GIZ, project partners, and other relevant stakeholders; report on implementation progress, and share updates on future plans.
• Establish working relations with appropriate local and national government authorities, partners, as well as communities to ensure effective implementation of project activities.
• Develop Terms of Reference (ToRs) for consultancy services and construction tenders, including technical specifications and scope of work, and monitor implementation of the contracts.
• Oversee the construction of the fish market and the installation of associated infrastructure and accessories, ensuring compliance with design specifications, timelines, and quality standards.
• Support implementation of the marine programme and WWF TCO Conservation Strategic Plan.
• Assist in developing overall plans for training/capacity building programmes under each component of the project, reviewing and finalization of project’s total Results-based Work plan.
• Provide technical input and support the implementation of integrated conservation planning approaches and sustainable livelihood activities within the project areas.
• Interact with Government officials especially the Fisheries Division, District Authorities, TAFIRI, FETA, Tanzania Forest Reserve (TFS), project partner NGOs, and communities.
• Produce semi-annual and annual technical progress reports and any other reports as may be required.
• Co-ordinate relevant training and capacity-building related to marine resource management for communities, District staff, and partner organizations such as fisheries surveillance and enforcement.
• 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 weekends.
• Carry other duties as may be required by RUMAKI Seascape Programme Coordinator and/or the WWF TCO Conservation Manager.

Qualifications and Experience Required

Candidates must meet the following qualifications and experience:

• Minimum Master’s degree (MSc) in Marine Science or equivalent in a relevant discipline (Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries, and Natural Resource Management, Blue Economy or closely related discipline).
• At least five (5) years of relevant professional experience in coastal and marine resource management and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated experience in project management, reporting, and coordinating multi-partner projects, strong teamwork abilities, and attention to detail.
• Proven record of writing winning proposals and fundraising.
• Experience and knowledge on project budget management, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Understanding of, and sensitivity towards, the culture and livelihoods context of rural coastal communities in Tanzania.
• A proven ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and perform effectively under pressure.
• Proven knowledge and experience of working with global policies guiding management of marine and coastal resources.
• Very strong knowledge of marine research skills, analytical, and communication skills are necessary.
• Very good oral and verbal communication skills in both Kiswahili and English.
• High level of computer literacy (especially MS Word and Excel) and the ability to prepare high-quality technical reports in English.
• Knowledge of WWF’s values: Courage, Respect, Integrity, and Collaboration.

Working Relationships

Internal: Will liaise with the WWF TCO Marine Programme Lead and Conservation Manager on relevant aspects, with the WWF TCO Head of Finance and the TCO finance staff team on financial matters; with the WWF TCO Operations Manager on operational issues and the WWF TCO People & Culture Manager on human resources issues.

External: Interact frequently with Government officials, especially from Fisheries Division, Vice-President’s Office and relevant District authorities and project areas (Rufiji, Kilwa, Mafia). Interact frequently with WWF specific staff within the network, in particular WWF International focal person and GIZ office in Dar es salaam for timely execution and appropriate technical undertakings.