Nafasi ya kazi :- Fisheries Officer at WWF October 2025

SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

The WWF TCO is implementing the Reinforcing Management and Governance of Ocean and Coastal Resources (REMAGO project funded by GIZ, which aims to strengthen community capacity in management and conservation of marine and costal resources for improved economic wellbeing of coastal communities in Rufiji, Kibiti and Kilwa through sustainable, participatory and equitable utilisation and protection of marine and coastal resources. The project focuses on:

(i)Strengthening conservation and sustainable management of fisheries and marine and coastal aprotected areas in MIMP and CFMAs in Mafia, Kibiti and Kilwa.(ii) Building economic resilience through improved and diversifications of Community Microfinance Groups (CMGs) and livelihood enterprise groups in the project area (iii) Supporting infrastructure development (market handling facilities for improved prices, catch records, levy collection and sanitary condition) and shared understanding of the importance of protection and sustainable resource management of coastal ecosystems for community wellbeing and income generation (iv) Dissemination of project experience, lessons and accumulated knowledge on the protection and sustainable use of marine and coastal resources (v) Supporting skill development and capacity building with relevant institutions and community groups. Together these measures will significantly strengthen the resilience of the outstanding nature and secure the future of coastal communities depending on coastal and marine resources.

YOUR POSITION WITH WWF TCO

The Fisheries Officer will work to support, develop, coordinate and implement REMAGO related activities in Kibiti, Mafia and Kilwa Districts, reporting to the Project Executant. The position is based at WWF Kilwa office working closely and in collaboration with Districts Fisheries Officers, Marine Island Marine Park focal person District Environmental officers, TFS in-charge of districts, districts community development officers, district educational and cultural officer, district cooperative officer, district engineer and other related professionals.      S/He will also collaborate with CBO Networks, fishers, local community, fishing and seaweed sector partners, and other government and non-government organizations in the project areas.

MAIN FUNCTION

The Fisheries Officer will work to support the implementation of the project to strengthen community capacity in management and conservation of marine and costal resources for improved economic wellbeing of coastal communities in Rufiji, Kibiti and Kilwa through sustainable, participatory and equitable utilization and protection of marine and coastal resources in the project area to maintain and improve its ecological value and livelihoods of the people and nature. The Officer contributes to strengthening BMUs, VLCs and CFMAs, fisheries and ocean-related livelihoods and completion and extension of the Somanga Fish Market. This effort is aimed at improving the accuracy and completeness of fisheries catch statistics (e-CAS), enhancing the quality of fish products, improving market information systems, and reducing post-harvest losses. This position is based at the WWF Kilwa Office, with regular field travel to the surrounding villages and districts.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides technical input on the implementation of the project to improve fisheries and governance of local management bodies (BMUs), Collaborative Fisheries Management Areas (CFMAs), and VLC in Mafia Island Marine Park (MIMP).
• Contributes to project management, reporting, monitoring and evaluation as needed.
• Contributes to drafting semi-annual and annual technical progress reports and any other reports as may be required.
• Participates and provides technical input in preparation of work plans and budgets for the project.
• Supports implementation of WWF TCO Conservation Strategic Plan (CSP3);
• Supports the implementation of project-related Livelihood and enterprise development within the project area.
• Supports the development of integrated conservation and investment opportunities for Somanga fish market and provides technical guidance by engaging relevant actors (e.g. private sector partners). on ecological, investment and local livelihood values.
• Takes leadership in development of Somanga fish market business plan and financial flow projections to ensure the sustainability of the market hub.
• Works together to maintain internal unity with trustworthy and reliability with Somanga fish market project construction and supervision team, related committees, local leaders, BMUs and the entire community members in Somanga North and South Villages in all situations.
• Undertake frequent community and district consultations, through formal and informal meetings to facilitate Somanga fish market construction and other project activities.
• Provide technical support for the preparation of contracts with third parties and partner institutions in consultation with the Project Officer and Programme Lead.
• Interacts with District high officials, technical staff, partner NGOs, CBOs and coastal communities with strong moral principles and sincerity in the project area.
• Pays frequent visits to Somanga fish market project area throughout the implementation process and monitors all construction steps by keeping records, data, and all related information.
• Builds capacity and demonstrates sustainable community-based management practices through existing community-led initiative frameworks such as Beach Management Units, CBOs, women and youth groups, Village Liaison Committees to create unity and
• Supports community-led institutions and builds capacity on surveillance, monitoring, and enforcement against illegal fishing and mangrove deforestation to ensure fish production and diversity are attained.
• Supports community-based enterprises development (incl. VICOBA/CMGs) that incentivizes sustainable fishing practices and works with partners to engage upfront fishing industry players and eco-label organizations on supply chain practices.
• Co-ordinates relevant training and capacity-building related to marine resource management for communities, MPA managers, District staff and partner organizations.
• Liaise regularly with relevant partners and gains cooperation to accomplish project goals.
• Heads the WWF Kilwa Office and manages technical and non-technical staff and equipment such as vehicles, camping facilities, computers and office furniture. He/she should ensure good security, an appropriate internet connection and good sanitary conditions
• Carry other duties as may be required by Project Executant and Seascape Programme Lead and others that will be directed from the channel above. The position may involve working in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. It may also involve travelling evening and weekends.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in aquatic sciences and Fisheries, Marine Sciences and Natural Resource Management or a related field.  A master’s degree is an added advantage.
• At least (3) years of relevant professional experience in coastal and marine resource management and fisheries co-management.
• Understanding of, and sensitivity towards, the culture and livelihoods context of rural coastal communities in Tanzania.
• A proven ability to work effectively without direct supervision, working in a team and willing to travel regularly and to stay for periods in remote coastal areas and travelling at short notice.
• Very strong knowledge on field work, research and training skills, analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision and high technical savvy (having extensive, practical knowledge and skills in modern technology, enabling him/her to operate, understand, and effectively apply digital tools and concepts.
• Very good oral and verbal communication skills in both Kiswahili and English and writing project field stories.
• High level of computer literacy (especially MS Word and Excel) and technical report.

Working relationships

Internal

• Will liaise with the SPO and WWF Marine Programme Lead on relevant project aspects, with the WWF programme finance on financial matters and livelihood project team.

External

• Interactfrequently with District Government officials, especially from Fisheries departments, technical District officials and project areas, market construction committees and the coastal communities in the project area.
• Interact frequently with WWF specific staff and GIZ focal person for Somanga market renovation.

This job description covers the main tasks and conveys the spirit of the sort of tasks that are anticipated proactively by staff.  Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to organizational needs.