Lake Tanganyika Fisheries and Biodiversity Lead at Nature Conservancy

What We Can Achieve Together

• The Lake Tanganyika Fisheries and Biodiversity Lead is responsible for the development and collaborative implementation of strategies related to fisheries co-management and freshwater biodiversity protection in Lake Tanganyika.
• Under the supervision of the Lake Tanganyika Program Manager, they coordinate with a wide variety of TNC staff and partners under the Lake Tanganyika Program, including government and intergovernmental institutions, non-governmental organizations, and community leaders in support of achieving Lake Tanganyika freshwater conservation goals.
• They will provide capacity-building to community groups and NGOs on the lake to advance fisheries management and freshwater biodiversity conservation initiatives.
• They coordinate fisheries resource management and biodiversity conservation actions with the Lake Tanganyika riparian countries and build a coalition of partners to sustainably manage and monitor Lake Tanganyika’s unique freshwater for the decades to come.

WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU

• Have you ever asked yourself, “How can I make a difference?”, but you don’t know where to go or have the time to do it? Welcome to The Nature Conservancy. You have found the solution and now you can pointedly make a difference every day! By joining our Lake Tanganyika team, you will become part of a group that is a force to be reckoned with; a force for nature, a force for people, and a force for our planet.
• Our team consists of a dedicated group who are leading the conservation effort on multiple fronts and who expertly bring strategy and action together. We’re looking for an individual with fisheries management and/or conservation experience who wants to make a difference for nature and people.
• The Lake Tanganyika Fisheries and Biodiversity Lead has a strong background in fisheries science, aquatic ecology, and/or conservation biology, with a proven track record in leading multidisciplinary teams and engaging with local communities and other stakeholders.
• Based in either Kigoma or Mpanda, Tanzania, the Lake Tanganyika Fisheries and Biodiversity Lead will work closely with TNC staff in Tanzania, including the Fisheries Manager working on Lake Tanganyika around the Greater Mahale Ecosystem, as well as the Fisheries Manager working around the Kipili Archipelago and Kala. The Lake Tanganyika Fisheries and Biodiversity Lead will report to the Lake Tanganyika Program Manager, and will frequently engage with core partners in Zambia, Burundi and Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• The Fisheries and Biodiversity Lead will be guided by The Nature Conservancy's Africa Region and Global strategies, as well as interconnections with key conservation and sustainable development stakeholders in the basin and on the continent.
• The position may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

The main roles and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Support development and implementation of strategies for sustainable fisheries co-management and biodiversity conservation in Lake Tanganyika Basin.
• Lead the design and support the execution of scientific research and monitoring programs to assess the health of fish stocks and freshwater ecosystems.
• Collaborate with local communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders to promote and establish effective fisheries co-management practices and policies.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance on freshwater biodiversity and critical habitat protection, and climate resilience/adaptation of fishing communities.
• Analyze data and prepare technical reports, scientific papers, and policy briefs to inform decision-making and best practices.
• Mentor and build capacity among local staff and partners in fisheries co-management and critical biodiversity habitats protection mechanisms and techniques.
• Represent the Lake Tanganyika Program in regional, national, and international forums, meetings, and events related to fisheries and biodiversity conservation.
• Work closely with the Lake Tanganyika Program Manager to align program activities with broader conservation goals and objectives

What You’ll Bring

• BA/BS degree in fisheries science, aquatic ecology, natural resources management, and conservation biology or another related field of study and at least 5 years’ experience in freshwater/marine conservation, fisheries co-management or related field.
• Experience working with and advising on current trends and practices in freshwater fisheries and biodiversity protection especially in an African context.
• Fundraising experience, including identifying donor prospects and donor cultivation
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including managing finances and coordinating the work of other professionals and partners.
• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting, and achieving objectives and managing performance.
• Experience in partnership development with government and intergovernmental institutions, non-profit partners, private sector, community groups and/or government agencies.
• Experience working with communities and actors at local/community level on fisheries co-management and biodiversity protection.
• Strong knowledge of the ecological, social, and economic issues surrounding freshwater ecosystems and fisheries in the Lake Tanganyika Basin.
• Fluency in English and Swahili is required.

Desired Qualifications

• Fluency in French is an added benefit.
• Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Knowledge of current trends and strategies and practices in fisheries co-management and freshwater biodiversity conservation.
• Master’s degree in fisheries science, aquatic ecology, conservation biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in fisheries co-management, freshwater biodiversity protection, and monitoring.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and partners.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with community members, government officials, and scientists.
• Proficiency in data analysis, GIS, and statistical software relevant to fisheries and ecological research.
• Willingness to travel frequently within the Lake Tanganyika region and occasionally beyond.
• Experience negotiating.