National Consultant - Marine Environment Management Planning Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP was established in 1972 and has since grown to encompass a diverse workforce of thousands of employees operating in over 100 countries. The organization focuses on various environmental issues, including climate change, sustainable development, and the conservation of ecosystems. UNEP administers the Nairobi Convention for the Protection, Management and Development of the Coastal and Marine Environment of the Western Indian Ocean (WIO), which aims to enhance regional cooperation and sustainable management of coastal and marine resources.

Job Overview:
The position of National Consultant - Marine Environment Management Planning Specialist involves developing participatory and evidence-based marine spatial planning and a comprehensive stakeholder-validated integrated environmental management plan for communities in Mkuranga district, Tanzania. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, and NGOs, to ensure that the management plan is aligned with local priorities and incorporates scientific data. The role requires conducting economic valuations of natural resources and ecosystem services, facilitating stakeholder meetings, and building the capacity of local personnel to engage in marine spatial planning processes. The consultant will also be responsible for developing training materials and conducting workshops to enhance knowledge and skills related to marine biodiversity and ocean health.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a range of duties, including:

• Obtaining maps showing existing governance measures and multi-sector uses in Mkuranga district, including protected areas and shipping traffic interactions.
• Engaging stakeholders in a participatory approach to incorporate community-based coastal and marine management aspects.
• Building the capacity of Fisheries Management Committees and local personnel in data collation and mapping.
• Assessing cumulative impacts of human uses in Mkuranga district and ensuring stakeholder input on environmental, economic, socio-cultural, and inter-sectorial data layers.
• Participating in stakeholder meetings to contribute to the development of a Management Plan for Mkuranga district.
• Identifying interventions for establishing a Stakeholder Management Committee and finalizing collaborative management agreements with communities and partners.
• Updating community designated fishery closures and defining roles and responsibilities for the Stakeholder Management Committee.
• Developing future plans for marine spatial planning and facilitating validation of the management plan through stakeholder consultations.
• Mapping marine evidence to GBF Targets and proposing national targets with baselines and trajectories. 1
• Developing training materials on GBF indicators and delivering workshops.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master's degree) in ecology, marine science, coastal ecosystems management, or a related discipline. A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in developing and implementing programs on coastal ecosystems conservation and natural resources management is essential. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge and experience in obtaining ecological, social, and economic geospatial data, as well as a good understanding of adaptation science from a socio-ecological perspective. Experience working with coastal communities and various stakeholders at both strategic and technical levels is required, along with a proven track record of quality and timely delivery. Familiarity with the WIO region and experience working with government and intergovernmental programs is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree) in a relevant field such as ecology, marine science, or coastal ecosystems management. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of marine and coastal ecosystems and for effectively contributing to the development of management plans and strategies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in the field of coastal ecosystems conservation and natural resources management. Candidates should have experience in developing and implementing programs related to ecosystem management, community engagement, and collaborative marine resource management. Experience working with coastal communities and stakeholders in the WIO region is highly desirable, as is the ability to work in a multidisciplinary setup with various stakeholders, including government and non-government organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of spoken and written coastal dialects of Swahili is considered desirable, as it will facilitate communication with local communities and stakeholders in the Mkuranga district.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based and is expected to last for a duration of 5 months. The position does not specify a fee for the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage of the recruitment process. This role is crucial for the implementation of the validated management plan within Mkuranga district and requires a commitment to collaborative and participatory approaches.