Job Opportunity: URT Marine Ecology Officer

Organization: The Nature Conservancy (TNC)
Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (with extensive field travel)
Contract Duration: Two (2) years, with possibility of extension subject to funding and performance
Reports To: URT Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) Coordinator
Travel Requirement: Up to 70% domestic and occasional international travel

What We Can Achieve Together

The URT Marine Ecology Officer will support The Nature Conservancy’s implementation of an EU-funded project under the broader Blue Economy for Job Creation and Climate Change Adaptation Programme.

In collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a four-year project (2024–2028) titled Pamoja Tuhifadhi Bahari Yetu (Together We Protect Our Ocean) is being implemented with a total budget of €11 million. The project aligns with the EU’s Blue Economy Programme, focusing on environmental protection and the sustainable, climate-resilient management of Tanzania’s coastal and marine ecosystems.

Project Overview

The Bahari Yetu Project aims to enhance environmental protection and biodiversity conservation across Tanzania’s coastal and marine ecosystems. The project is structured around five key components:

Protection of Marine Resources and Biodiversity
Strengthening Community-Led Management of Coastal Forests
Combating Plastic Litter in Marine and Estuarine Water Bodies
Improving Institutional Capacities for Research, Monitoring, Surveillance, and Management of Coastal and Marine Resources
Project Management, Coordination, and Acceleration of Impact

Key implementing partners include The Nature Conservancy (TNC), WWF, WCS, and ForumCC. Project activities are implemented in Mtwara Region, Coastal Region, Dar es Salaam, and Unguja Island (Zanzibar).

Role Purpose

The URT Marine Ecology Officer will support Work Package 1: Protection of Marine Resources and Biodiversity, particularly Output 1.1, which focuses on improving integrated actions for conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems while enhancing livelihoods.

Key contributions include:

Inventory and assessment of coral reefs, seagrass, and seaweed ecosystems
Restoration of degraded marine ecosystems in Mtwara and North and South Unguja Seascapes
Coordination of economic, environmental, and social valuation of ecosystem goods and services using IUCN’s Natural Capital Valuation Framework
Supporting the implementation of the Africa Ocean Strategy and Tanzania Ocean Country Strategy, with emphasis on marine spatial planning and the blue economy

The role is grounded in science and provides technical support to TNC’s conservation objectives under this EU-funded initiative.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Coordinate the design, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of project workplans, outputs, and outcomes for Pamoja Tuhifadhi Bahari Yetu.
Lead and coordinate fieldwork activities, including development of data collection protocols, participation in surveys, and oversight of data entry, analysis, and archiving—particularly in Mtwara and Unguja North.
Track implementation progress to ensure activities meet EU–IUCN and TNC requirements, timelines, and quality standards; identify risks and support mitigation measures.
Facilitate consultations with communities and project partners (IUCN, WWF, WCS, ForumCC) to strengthen community-based coastal ecosystem management strategies.
Represent TNC’s Oceans Strategy and interests nationally and within the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region, including partnership development.
Coordinate preparation of quarterly, annual, and final project reports, presentations, communication products, and technical assessments.
Supervise and coordinate fellows, interns, university students, and consultants contributing to the project and broader URT Marine Program.
Support field operations in remote and challenging environments; certified and experienced divers are strongly encouraged.

What You’ll Bring (Minimum Qualifications)

Bachelor’s degree in Marine Ecology, Marine Science, Aquatic Sciences, Fisheries, Conservation, Law, Business, or a related field, with at least 5 years of relevant professional experience.
Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-partner projects, including budgeting and coordination.
Supervisory experience, including staff motivation, performance management, and objective setting.
Proven experience developing partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and community-based organizations.

Desired Qualifications

Master’s degree in Marine Science, Marine Management, Aquatic Sciences, Fisheries, or Natural Resource Management.
Fluency in English and Kiswahili; strong multicultural working experience.
Over 5 years of hands-on conservation practice, including diving experience.
Strong analytical skills to interpret scientific, social, and economic data and apply findings to conservation implementation.
Experience designing and facilitating trainings and workshops.
Experience implementing and reporting on donor-funded projects.
Knowledge of marine biodiversity data systems and standards.
Strong teamwork skills, political awareness, and adaptability.

Who We Are

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global, science-based conservation organization dedicated to protecting the lands and waters upon which all life depends. We design and implement innovative solutions to environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive together.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and respectful workplace, where all colleagues feel valued and empowered to contribute to our mission.

What We Bring

Since 1951, TNC has grown into one of the world’s most effective conservation organizations, supported by over 1 million members, 400+ scientists, and a global network of partners.

TNC offers:

Competitive and country-specific benefits packages
Health insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, and parental leave
Life and disability insurance
Employee assistance and well-being programs
Flexible work arrangements

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and identities. Diversity strengthens our conservation impact.

Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities. Requests for accommodation may be sent to applyhelp@tnc.org with “Request for Accommodation” in the subject line.

Recruitment Process

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis
The position may close once a strong candidate pool is identified
Background screening is required for the successful candidate

How to Apply:

To submit your application, please follow the link provided below.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

To apply for this job please visit nature.wd108.myworkdayjobs.com.

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