The position supports the Africa Fisheries Strategy Manager in advancing TNC’s Sustainable Aquaculture program in the WIO. They will apply a diversified knowledge of aquaculture-related scientific principles and practices to a broad variety of assignments, from research, analysis and writing, developing tools and frameworks, capacity building, strategy development, gender mainstreaming, project coordination and management to supporting and engagement with private sector seafood actors and traceability systems. They widely communicate solutions and best practices and engages support for WIO Aquaculture work within TNC and the conservation community as well as aquaculture groups. The Aquaculture Specialist establishes TNC as a major conservation partner in aquaculture, starting by upscaling the ongoing restorative seaweed aquaculture in Zanzibar Islands, mainland Tanzania and South Coast Kenya as well as crab farming initiative in Northern Coast of Kenya.

• Supports development and implementation of WIO aquaculture work with its focus on seaweed farming and help it grow from the current pilot phase to an established aquaculture program
• Expands the ongoing partnership and capacity building with seaweed farmers and purchasers on best farming practices through training, mentorship, and follow-ups of seaweed farmers in Tanzania and southern Kenya.
• Strengthens seaweed community groups, organizations, and stakeholder engagement; works with farmers, researchers, and supply chain actors to increase resiliency and sustainability of seaweed farming in the face of a changing climate.
• Integrates gender-responsive capacity development and ensures equitable benefits within coastal communities including supporting design and implementation of community gender actions plans
• Supports development of case studies, hosting of webinars and facilitating of learning exchanges for lessons and knowledge sharing on aquaculture projects
• Supports adoption of aquaculture-related nature-based solutions for livelihoods diversification within communities adjacent to mangrove forest in Kenya and Tanzania.
• Identifies and makes the case for the best opportunities for TNC engagement on aquaculture based on analyses of the market, ecological impacts, science and policy, type of aquaculture, partnerships, etc.
• Supports  writing of funding proposals and fundraising efforts as appropriate.
• Explores and establishes partnerships with farmers, public, private and NGO sector organizations to advance strategy objectives.
• Identifies and assists to launch aquaculture projects with other sectors (e.g., fish, shrimp, sea cucumbers or bivalves) based on the strategy and identified opportunities, support and track and report on development of these projects over time.
• May involve managing projects that requires cross-boundary work and relationships e.g., seaweed farming projects within and between southern coast Kenya, northern coast Tanzania and Pemba Island.
• Supports  development  and management of  work plans and large project budgets.
• Under minimal supervision, make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
• May involve working in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• May involve frequent travel domestically and/or internationally, evening and weekend hours.