Programme Manager - Worldfish at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

About the Project

Animals, plants and microorganisms harvested and grown in water play a significant role in sustainably feeding and nourishing the world. Globally, 800 million people depend on small-scale fisheries and aquaculture for their livelihoods. But these vital aquatic food systems are hindered by the insecure livelihoods of those in related jobs, their low capacity to adapt to climate change, and the loss of marine nature. 

The Asia-Africa BlueTech Superhighway project, supported through the UK’s Climate and Ocean Adaptation and Sustainable Transition (COAST) program under the umbrella of the Blue Planet Fund (BPF), will focus on enabling communities to adapt to and mitigate against climate change as well as responsibly and sustainably manage marine and coastal nature and resources resulting in improved food and nutritional security as well as employment and income opportunities.  The project will be implemented in two phases over seven years, starting with Phase 1 in Bangladesh, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Tanzania.

Key Responsibilities

This role provides leadership in the strategic development and management of the AABS portfolio in country, engagement with new and existing partners, fostering collaborations with national and local partners and serves as the WorldFish contact for the AABS project to the donor (FCDO and BPF). 

Country Project Management and Implementation:

• Lead the management of the AABS project in the country across all work packages, knowledge management and communications, actively contributing to work planning, budgeting, partner engagement and implementation, ensuring it aligns with FCDO’s Blue Planet Fund and COAST priorities.  
• Ensure strong linkages between the country project and the overall global program, providing necessary data, reports, and inputs to ensure alignment, knowledge sharing and timely delivery.
• Oversee the delivery, monitoring, and reporting of the project in Kenya and ensure that the country-level activities feed into the program outcome and MEL system.
• Support country-based scientist and sub-partners to ensure work is implemented in a coordinated way across technical areas.
• Efficiently manage resources, ensuring adequate human, financial, and material assets to ensure timely and quality project implementation.
• Take overall responsibility for the project management process, including implementation, budgeting, risk management, data management, and financial reporting.

Representation, Engagement:

• Develop and manage relationships with the donor (FCDO), the government, and local stakeholders, effectively representing WorldFish’s interests.
• Stay informed about donor and government priorities, country plans and initiatives, and adjust accordingly to ensure alignment with AABS objectives.
• Coordinate WF’s engagement with other BPF and FCDO programs to ensure alignment and knowledge sharing. 
• Represent AABS at national, and when required, regional and global forums on project management related issues.
• Collaborate with AABS staff and partners to align research projects with national priorities, BPF strategies and FCDO’s goals.
• Guide the dissemination and uptake of research findings through stakeholder engagement and through coordination with communication teams.

Budget management

• Support development of the budget across technical areas, guiding budget inputs.
• Monitor the financial position of the country project and ensure alignment with the overall program budget. 

General

• Undertake other tasks as appropriate, as discussed with the Supervisor and WorldFish leadership.

Requirements

• A Master’s in relevant disciplines such as fisheries, aquaculture, aquatic resources management, international development, environmental science, or related fields, with a minimum of 7 years’ experience in leading research projects.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or similar qualification
• Proficiency in English and Swahili.
• Effective stakeholder engagement and conflict management.
• People and team management, promoting diversity and inclusion and fostering staff wellbeing.
• Excellent communication skills for different audiences.
• Regular travel within the country, broader region and globally as required.
• Regular office attendance, encouraging strong attendance across the wider team.
• Skills in program management, personnel management, and interdisciplinary team leadership.
• Track record of building partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including senior decision-makers and donor agencies.
• Understanding of marine and coastal resources and food system challenges in Kenya.