Site Conservation Technical Advisor for Lake Natron Ramsar Site

The Wildlife Conservation Society Tanzania is a non-governmental and non-profit-making organization, which was established in 1988, and committed to the conservation of Flora, Fauna and in general, the environment of Tanzania. The Society actively participates in the conservation of the environment and advocacy for sustainable utilization of natural resources.

The WCST vision is to strive to ensure that Tanzanian community participates in conserving biodiversity and that biodiversity is equitably and sustainably used for the improved livelihoods.

Lake Natron Ramsar Site wetland ecosystem and its associated livelihoods in Tanzania is the major global breeding site for the near-threatened Lesser (accounting for 75% of the global population). The project aims at testing and developing wise use CBNRM processes to provide lessons learned that can be synthesized and disseminated widely, as guidelines to enhance community conservation initiatives for threatened wetlands in Africa, that are important to Lesser Flamingo. The main objectives of the project are: 1) enhanced protection of Lake Natron, 2) Strengthening and maintaining a constituency for conservation of Lake Natron and 3) Developing and disseminating guidelines and tools

Given the above situation, WCST is re-advertising the position of Site Conservation Technical advisor for Lake Natron Ramsar Site in Ngorongoro and Longido Districts.

Terms of Responsibilities for the Site Conservation Technical Advisor for Lake Natron Project

Candidate Profile Requirements:

The minimum qualification is holder of at least a BSc degree in natural resources or environmental sciences. The candidate must have demonstrable experience in project management in the field of natural resources and environment. Ability to bring new and innovative ideas to the concept of Community Based Natural Resources Management in a project where collaboration is with a number of stakeholders. Visionary and ability to absorb policy, legal and political issues to reinforce management approaches. A good understanding and up to date working knowledge on Tanzanian Wetlands guidelines as well as the working relationships between Ramsar Conversion Secretariat with party States. Conversant on the Precautionary Principal and wise use of resources. The candidate must have a proven working track record backed by good delivery and accomplishment in the development and management of community income generating activities projects.

The candidate must have the ability to work in remote areas in multi-tasking fashion, to take own initiatives and to manage time and capacity efficiently. Should possess strong interpersonal communication and good in verbal and written communication skills in both English and Kiswahili.

2.1 The specific duties include:

2.1.1 Provide technical support and studies to the Lake Natron Ramsar Site Management which is one of the areas under the Sustainable Wetlands Unit of the Wildlife Division in the Ministry of Natural resources and Tourism; within the Districts of Longido and Ngorongoro and the local communities for both development and implementation of an Integrated Management Plan on Lake Natron Ramsar Site

2.1.2. Technically assist in the process for the development and gazettement of Wildlife Management Areas and the creation of a non go zone (Wetland Reserve) dedicated to Lesser Flamingo and the Alcalapia (the endemic cichlids) and protected under national and international legislations.

2.1.3 Organise institutional frameworks for CBNRM, for local development coordination. Play a catalytic role in supporting meetings and training sessions to facilitate dialogue and engagement of stakeholders (local communities, government structures and the civil society) to engage effectively in the conservation of Lake Natron Ramsar Site.

2.1.4 Raise awareness amongst local user groups to high level decision makers for informed wise use and integrated management planning for the Lake Natron Ramsar Site

2.1.5 Institute cost-effectiveness and robust biodiversity and livelihoods linked research. Monitoring to service an "Early Warning System" that will deliver information on trends between human activities and bird populations, changes in habitat conditions, threats and effectiveness of management interventions (to be commissioned as a local PhD study to build national capacity).

2.1.5. Provide accurate and up to date economic and science based information to politicians, donors, the media, local communities, the business community and other key stakeholders to facilitate good decision making and awareness of progress in the conservation and sustainable management of Lake Natron Ramsar Site.

2.1.6 Advise on the development of a trans-boundary and basin-wide institutional and community networks at key nodes in the basin. Building local capacity to sustainably use of the basin's ecosystem services, (i.e. implementing the regional proposal to Ramsar dated 1.April.08).

2.1.7 Develop the organizational capacity of selected local community groups and district managers (in the above networks) organizing training for them to establish, plan and manage sustainable community nature-based enterprises in the Lake Natron ecosystem.

2.1.8. Establish a revolving community micro-project fund to change practice from current unsustainable investments, into wetlands friendly investments, to ensure access of benefits to an increasing proportion of local community members drawn from tangible economic enterprises such that they will actively want to engage and manage the biodiversity and other ecosystem services of the Lake Natron ecosystem, for their benefit.

2.1.9 Mainstream the use of these guidelines for advocacy within key conservation networks in Africa.

3. This is a Senior Management Position whose remuneration is negotiable based on qualification and experience