Managing Director

Organisation: marinecultures.org (mc)
Place of work: Jambiani - Unguja, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Start of work: from autumn 2024
Scope of work: 2 days/week

mc supports people in coastal regions of Zanzibar and Tanzania in the development and application of sustainable methods for utilising the sea. This includes the reforestation of coral reefs and the training of coral gardeners, the establishment of protected areas or closed seasons, the development of aquaculture projects, etc. The local population is always involved in the development of our projects from the outset, is trained accordingly and carries out the majority of the work. Cooperation with local authorities, tourism stakeholders and researchers in the field of aquaculture and marine conservation is of critical importance to the success and longevity of the project..

mc is a non-profit organisation founded in 2008 as an association based in Zurich, Switzerland, and registered as an NGO in Zanzibar. It is based in Jambiani on the east coast of Zanzibar. mc is financed by membership fees, donations and project contributions. Strategically, mc is supported by an executive board in Switzerland and an advisory committee in Zanzibar. mc currently employs a managing director, two project managers (one of whom is employed until the end of 2024), four coral farmers and has two boat captains.
Our co-founder and long-standing local managing director is retiring at the end of 2024. We will be looking for a new Managing Director starting Q3 2024.
The funding for the current projects guarantees employment for the next 2-3 years at a workload of 2 days/week. It is the responsibility of the Managing Director with assistance of the Executive Board to acquire new projects and financing by mid-2026 at the latest. We offer a position with a lot of development potential.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The new Managing Director of mc is a doer and creative thinker. He/she is willing to get involved in exciting and varied day-to-day business with a motivated team. She is keen to develop new, innovative projects and seek the necessary funding. She is prepared to commit to a small, expandable project on a long-term basis and on-site. She should be comfortable in challenging situations and be able to work independently, but also lead a team in a respectful and co-operative manner. It is crucial that cooperation with the local community is deepened and that the mc culture is cultivated and further developed. The ability to engage with the Zanzibari culture and an affinity for the sea are essential.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

Operational management

  • Maintaining ongoing operations
  • Monitoring co-operation with government agencies, project partners, etc.
  • Development of new methods as required (e.g. working methods, farming concepts, etc.), provision of expertise
  • Troubleshooting and advising employees on technical and organisational issues
  • Team meetings in collaboration with the project manager
  • Monitoring and review of all activities
  • Regular reporting to the Board of Directors and the Zanzibari government
  • Semi-annual online meetings with the Swiss Board and on-site with the Zanzibar Board

Personnel management

  • Supervision and mentoring of all employees
  • Advising the project manager on how to improve programme implementation
  • Advising the project manager on questions relating to taxes, insurances, authorisations and the like

Financial management

  • Short and long-term budgeting together with the project manager and Management Board
  • Monitoring of externally managed accounting
  • Cash-flow management and annual financial statements
  • Controling of payment transactions

Communication

  • Updating and maintaining the mc website and Instagram account
  • Creation of regular newsletters
  • Management of important donors and financial partners
  • Support for enquiries via e-mail
  • Monitoring communication with the representatives of the local community

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education and training

  • A university degree in marine sciences, ecology, biology, climate protection, development or related sciences is an advantage but not mandatory; or other equivalent education

Experience

  • Leading position in an NGO or similar organisation in the field of natural resource management - preferably in East Africa
  • Management of a team
  • Experience in dealing with various stakeholders, interest groups and players
  • Experience in analysing and evaluating projects and developing corrective measures

Further requirements:

  • Good analytical and writing skills and good IT skills
  • Good written and spoken English skills
  • Knowledge of Swahili is an advantage

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

  • Go to our website for more relevant information
  • Further information on the advertised position please contact
  • Serious and committed applicants are invited to apply online. Follow this link

>> https://forms.gle/o3HZZJZy9DyjfBFz6