Technical Expert, Marine Ecosystems & Sustainable Aquaculture (Contingent on Funding)

Overview of the Position:
CorpsAfrica seeks the immediate assistance of a technical expert to join the proposal development of the five-year activity, with the potential for future project involvement. The proposed project aims to improve marine ecosystems for coastal communities in West Africa and promote livelihood activities with local aquaculture. Activities will address marine pollution by implementing effective prevention measures and working with local associations, particularly women’s groups, to manage marine resources sustainably and promote their economic viability. Additional activities may include: developing and implementing educational programs to raise awareness among coastal communities about the importance of marine conservation and sustainable aquaculture practices and providing training and capacity-building workshops for local aquaculture farmers on best practices for sustainable fishing and aquaculture techniques.

We are seeking a technical expert with 5-7 or more years experience in one or multiple of the following technical areas:

• Marine Conservation and Sustainable Management
• Marine Pollution Prevention and Management
• Coastal Resilience and Community Development
• Small-scale fisheries management
• Sustainable Aquaculture
• Conservation focus on main marine ecosystems expertise in the one or more of the following areas: Coral reef; Mangroves; Seagrass meadows; Kelp forests; Estuaries and deltas; Lagoons; Salt marsh; Intertidal zone; Ocean surface; Deep sea & sea floor

Anticipated Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the project team to develop a comprehensive proposal for the five-year activity, ensuring alignment with project goals and objectives
• Provide specialized knowledge and expertise in one or more of the following technical areas:
  • Marine Conservation and Sustainable Management
  • Marine Pollution Prevention and Management
  • Coastal Resilience and Community Development
  • Small-scale Fisheries Management
  • Sustainable Aquaculture
  • Conservation focus on main marine ecosystems expertise in the one or more of the following areas: Coral reef; Mangroves; Seagrass meadows; Kelp forests; Estuaries and deltas; Lagoons; Salt marsh; Intertidal zone; Ocean surface; Deep sea & sea floor
• Assist in developing strategies and action plans for improving marine ecosystems and promoting sustainable aquaculture practices within coastal communities.
• Conduct training sessions and workshops to build the capacity of local stakeholders, including women’s groups and aquaculture farmers, on best practices for sustainable fishing, aquaculture techniques, and marine conservation.
• Foster partnerships with local associations, government agencies, NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders to facilitate project implementation and maximize impact.
• Develop and train on educational programs aimed at raising awareness among coastal communities about the importance of marine conservation and sustainable aquaculture practices.
• Design monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track project progress and outcomes, and provide regular reports to project stakeholders.
• Provide technical advice and guidance to project staff and partners throughout project implementation to ensure adherence to best practices and achievement of project objectives.
• Ensure compliance with relevant environmental regulations and standards, and advocate for policies that support marine conservation and sustainable aquaculture practices at local, national, and regional levels.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Fisheries Management, Aquaculture, or a related field is preferred.
• 5-7 years or more of professional experience in one or more of the technical areas listed above.
• Demonstrated experience in working with coastal communities, preferably in West Africa, on marine conservation and livelihood improvement projects.
• Proven track record of successful proposal development and project management.
• Familiarity with best practices, techniques, and technologies related to marine conservation, pollution prevention, and sustainable aquaculture.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, NGOs, and donors.
• Proficiency in project management, including planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in French and/or local languages spoken in West Africa is highly desirable.