Consultant - Monsoon Winds Seascape Initiative

IFAW seeks to engage a consultant to provide project management, strategic development, and technical support to deliver the Phase 1 (Year 1) workplan of the Monsoon Winds Seascape Initiative, ensuring coordinated progress toward coalition formation, governance framework development, government engagement, and fundraising readiness ahead of Phase 2 implementation. TERMS OF REFERENCE Consultant - Monsoon Winds Seascape Initiative 1. Background The Monsoon Winds Seascape Initiative is a proposed transboundary marine conservation framework connecting the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) and the Arabian Gulf, co-led by IFAW and The Flipflopi Project. The proposed Initiative aims to establish connected Marine Protected Area (MPA) networks, blue corridors for migratory megafauna, community-based conservation zones, and sustainable livelihood programmes across this region. Phase 1 (Year 1) is the Foundation phase of the Initiative. It focuses on establishing the baseline evidence, partnerships, and governance architecture required to move into implementation in Phase 2. IFAW requires dedicated consultancy support to drive delivery of Phase 1 outputs, working closely with The Flipflopi Project and regional partners. 2. Purpose of the Assignment IFAW seeks to engage a consultant to provide project management, strategic development, and technical support to deliver the Phase 1 (Year 1) workplan of the Monsoon Winds Seascape Initiative, ensuring coordinated progress toward coalition formation, governance framework development, government engagement, and fundraising readiness ahead of Phase 2 implementation. 3. Scope of Work and Level of Effort The assignment is structured across three workstreams, reflecting a blended level of effort (LOE) as set out below: Project Management: 50% LOEStrategic Development: 20% LOETechnical Capacity: 30% LOE 3.1 Project Management (50%) Provide overall coordination of Phase 1 activities across IFAW, The Flipflopi Project, and regional partners. Develop and maintain the Year 1 work plan, timelines, and risk/issues tracking. Act as principal liaison between consortium partners, ensuring consistent communication and alignment. Coordinate delivery of Phase 1 outputs, including baseline scoping, coalition formation, and the governance framework. Organise and document coordination meetings, partner check-ins, and internal reporting. Track budget utilisation for Phase 1 activities and support financial reporting as required. 3.2 Strategic Development (20%) Support development of the donor engagement and communications strategy for the Initiative. Contribute to co-development of proposals for priority donors. Support design of the fundraising campaign, including positioning, key messages, and donor mapping. 3.3 Technical Capacity (30%) Provide technical advice on marine conservation priorities, including MPA network design, blue corridors, and critical habitat conservation. Provide technical advice on marine megafauna protection priorities, including input on corridor and monitoring design. Contribute technical content to a draft strategy and governance framework. Support development of baseline assessments and connectivity mapping. Review technical sections of donor proposals and communications materials for scientific accuracy. 4. Phase 1 Activities The Consultant will support delivery of the following core Phase 1 activities: Stakeholder consultations - across government, regional bodies (e.g. Nairobi Convention, PERSGA), conservation partners, and coastal communities in the WIO.Coalition formation - identifying, engaging, and securing commitments from regional and technical partners.Governance framework development - drafting the transboundary coordination architecture, including options for formal agreements and joint protocols.Government engagement - supporting and, where appropriate, facilitating engagement with relevant national and regional authorities.Fundraising concept development - developing and refining the fundraising concept and supporting materials. 5. Timeline and Duration Duration: 12 months (Year 1 / Phase 1), with possible extension into Phase 2 subject to performance and funding availability. Time Commitment: Full-time equivalent, apportioned as 50% Project Management / 20% Strategic Development / 30% Technical Capacity. Location: Home-based in Kenya, with regular travel to Lamu. Reporting: Reporting to IFAW Marine Conservation EA Project Manager, in close coordination with IFAW Marine Conservation Director and Kenya Country Director. Key Milestones: Months 0–3: Partner mapping, scoping research, inception planning, draft fundraising concept.Months 3–6: Coalition formation, feasibility studies, draft Seascape Strategy.Months 6–12: Stakeholder activation, formal fundraising campaign launch. 6. Reporting and Coordination Monthly progress reports to IFAW, summarising activities, deliverables, risks, and recommendations.Regular coordination meetings with IFAW and Flipflopi Project focal points (frequency to be agreed at inception).Participation in consortium coordination meetings and, where relevant, stakeholder and donor engagements. 7. Application Requirements Cover letter (Maximum 1 Page) and CV (Maximum 5 Pages) demonstrating relevant project management, strategic development, and technical experience, and highlighting familiarity with regional governance mechanisms as well as strong stakeholder engagement and government liaison skills.Familiarity with the region and specifically with the Lamu Seascape.Contact details of at least two references.Brief technical and financial proposal, including a proposed approach to Phase 1 delivery and a daily/monthly compensation rate. (Maximum 6 Pages)Work samples (as addendum - unlimited pages) from relevant prior assignments. 8. How to Apply Please forward all the application requirements above to supplierea@ifaw.org.Deadline for receiving applications is close of business Wednesday 9th September 2026.Format of application - Single PDF File.Subject of application email should read: Monsoon Winds Seascape Initiative Consultancy.

• Cover letter (Maximum 1 Page) and CV (Maximum 5 Pages) demonstrating relevant project management, strategic development, and technical experience, and highlighting familiarity with regional governance mechanisms as well as strong stakeholder engagement and government liaison skills. • Familiarity with the region and specifically with the Lamu Seascape. • Contact details of at least two references. • Brief technical and financial proposal, including a proposed approach to Phase 1 delivery and a daily/monthly compensation rate. (Maximum 6 Pages) • Work samples (as addendum - unlimited pages) from relevant prior assignments. • Please forward all the application requirements above to supplierea@ifaw.org. • Deadline for receiving applications is close of business Wednesday 9th September 2026. • Format of application - Single PDF File. • Subject of application email should read: Monsoon Winds Seascape Initiative Consultancy.