PROJECT OFFICER - Sustainable Fisheries Project (Kilifi, Kenya)

LIVE BLU-E - AID013244/07/6

(download Vacancy in .pdf format)

 

Location: Kilifi County, Kenya

Contract Type: Full-time, project-based

Duration: 12 months

Starting Date: May 2026

Application Deadline: April 11, 2026

 

About the Project

CAST – Centro per un Appropriato Sviluppo Tecnologico – is an Italian non-governmental organization operating in Kenya since 2007, with long-standing experience in supporting coastal and rural communities in Kilifi County.

Building on this experience and long-term presence in the coastal region, the project LIVE BLU-E aims to further strengthen the Blue Economy in Kilifi County by promoting sustainable fisheries, improving fish value chains and supporting the socio-economic empowerment of coastal communities. The initiative brings together local institutions, research partners and community organizations to improve fisheries management, enhance product quality and market access, and create alternative livelihood opportunities for fishers, women traders and youth. The project contributes to sustainable resource management, inclusive governance and economic resilience for coastal fishing communities.

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Position Overview

Within the framework of the LIVE BLU-E project, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and implemented in Kilifi County, CAST is seeking to recruit a Project Officer to oversee the effective implementation and coordination of project activities at field level.

The Project Officer will be responsible for ensuring that project interventions are implemented in line with the approved project framework, donor requirements and organizational procedures. The role will support the planning, supervision and monitoring of field activities, provide guidance and coordination to the project team in close collaboration with the Administrator and the M&E Officer. The position will maintain effective collaboration with local authorities, community stakeholders and project partners.

 

Key responsibilities

Programme Implementation

• Coordinate and supervise day-to-day field activities in line with the approved workplan, logframe and budget.
• Support field staff in community mobilization, targeting, trainings and data collection.

 

Coordination
• Serve as the main field focal point for the project.

• Maintain regular coordination with local authorities, community leaders, partners and other stakeholders.

• Represent the organization in relevant local coordination meetings.

• Prepare regular field reports summarizing activities, progress, challenges and key updates.

 

Team Management

• Supervise and support field staff, ensuring effective teamwork and performance.

• Contribute to staff recruitment, onboarding and capacity building when required.

 

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Fisheries, Environmental Management, Social Sciences, Project Management or a related field.

• A Master’s degree in Sustainable Fisheries, Marine/Coastal Management, Blue Economy or a related field will be considered an asset.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in project implementation or coordination within NGOs or development programmes.

• Experience working with coastal communities, fisheries, livelihoods or natural resource management is an asset.

Skills

• Strong coordination and organizational skills, with the ability to manage field activities and supervise teams.

•  Experience working with local authorities, community groups and multi-stakeholder environments.

• Good reporting and documentation skills.

• Fluency in English and Kiswahili (both written and spoken).

• Ability to work independently in field settings and manage multiple tasks under tight timelines.

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with diverse teams and communities.

• Strong ability to work independently, organizing tasks and following them through to successful completion.

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How to apply

Interested candidates should apply by:

• email attaching CV + cover letter ONLY (preferably as a single attachment) to LIVE BLU-E Project Coordinator, Chiara Spicciarelli, chiaraspicciarelli@cast-ong.org, and copy kilifi@cast-ong.org

 

Application must be received not later than April 11, 2026 (5 PM GMT). The subject of the email should be APPLICATION FOR PROJECT OFFICER and the attachments should be saved with the applicant’s full name.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a written test and an interview at a later date.