[Hiring] Global Mangrove Restoration Lead @West Africa Blue

Role Description

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: Develop 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.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in mangrove restoration or 3 years + a PhD in a relevant field, with a strong preference for candidates who have worked in West Africa.
• Experience leading field-based projects, designing and implementing complex restoration plans, and managing teams in challenging environments.
• Ideally with experience in hydrological alterations associated with land agricultural 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 workplans, managing budgets, and writing concise reports.

Requirements

• Hands-on experience conducting and mapping detailed hydrology assessments for mangrove restoration projects.
• Experience with community livelihood projects and engaging with local stakeholders to promote environmental initiatives.
• Familiarity with drones and drone analysis software for site assessments.
• Experience in water/soil quality analysis techniques and equipment.
• Fluency in English and French (very highly desirable).

Attributes

• Hands-On Problem Solver: You thrive in dynamic environments and are eager to tackle challenges in the field and deliver results.
• Passionate Advocate: You bring energy, urgency, and a deep commitment to nature-based solutions and community empowerment.
• Collaborative Leader: You engage respectfully and patiently with colleagues and communities, fostering trust and collaboration with a strong sense of cultural awareness.
• Adaptable and Resilient: You embrace the challenges of fieldwork and are excited by the opportunity to make a tangible difference. You are comfortable spending significant amounts of time in the field and in underdeveloped areas.

Applying

If you are an experienced mangrove restoration expert who is passionate about communities and the environment, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Location

Remote

Department

Technical Team

Employment Type

Employee (Blue) - Direct

Minimum Experience

Experienced