Benguela Program Manager

**OFFICE LOCATION**:
Cape Town, South Africa

**WHO WE ARE**:
The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) Africa Oceans Strategy focuses on securing large scale ocean protection by supporting effective marine spatial planning and community-based conservation approaches. Our work seeks to establish sustainable financing (e.g. through Blue Bonds - debt conversion-based instruments) to enable conservation outcomes at large marine ecosystem scale, by supporting policy and regulatory frameworks, as well as local capacity, with emphasis on linking science and communities to habitat protection and management. TNC’s work on fisheries aims to safeguard productive marine and freshwater fisheries for ecosystem health and as important foundations of food and livelihood security. TNC has established partnerships with several non-government and government agencies to support fisheries and coastal community-based conservation throughout Africa.

**WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER**:
The Benguela Program Manager will lead design, development, and implementation of TNC’s activities in support of protection, science, stewardship, and community relations for the coastal and marine areas of the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (LME). This includes advancing capacity for and commitments to marine planning, management, and protection, as well as increasing transboundary cooperation, and helping strengthen regional ocean governance frameworks. They role will help advance TNC’s role as a major conservation partner within the marine community that connects Angola, Namibia and South Africa and help drive meaningful conservation outcomes at LME scale. The role includes overall project management responsibilities, development and oversight of partner relations, and management of donor relations to maintain financial support to the region. Where possible, this position will provide assistance to TNC global and regional teams for scoping activities for potential Blue Bonds (sustainable financing via debt conversion) projects within the region. The Benguela Program Manager will work dynamically and effectively with government and non-government partners and coastal community stakeholders to support local conservation efforts and negotiate complex and innovative solutions The The role will also advance TNC’s work in support of livelihood resilience through key engagements with coastal fishing communities. Working closely with TNC’s Africa and Global Oceans Teams, this position will report to the Africa Oceans Strategy Director and will be based at TNC’s office in Cape Town, South Africa (the option to be based in Luanda, Angola may also be considered). This is an initial three-year contract with possibility for extension dependent on funding. No employment visas or assistance is being offered with this position except for the local labor employment requirements.

**WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU**:
Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together.

We’re looking for someone who is passionate, motivated problem-solver. Our team in Africa is dedicated to ocean conservation. Come join us

**Roles & Responsibilities**
- Oversee implementation of the exciting new Blue Benguela Partnership - a partnership forged between TNC and the Blue Nature Alliance to facilitate long-term ocean conservation and ecosystem health outcomes for the region.
- Working with government and non-government stakeholders to define ocean conservation priorities and long-term conservation strategies aligned with ongoing marine spatial planning processes, as well as MPA expansion strategies and efforts to improve local fisheries management and combat IUU fishing.
- Build scientific and technical capacity at regional and country levels, help improve regional cooperation and ocean governance, and develop key partnerships with public and private organizations to identify and resolve technical issues and to promote integration of best practices.
- Lead and manage a project team and national implementation partners to ensure the effective implementation of national and regional workplans, including focus areas of marine spatial planning, MPA management and expansion, and fisheries management in each of