Technical Project Manager Specialised In Marine And Costal Environment

JOB DESCRIPTION

 TECHNICAL PROJECT MANAGER

SPECIALISED IN MARINE AND COASTAL ENVIRONMENT

Oikos | Founded on 23 February 1988 in Portugal, Oikos - Cooperação e Desenvolvimento is a non-profit association, internationally recognised as a Non-Governmental Organisation for Development (NGDO/INGO).

Oikos is always available to coordinate its intervention with public and private organisations that share the same values, objectives and mission of eradicating poverty and developing sustainable solutions that promote the right to a dignified life.

Since 2000, Oikos has had Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

In São Tomé and Príncipe, Oikos began its intervention in 2015. Currently, Oikos' portfolio in STP consists of 6 projects in the implementation phase and one that will start soon, focussing on the strategic axes of “Environment and Climate Change”, “Food Security and Local Economy” and, more recently, “Citizenship and Human Rights”.  Oikos STP has an international team of 15 people.

Actions 

1) The project ‘Kike da Mungu - Establishing a network of marine protected areas in São Tomé and Príncipe through a co-management approach’ (01-10-2018 /30 - 09 -2024) is being implemented by a consortium of the NGOs F&F (Fauna & Flora), Oikos - Cooperation and Development, MARAPA (Mar Ambiente e Pesca Artesanal) and Fundação Príncipe, with funding from the Blue Action Fund (BAF). Its aim is to establish new marine protected areas, managed through a shared governance approach for fisheries resources and participatory, territorial and ecosystem-based management on the archipelago's two islands.

As part of the implementation of this project, OIKOS and MARAPA are working mainly on the island of São Tomé, and F&F and FPT on the island of Príncipe, with F&F being responsible for the overall leadership and coordination of the project.

Targeting fishermen and “palaiês” with an interest in the fishery resources of both islands (São Tomé and Príncipe) as well as local technicians and leaders in the fisheries, environment, protected areas and coastguard/port captaincy sectors, the project aims to achieve three main results:

- R1: Creation of a network of co-ordinated MPAs around São Tomé and Príncipe;

- R2: Obtaining the engagement and support of the fishing communities interested in the co-management mechanisms negotiated for the MPAs;

- R3: Improving the conditions for artisanal fishermen to catch fish and the economic valorisation of fishery products;

In order to achieve these results, a series of specific activities are planned in various fishing communities on the island of Príncipe, as well as on the island of São Tomé, which are inherent to the needs in terms of research, consultation with the project's stakeholders and economic support for the beneficiaries.

2) The project ‘PROMOTING MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVENESS TO SUPPORT SUSTAINABILITY AND EXPANSION OF MPA NETWORKS IN SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE’ (01-01-2023 to 28-02-2026) implemented by the consortium of NGOs F&F (Fauna & Flora), Oikos - Cooperation and Development, MARAPA (Mar Ambiente e Pesca Artesanal) and Fundação Príncipe, with funding from RainForest Trust, Bohemian Foundation and Ocean 5). This project aims to conserve and protect marine biodiversity, the sustainability of fisheries and the livelihoods of households dependent on marine resources in São Tomé and Príncipe, through the effective implementation, management and expansion of the country's first co-designed network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

Five objectives have been defined:

• Objective 1: The proposed MPAs (due for designation in 2023) are managed effectively using a community co-management approach;
• Objective 2: The MPAs' co-management approach gains recognition and support from communities and the government.
• Objective 3: Coastal communities are enabled and empowered to diversify livelihoods, increasing their well-being and resilience and reducing dependence on marine resources;
• Objective 4: Political support and capacity to improve and expand marine protection at the national level are strengthened and increased;
• Objective 5: Catalyse the development of sustainable financing mechanisms to support the management costs of MPAs.

3) The ‘Economic and Environmental Valorisation of São Tomé's Priority Mangroves’ project (01-01-2023 - 31-12-2025), implemented by Oikos, with funding from Camões, IP. This project aims to improve the living conditions of coastal communities through the valorisation, sustainable use and participatory management of priority coastal ecosystems in São Tomé and Príncipe. The project's Specific Objective is ‘To strengthen the processes of sustainable use, recovery and environmental monitoring of 2 mangrove areas on the island of São Tomé (Malanza and Praia das Conchas), through local participatory co-management initiatives centred on the communities’. To achieve this objective, 4 results were defined:

• R1 - Strengthened environmental awareness and participatory, shared and consensual management of 2 mangrove areas on the island of São Tomé (Malanza and Praia das Conchas).
• R2 - A mixed system for monitoring mangrove conditions has been established (valuing traditional knowledge and integrating modern methods).
• R3 - Improved mangrove conservation through the establishment of restoration methodologies and direct management of threats.
• R4 - Mangroves valued economically by promoting sustainable initiatives to exploit resources with a view to increasing family incomes.

