The Role
We are seeking a Global Mangrove Restoration Lead to spearhead our restoration efforts across West Africa. This is not a desk job—it requires extended periods in the field, working directly with West Africa Blue’s on-the-ground teams and local communities to restore vital mangrove ecosystems. You will lead assessments, design and implement restoration plans, mentor team members, and ensure our projects are delivered to the highest performance standards, on time and on budget. Your work will directly impact the health of coastal ecosystems and the livelihoods of communities in Sierra Leone, Guinea, and beyond.
Core Responsibilities
- Lead Field-Based Restoration: Conduct hands-on rehabilitation assessments and develop detailed restoration plans, focusing on community-based ecological mangrove restoration techniques.
- Mentor and Manage Teams: Train and support the management of local and international teams conducting restoration work, fostering a culture of collaboration, learning and accountability.
- Contract and Manage Specialist Consultants: Develops terms of reference, hire and manage consultants where specialist expertise or analysis is required.
- Design and Implement Solutions: Develop and oversee hydrological alterations and restoration strategies tailored to mangrove sites impacted by agricultural use and salt production.
- Budget and Workplan Management: Develop detailed budgets and workplans, and support Country Directors in ensuring projects are delivered on time and budget.
- Reporting and Collaboration: Liaise directly with leadership at West Africa Blue and external stakeholders, providing formal and informal updates and reports, ensuring performance, alignment, and transparency.
The Candidate
The successful candidate will have the following qualifications and experience:
- A minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in mangrove restoration or 3 years + a Ph.D. in a relevant field, with a strong preference for candidates who have worked in West Africa. Your experience should include leading field-based projects, designing and implementing complex restoration plans, and managing teams in challenging environments. Ideally, with experience in hydrological alterations associated with agricultural land use.
- Ability to write clear, concise, and compelling reports that are both technically rigorous and accessible to a wider audience. Comfortable engaging with international donors or partners to articulate the impact and progress of restoration efforts.
- Knowledge of mangrove ecology and the scientific and policy frameworks of the Convention on Wetlands.
- Experience developing work plans, managing budgets, and writing concise reports.
