Biodiversity / Marine Ecology Specialist – Tanzania, United Republic of

Aninver Development Partners SL (www.aninver.com) is looking for a Biodiversity / Marine Ecology Specialist for a engineering, transport consultancy assignment financed by UNDP in Tanzania, United Republic of.

Aninver Development Partners is preparing a proposal for a UNDP-supported infrastructure initiative in Tanzania, United Republic of, focusing on engineering and transport sectors. The project aims to deliver an integrated project preparation package for a multi-purpose fishing port to meet the rigorous standards required for sovereign concessional financing from Development Finance Institutions.

To support this assignment, we are seeking an expert Biodiversity / Marine Ecology Specialist to contribute to comprehensive environmental and social assessments. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in ensuring that marine ecological aspects are thoroughly evaluated and integrated into the project's design and safeguard frameworks in compliance with international standards.

Aninver is preparing a proposal for this assignment. The selected expert will be part of the proposed team; the engagement is conditional on the contract being awarded to Aninver. The full Terms of Reference for the position are shared with shortlisted candidates.

Objectives of the assignment

• Identify and assess the environmental and social risks and impacts associated with the port development.
• Translate identified ecological risks into actionable design constraints and enforceable mitigation measures.
• Ensure alignment with international environmental standards, specifically focusing on marine biodiversity and critical habitats.
• Contribute to the preparation of an internally consistent, financier-ready project package.

Scope of work

• Apply risk-impact-mitigation-system logic with a design-constraining approach for marine works.
• Adhere to relevant environmental and social frameworks, including UNDP Social and Environmental Standards and international performance standards.
• Execute baseline studies and impact assessments for coastal and marine environments.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members to integrate biodiversity findings into the broader engineering and economic workstreams.
• Participate in scheduled cross-component handoffs and contribute to joint project deliverables.

Your role as Biodiversity / Marine Ecology Specialist

• Plan and execute marine or coastal biodiversity baseline surveys.
• Conduct critical habitat assessments in strict accordance with international performance standards.
• Evaluate biosecurity measures and assess invasive species risks related to port operations and marine works.
• Translate ecological findings into practical mitigation measures and management systems for the project.
• Coordinate closely with the ESIA Lead and environmental team to ensure data consistency across the assignment.
• Contribute technical inputs to joint deliverables, including environmental and social management frameworks.

Requirements

• Education: Master’s in marine ecology, biodiversity or a related discipline
• Minimum 1 marine or coastal biodiversity baseline survey, minimum 1 critical habitat assessment under IFC PS6, and demonstrated experience in biosecurity and invasive species risk
• Languages: English

Desirable

• Prior professional experience working on marine or coastal infrastructure projects in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Familiarity with UNDP or other MDB safeguard policies and project preparation procedures.

A dedicated marine ecologist with strong expertise in baseline surveys, critical habitat assessments, and biosecurity management for coastal infrastructure projects in developing regions.

Assignment details

• Location: Tanzania, United Republic of
• Financed by: UNDP
• Sector: Engineering, transport
• Estimated duration: 12 months
• Contract: individual consultancy (conditional on award)

About Aninver Development Partners

Aninver is an international development consulting firm headquartered in Spain. It supports governments, development banks, UN agencies and bilateral donors with feasibility studies, technical assistance, evaluations and capacity building across Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia and Asia-Pacific, working with a network of international and national experts.

Why apply

• Join a multidisciplinary team on a UNDP-financed project in Tanzania, United Republic of.
• Individual consultancy: flexible, output-based engagement with an experienced proposal team.
• Your CV stays in Aninver's expert network for future assignments that match your profile.

How to apply

Sign in (or create a free account) and upload your CV in English. Add your LinkedIn profile, indicative daily rate and availability to speed up the assessment. Aninver will contact the shortlisted candidates.

Frequently asked questions

Is the position confirmed? The engagement depends on the contract being awarded to Aninver. Shortlisted experts are included in the proposal with their consent.

Can I apply if I am not based in the country? Yes, unless the requirements say otherwise; relevant regional experience is an asset.

What happens with my CV? It is used to assess your fit for this and future positions and is not shared with third parties without your consent.