Marine Carbon/Biodiversity Impact Monitoring Contractor at Natural State

Job description:

The Contractor will be instrumental in advancing NATURAL STATE’s (NS) goal to scale our impact monitoring systems to the marine realm. By researching and advising on state-of-the-art impact monitoring and best practices for the regenerative Blue Economy, the consultant will provide expertise and recommendations on current carbon and biodiversity methodological gaps that limit the scalability and growth of blue nature-based solutions (NbS).

Working with the Head of Marine Strategy, this role will focus on supporting the delivery of an impact monitoring framework for two Blue Economy projects (mangrove, seagrass plus algae focus) in Kenya, as well as the Natural State’s strategy to fill current impact monitoring gaps and create methodologies that are cost-effective, robust, and scalable for the Blue Economy markets.

Key Deliverables:

Blue Economy Pilot Projects:

• Support the Head of Marine Strategy in conducting a monitoring needs assessment (gap analysis) for two Blue Economy projects on the Kenyan coast.
• Provide technical support and recommendations on how to fill gaps and improve impact monitoring for the two Kenyan pilot projects.
• Support the Head of Marine Strategy in producing key documentations (gap analysis report, standardized impact monitoring framework, final report).

NS Marine Strategy:

• Research and provide advice on state-of-the-art impact monitoring and best practices in interventions for blue Nature Based Solutions (NbS) projects globally (focus on mangroves, seagrass and seaweed).
• Identify, and participate in meetings with, marine impact monitoring experts with the aim of broadening the NS knowledge base of existing methodologies, key global players, and potential partners.
• Provide technical recommendations for NS Marine Strategy on how to adapt our impact monitoring solutions to the marine biome by improving on existing methodologies, filling global gaps, and integrating new technologies into the NS Impact Monitoring Portal.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum master's degree in marine ecology, environmental science/ conservation (or similar).
• Technical expertise in mangroves and/or seagrass restoration and impact monitoring methodologies.
• More than 5 years' work experience in the field of marine conservation/marine habitat restoration.
• Understanding of cutting-edge impact monitoring technologies.
• Excellent research skills.