World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
Position: Fisheries and Governance Officer
Reports to: WWF TCO Seascape Programme Lead
Location: Dar es Salaam

Summary:
The Fisheries Officer reports to the WWF TCO RUMAKI Plus Seascape Lead to implement the NORAD Sustainable Blue Economy (SBE) and Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing project, as well as the Marine Programme Strategy under the WWF Country Strategy for 2021-December 2025 and 2026-2030.

Scope of the Project:
Fisheries in the Southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO) Region, particularly in Tanzania, are under severe pressure from overfishing, Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fisheries, and the destruction of critical habitats for fish reproduction and feeding. Consequently, fish stocks, especially tuna and shrimp, are experiencing drastic declines in both small-scale and industrial fisheries, posing significant risks to the food security of coastal communities.

WWF TCO is implementing the NORAD Sustainable Blue Economy and IUU Fishing project, which aims to generate a shift among African and Tanzanian decision-makers and powerholders towards a Sustainable Blue Economy (SBE) by:

Strengthening the Voice and Influence of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs):
Enhance advocacy and decision-making capabilities of CSOs.
Supporting Policy Development and Implementation:
Develop, adopt, and implement SBE policies in Tanzania.
Ensure financial commitments to contribute to this initiative in collaboration with SWIO/SBE focal persons.
Engaging Financial Institutions:
Ensure the engagement of national and international financial institutions in advancing the SBE agenda in Tanzania.
Catalyze increased financial flows for investments and capacity-building initiatives in collaboration with the Programme Coordinator and WWF SWIO Fisheries and Policy Officer.
In collaboration with the Programme Coordinator and SWIO/SBE Project, the project aims to:

Ensure fair and equitable access to sustainable fisheries resources in Tanzania through collective decision-making by local and central governments.
Promote the adoption of innovative and robust management measures to combat IUU fishing, including the implementation of the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA).
Collaborate with the Deep Sea Fishing Authority (DSFA) on matters related to Minimum Terms and Conditions (MTCs), Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), collection of catch records at Tanzanian landing sites, IUU fishing, and other related policy aspects.
Support the Tanzanian government with policy recommendations that highlight the advantages of adopting SBE principles and strong anti-IUU fishing policies.
Strengthen the capacity of CSOs in Tanzania, focusing on financial management, organizational capacity, leadership skills, SBE, and other related policy advocacy skills.
Influence the private and public sectors to finance SBE-based investments.
Main Functions:
Provide Strategic and Operational Support to CSO Partners:
Support CSOs involved in Blue Economy policy and processes.
Ensure close communication and coordination with national, regional, and global partners throughout programme implementation.
Undertake annual CSO capacity evaluations in partnership with the MEL officer to assess efficiency and effectiveness.
Conduct CSO needs assessments and develop and implement CSO capacity development plans (technical and financial).
Support the development and implementation of CSO partners’ advocacy plans at the national level.
Build CSO capacity (technical and institutional) in engaging with government entities.
Programme Management and Coordination:
Contribute to programme management and coordination efforts.
Support the programme in assessing the implementation of risk mitigation measures identified in the programme project’s risk matrix.
Contribute to the development of programme technical reports, ensuring related indicators for fisheries and policy are fully assessed and achieved.
Participate in monthly coordination meetings for SWIO/SBE on behalf of the Programme Coordinator, providing well-prepared reports and presentations.
Desired Skills and Qualifications:
Educational Background:
Advanced degree in Natural Resource Governance, Project Management, International Fisheries Management, Social Science with some knowledge in fisheries management, Political Science, Aquatic Science, or a related field as required.
Experience:
At least 5 years of experience in the Indian Ocean, including a strong international component.
Demonstrable experience in engaging with local and international Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Deep Sea Fishing Authority, and International Development partners.
Experience in engaging with regional NGOs such as WIOMSA, WIO Mangrove Networks, CORDIO, and others.
Proven ability as a fast-trainable project manager in complex environments with multi-tasking capabilities.
Experience in the development and implementation of online and in-person training and workshops.
Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience are appreciated.
Willingness and ability to undertake extended periods of field travel domestically and around the SWIO/WIO regions.
Skills:
Excellent interpersonal skills, including advanced presentation and facilitation experience.
Experience in participatory approaches and working with government, counterpart agencies, NGOs, private sector, community-based organizations, and regional fisheries organizations.
Effective and clear communication skills (writing and speaking).
Proven success and experience in writing activity concept notes.
Understanding of Tanzania mainland and Zanzibar BE goals and progress.
Politically savvy within the national and SWIO regional context.
Required Skills and Competencies:
Ability to coordinate government teams and Tanzania-based international NGO teams.
Extensive and demonstrable knowledge of marine capture fisheries and conservation strategies for sustainable fisheries management.
Extensive and demonstrable knowledge of policy/governance and resource management.
Working Relationships:
Internal:

Ensure regular communication with the Programme Coordinator, Tuna Alliance (Tanzania), and WWF’s Ocean Practice.
Maintain functional technical oversight through regular communication with the Programme Coordinator.
Build and maintain institutional relationships with key partners to ensure lasting local capacity and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
External:

Forge and maintain relationships with key external partners, including CSOs and local NGOs.