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The Deputy Project Manager will provide strategic, operational, and technical support to the Project Manager, while serving as the primary project representative in Nairobi. They will coordinate closely with regional partners—particularly the Nairobi Convention Secretariat—and contribute to the day-to-day management of project activities and stakeholder engagement. Their main responsibilities will be:

Strategic and operational support to project management

They will support the Project Manager in strategic planning, technical oversight, and project implementation in the WIO region;

They will coordinate technical and administrative collaboration between Nairobi and other project sites, ensuring the smooth flow of information and resources;

They will support the preparation of work plans, technical inputs, and activity reports;

They will participate in the mobilization of short-term expertise and the effective coordination of recruited experts with the project; He/she will ensure strategic coordination of the project with other SWIOP implementing agencies, including GIZ and UNEP.

Representation and Partnership Management

He/she will be the main liaison and represent the Project Management Unit (PMU) with the Nairobi Convention Secretariat and other Kenyan-based regional organizations involved in the conservation and protection of coastal and marine areas;

He/she will establish and maintain strong collaborative relationships with key international NGOs headquartered in Kenya (WWF, IUCN, Conservation International, etc.) to foster effective coordination and synergies in project implementation;

He/she will facilitate regular communication and partnership engagement with relevant government agencies, research institutions, and regional organizations based in Kenya; He/she will represent the PMU at meetings, workshops, training sessions, and/or stakeholder forums to advocate for the project's objectives and vision, and promote its integration into broader regional initiatives on ocean governance, the blue economy, and ocean conservation.

He/she will support the Project Manager in maintaining strategic partnerships with key regional stakeholders to ensure alignment and complementarity with other projects and programs in the WIO region.

Administrative and Financial Management of the Project

He/she will collaborate with the Administrative and Financial Manager to oversee contract management, procurement processes, and budget monitoring for activities implemented in Kenya.

He/she will contribute to the preparation and quality assurance of technical and financial reports for the project donor (European Union). He/she will ensure compliance with security procedures and organizational protocols within the project framework.

Academic Qualifications

Master's degree in project management, international cooperation, marine ecology, environmental sciences, marine biology, oceanography, or a related field.

Professional Experience

7 to 10 years of professional experience in marine ecology, the blue economy, or equivalent fields;

Proven experience in leadership, co-leadership, or coordination of international projects related to marine/coastal ecosystems, climate resilience, or blue carbon initiatives;

Experience in sub-Saharan Africa, preferably in the WIO region and/or Kenya.

Experience in managing multidisciplinary teams and complex projects funded by international donors;

Good knowledge of European Union procedures, including project financial management, procurement, and reporting requirements.