Programme Manager, Fisheries, Kiribati

Job Description

Summary of the Programme
Tobwan Waara 3 (TW3) aims to support the Government of Kiribati to achieve its goal to maintain a healthy marine resource base and to address sustainable fisheries aspirations so that current and future generations of I-Kiribati experience economic stability and food security. This will be achieved by implementation of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resource Development (MFMRD) Ministry Strategic Plan 2024-2028.

About the Job
Contracted with Cowater International New Zealand and working directly with local staff, the TW3 Programme Manager will facilitate a functional review of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Department’s (MFMRD) technical assistance needs and provide advice to the Cowater Project Manager in consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade New Zealand (MFAT) and MFMRD on the technical advisor (TA) expertise required.

MFMRD will be the primary in-country partner for the TW3 Programme Manager. The TW3 Programme Manager will also work with other line-ministries such as the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agriculture Development (MELAD), the Ministry of Culture and Internal Affairs (MCIA), the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MFED) and other relevant Ministries as may be required.

The TW3 Programme Manager and technical advisors will support MFMRD to achieve the desired outcomes in the approved investment areas set out in the MFMRD Strategic Plan 2024-2028.

Key Responsibilities

• Strengthen MFMRD and sector capacity/capability (people, systems, procedures, equipment, infrastructure and data) to enable Kiribati to efficiently and effectively monitor, manage and develop its fisheries and marine resources.
• Support the MFMRD in the implementation of its Strategic Plan 2024-2028 including the development of divisional operational plans that support the achievement of it’s Key Result Areas and Key Strategic Actions, and reporting on the associated indicators in the Strategic Plan’s Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.
• Enhance governance framework/structures, enforceability mechanisms, research environmental protections and stakeholder engagement to enable Kiribati to sustainably manage offshore, coastal, aquaculture fisheries and marine resources and maintaining a healthy marine resource base and healthy, marine biodiversity and ecosystems within Kiribati waters; and
• Address gaps in quality research, advice, policies, plans processes, infrastructure, equipment and services to ensure there is an enabling environment and feasible paths for Kiribati to sustainably and inclusively develop the offshore, coastal and aquaculture fisheries and marine resources.
• Technical advisor services will be employed and approved by the Managing Contractor. This will be based off MFMRD’s needs and with its agreement – as identified by the Programme Manager’s engagement with them – and in consultation with MFAT. The Programme Manager and the Cowater Project Manager will create the terms of reference (ToRs) for the relevant technical advisors.
• Consolidate the reporting of any technical advisors employed against MFMRD’s strategic plan. With knowledge of fisheries development and management, the Programme Manager will identify and engage services that address emergent MFMRD capacity and capability gaps, and support MFMRD to scale-up its delivery should additional donor funding become available.

The IDEAL CANDIDATE will be committed to the full contract period and will have:

Relevant technical experience.

• A tertiary qualification in a relevant field such as programme management, policy and planning, education, or social/behavioural science.
• Experience in advising, mentoring, motivating and transferring skills to staff and stakeholders in a small Pacific country context.
• Knowledge and understanding of fisheries sector and those with fisheries technical expertise.
• Understanding of institutional reform within organisations and how to manage change.
• Experience engaging with regional sector entities and forums.
• Knowledge of current NZ programmes related to fisheries/MPI Te Patui and regional initiatives.

Project management experience.

• A minimum of eight years’ experience in managing or coordinating programmes and/or projects, including experience in adaptive and integrated management.
• Demonstrated experience in establishing and implementing sound programme management, results monitoring and evaluation, and financial management systems.
• Knowledge of good procurement and contract management practice.
• Demonstrated experience in managing performance of programme team members.
• Knowledge of organisational development is highly desirable.
• Experience in managing and reporting on donor funds and working on development assistance projects is desirable.
• Previous experience living and working in a developing country (particularly in the Pacific) is highly desirable.
• Has excellent oral and written communication skills in English, with a proven ability to produce timely and high-quality reports and annual workplans required by MFAT and MFMRD.
• Competent in Microsoft Project, Excel, and Word.

Desired personal attributes.

• An understanding of the Kiribati institutional and cultural context is desirable.
• Has strong relationship building skills and is able to interact confidently with senior-level officials and facilitate meetings with key stakeholders.
• Has excellent cross-cultural communication skills.
• An ability to speak or learn I-Kiribati is desirable.
• Able to establish rapport, communicate effectively, and work with, people of diverse cultures, backgrounds and education.
• Able to work independently with limited supervision.
• Is politically sensitive and able to engage with stakeholders (including key public sector staff) and adjust approaches to obtain outcomes.
• Able to work in a complex and challenging work and living environment with the patience, creativity and tenacity to deal with institutional and cultural challenges.
• Shows a high level of integrity in all that they do and has a strong sense of timeliness and responsibility in completing tasks.

Employment Conditions

• The hired TW3 Programme Manager will be based in South Tarawa, Kiribati, and contracted with Cowater International New Zealand for the contract period of 42 months, estimated start date of January 2025.
• MFMRD will assure the availability of office space, and internet. Mobile phone data and voice re-charge costs with Vodafone Tarawa will be reimbursed on provision of receipt of payments.
• Note: The Programme Manager will provide their own mobile phone and laptop.

Remuneration

• Remuneration will depend on the experience and capabilities of the appointee.
• Per diems will be used primarily for accommodation and meals. Other incidentals may need approval by the Managing Contractor.
• Necessary road transport in Kiribati will be provided. Fuel costs will be reimbursed on provision of payment receipts.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as followed: Candidate Last Name, First Name, Date, Title of the Position.

Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.

We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.

About the Organization

Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Montreal, Nairobi, and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2017.