Oikos is looking to recruit a Marine and Coastal Environment Project Manager to join the organisation's operational team.

Responsibilities

The Project Manager, under the supervision of the Oikos National Coordinator in São Tomé and Príncipe, will be responsible for the Marine and Coastal Environment technical component of Oikos projects in São Tomé and Príncipe, in accordance with the reference documents, contracts and agreements signed.

Her/his main functions and tasks will be as follows:

1. Institutional

• To liaise and interact with all the parties involved in the implementation of the Projects: mainly the implementing partners, funders and institutional players.
• Establishing and managing, with the support of the Oikos team and partners, relations and negotiations with São Tomé government bodies, which are necessary for the correct implementation of the Projects.
• Interacting with civil society and the communities targeted by the projects, through the implementation of the projects‘ activities and accompanying the interventions of the projects’ technical team for São Tomé and the representatives of the implementing partners at local level.
• Liaising with national and international project partners for project implementation,
• Support for the coordination and implementation of Oikos STP's fisheries and marine and coastal environment activities.
• Creating synergies with other Oikos and partner projects and initiatives.
• Participation in events related to the projects, representing Oikos and the projects and actions linked to the area of fisheries and the marine and coastal environment.

2. Management, Administration, Logistics

• In close co-operation with the Oikos Administrator in STP, ensure the smooth financial and operational management of the Projects, in accordance with Oikos‘ and the funders’ procedures.
• In collaboration with the Oikos Administrator in STP, and when necessary with Oikos headquarters, ensure the logistics of the Projects, monitor the purchasing processes for materials and equipment needed for the Projects.
• Management and administration in liaison with the coordination and administrative team, including administrative monitoring and financial execution.

3. Coordination, Monitoring

• Monitoring the technical and financial implementation of the Projects, both by Oikos and the local implementing partners in São Tomé.
• Supervising the work of the project team (technicians and extension workers in the field).
• Monitoring the progress of the implementation of project activities in the context of the expected results

4. Preparation of Reports

• Timely preparation of reports on activities implemented by Oikos. Monitoring the preparation of reports by local implementing partners.
• Liaising with the implementing partners for the preparation and presentation of technical and financial reports in collaboration with the Oikos Administrator in STP, and when necessary with Oikos headquarters.
• Ensure monthly monitoring of financial execution, in liaison with the Oikos Administrator in STP, and when necessary with Oikos headquarters.
• Producing work programmes and plans, as well as execution reports, following the procedures established within the consortium and by the funder.

5. Others

• Assist in identifying opportunities and formulating new project proposals in line with OIKOS's intervention strategy for São Tomé and Príncipe;
• Support the implementation of other actions (projects, provision of services, ...) within the scope of Artisanal Fishing and the Marine and Coastal Environment.
• ? Contribute to the visibility and communication of the project (interviews, production of media, animation of the Oikos website, ...) in liaison with the Communications Coordinator at headquarters when necessary.

Duration of the assignment

The candidate will be recruited full-time on a contract with Oikos for the duration of the project.

Working hours: 40 hours per week full-time. Flexibility in working hours is required, particularly during missions and activities in the field.

Location and conditions of the post

The Technical Manager will be based in the capital of São Tomé, at the OIKOS premises, travelling to the headquarters of the NGO MARAPA, in the city of São Tomé, and throughout the national territory.

The Technical Manager will have access to the project vehicle to carry out the activities, according to the terms of use defined by Oikos.

Other means of operation will be made available according to the needs and internal procedures of the Organisation.

Profile required

• Higher education in marine sciences, project management and the like (minimum degree).
• Knowledge of the artisanal fisheries sector (preferably in STP or African countries).
• Experience in managing development projects, preferably in the artisanal fisheries sector or conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems.
• Good computer skills (Word, Excel, web tools, operating systems).
• A driving licence for light vehicles.
• Good knowledge of spoken and written Portuguese. Proficiency in English will be considered an asset.
• Excellent interpersonal relations, a sense of initiative and the ability to work in a team and in isolation.
• Full-time availability and flexible hours for travelling to the field.
• Respect for and appreciation of local communities.
• Sensitivity to the conservation of biodiversity and natural resources and adherence to good environmental practices.

Required documents

To enable the candidate to be selected, the following documents are requested:

- An up-to-date CV, with notarised photocopies of diplomas and certificates relevant to the position.

- Letter of application outlining the motivation for the position.

On the basis of analysing these documents, only those shortlisted will be invited for an interview.

Submission of applications

By 06/06/2024 to admin.stp@oikos.pt , with the subject line ‘Marine and Coastal Technical Officer’.

Female candidates are strongly encouraged!