Executive Director

The Organisation

Sea Sense is a national NGO (registered in Tanzania) and our mission is to conserve and protect marine biodiversity and promote the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources. A quarter
of Tanzania’s population lives in the coastal zone and relies on the productivity associated with
marine and coastal ecosystems for their income and food security. This ‘natural capital’ contributes significantly to the welfare of coastal people and plays a critical role in sustainable
economic development.

Sea Sense first set out on its journey 20 years ago, originally with a narrower focus to
address the myriad threats facing endangered marine species in Tanzania, in particular marine turtles and
dugong. Since then, tens of thousands of coastal people have engaged in marine wildlife conservation
and education initiatives led by Sea Sense. Marine turtle poachers of the past have become
ambassadors for conservation in their communities today, and the central Tanzania coast has been declared a
site of regional importance to marine turtles, thanks to the hard work and dedication of coastal communities.

Sea Sense’s community-based approach, now applied to a wider sphere of marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable artisanal fisheries co-management, as well as a firm commitment to conservation actions that provide benefits to people as well as biodiversity, have been at the
root of its enduring success to date. More information about our current projects can be found on our
website seasense.or.tz.

Working with the Government of Tanzania and in partnership with coastal communities, Sea Sense designs and implements innovative work programmes to achieve national biodiversity targets and promote the sustainable management and development of the small-scale fisheries sector.
Targeted actions are implemented across four key programme areas: research and conservation; education and outreach; capacity development; and governance and leadership. Sea Sense work contributes
to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular, poverty eradication (SDG#1); food security and improved nutrition (SDG#2); gender equality (SDG#5); decent work and sustainable economic growth (SDG#8); and sustainable use of ocean resources (SDG#14).

Overview of the Role

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall management and strategic development of
the organisation. He/she manages a small, dynamic team of professionals who plan and implement conservation and community development work programmes in line with the Sea Sense mission and vision. The Executive Director is also responsible for identifying and securing funds to
support the implementation of the Sea Sense Five Year Strategic Plan; overseeing the smooth operation of
the organization’s accounting and financial systems; reporting on programme outcomes to donors, supporters and the Advisory Board; and ensuring compliance with all NGO, finance and tax laws
and regulations in Tanzania.

The Executive Director reports to the Sea Sense Advisory Board.

The position is located at the Sea Sense HQ in Dar es Salaam and involves occasional travel to
rural coastal areas.

Specific Responsibilities

• Oversee the implementation of the Sea Sense 5-year Strategic Plan.
• Coordinate the design and planning of marine conservation and community development programmes that include strategies for the engagement of women and youth.
• Prepare annual and quarterly budgets and work plans.
• Manage staff and ensure that all team and individual responsibilities are fulfilled in a professional and timely manner.
• Manage donor contracts including technical and financial reporting.
• Oversee financial and administrative operations of the organization.
• Implement organizational policies and procedures established by the Advisory Board.
• Ensure compliance with all laws and regulations pertaining to NGO operations including financial management and taxation.
• Raise funds and mobilize resources to ensure the financial sustainability of Sea Sense.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with all stakeholders including coastal communities, government authorities, research institutions, donors and funding agencies and relevant national, regional and international bodies.
• Communicate Sea Sense success stories to partners, donors, stakeholders and the public through a range of media.
• Manage Sea Sense website and social media accounts.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of Sea Sense work programmes to ensure organizational effectiveness, efficiency and value for money.
• Perform duties as assigned by the Sea Sense Advisory Board.