obs in Tanzania 2019: New Job at Mpingo Conservation & Development Initiative (MCDI), Marketing & Sustainability Manager| Deadline: 29th May, 2019

The primary role of the Marketing & Sustainability Manager will be to develop existing and new revenue streams for communities managing their VLFRs. In addition, the appointee will support also MCDI with self-generated revenues to ensure that the NGO (and the VLFRs it supports) existence is guaranteed and that its impact effectiveness continues improving

Full Job Description

Reporting to: Mpingo Conservation & Development Initiative (MCDI)Management

Duration: Kilwa Masoko, Lindi Region, TZ Mid June 2019 12 months, with potential to renew depending on funding availability & performance

Mpingo Conservation and Development Initiative (MCDI) is a pioneering Tanzanian NGO with a mission to drive forest conservation and rural development in the country by promoting sustainable and socially equitable uses of forest resources. Since MCDI was established in 2004, working with District Authorities and other partners, it has supported 43 rural communities in eight districts to sustainably manage over 413,700 hectares of forests by setting up Village Land Forest Reserves (VLFRs) under Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM). It facilitated the first and so-far the only Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification of community-managed natural forests in Africa. Furthermore, through responsible hardwood timber sales, to date MCDI has supported 21 communities to earn over TZS 1.54 billion ($762,000) to finance their VLFR management and local development.

The primary role of the Marketing & Sustainability Manager will be to develop existing and new revenue streams for communities managing their VLFRs. In addition, the appointee will support also MCDI with self-generated revenues to ensure that the NGO (and the VLFRs it supports) existence is guaranteed and that its impact effectiveness continues improving.

1.Develop a long-term market strategy for FSC-certified timber (and perhaps other forest products) from VLFRs, including a market study on local and international wood demand and opportunities for introduction of new lesser-known species in community forests

2.Develop and begin implementation of an effective forest products (timber) production and sales strategy for VLFRs, identify and secure strong interest and sales from at least 10 new buyers for FSC-certified community timber.

Develop and begin implementing a long-term sustainability strategy for MCDI that will, by 2020, enable the NGO to cover at least 25% of its costs with self-generated revenues.

KEY SKILLS 
Required

Bachelors Degree in relevant discipline (Marketing, Business Studies, etc.). Masters Degree in relevant discipline would be an added advantage.

3+ years of experience in a senior role in a relevant discipline (marketing/business development)

Experience marketing natural resources products, including domestic and/or international forest products (timber, NTFPs) marketing and sales

Proven experience with sustainability/business strategy development and planning

Experience in developing novel financing models and accounting protocols

Experience working in or in partnership with non-profits in the natural resources sector

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Proficiency in written and spoken English and Swahili language