Program Assistant - Marine Community Engagement

This is a Fixed Term Contract position based remotely in Mkokoni, Lamu County through 30 June 2029

The Program Assistant – Marine Community Engagement will assist the program team in the advancement of the IFAW’s institutional and regional goals for marine conservation. This position is based in Mkokoni, Lamu County and will report to the Program Manager – Marine Conservation, EA.

The incumbent holder of this position is expected to support the implementation of community-focused marine conservation initiatives along the Kenyan coastline. The role will strengthen coastal community participation in sustainable fisheries, marine species protection, and local stewardship of marine and coastal ecosystems. The position involves extensive coordination with community groups, Beach Management Units (BMUs), fisherfolk associations, women and youth groups, local government agencies, and conservation partners.

Role And Responsibilities

Community Mobilization & Outreach

• Support mobilization and engagement of coastal communities in marine conservation initiatives.
• Assist in organizing and facilitating community dialogues, sensitization meetings, and awareness campaigns on sustainable marine resource use.
• Promote community-led stewardship through BMUs, women’s groups, youth groups, and local champions.
• Support training sessions on sustainable fishing practices, marine wildlife protection, and alternative livelihoods.
  
  

Field Implementation Support

• Participate in field activities such as monitoring community projects, supporting local conservation groups, and conducting interviews or focus groups.
• Work closely with community rangers, turtle conservation groups, and citizen science teams where applicable.
• Assist in monitoring community-led initiatives such as beach clean-ups, habitat restoration, or bycatch mitigation activities.
  
  

Data Collection & Reporting

• Collect and enter field and community engagement data using digital tools or field forms.
• Maintain accurate databases and support basic analysis for reporting.
• Contribute to preparation of monthly, quarterly, and donor reports.
• Document success stories, testimonials, challenges, and lessons learned from the field.
  
  

Stakeholder Coordination

• Act as liaison to IFAW partners including BMUs, county fisheries officers, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), local NGOs, and relevant community-based organizations.
• Assist in organizing stakeholder meetings, workshops, and multi-partner engagements.
• Capture meeting minutes, agreements, and follow-up actions.
  
  

Logistics & Administrative Support

• Assist with planning, organizing, and documenting field missions, trainings, and workshops.
• Support procurement of materials, activity supplies, community equipment, and distribution tracking.
• Maintain organized filing systems (both digital and physical) for project documents.
  
  

Communication & Visibility

• As guided, provide high-quality photos, field updates, and stories for newsletters, reports, and social media.
• Ensure branding and visibility requirements are followed in community activities.
• Assist in producing basic IEC materials (posters, flyers, community briefs).
• Assist with facilitating visits of other IFAW staff and donors to the area.
• Ensure strong communication between local communities and IFAW personnel.
• Embody the values, mission and vision of IFAW at all times.
• Execute other duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications And Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology, Environmental Studies, Marine Studies, Natural Resource Management or related field preferred.
• Minimum 1 year experience working with communities in a development or conservation context.
• Experience working in coastal regions or with marine resource users is an added advantage.
• Experience supporting trainings, community meetings, or social mobilization desirable.
• Strong interpersonal and community facilitation skills.
• Basic understanding of marine conservation, coastal ecosystems, or fisheries co-management.
• Solid organizational and administrative skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office and data entry tools.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English and Kiswahili; knowledge of coastal languages is a plus.
• Willingness to travel to IFAW field and office locations.
  
  

At IFAW, we aim to create and foster a workforce that reflects and contributes to the diverse, global community in which we work to improve the lives of both animals and people. We are dedicated to fostering justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion so we actively encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Hiring range is KES 2,200,000 to KES 3,200,000 KES