Environmental Enterprise Development Specialist

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

****Environmental Enterprise Development Specialist****

Effective with the release of this position announcement, Winrock International is seeking applicants for the position of ****Environmental Enterprise Development Specialist****for an anticipated US Agency for International Development (USAID) opportunity, The Promoting Tanzania's Environment, Conservation and Tourism (PROTECT) activity. This is a multi-year program to support the Government of Tanzania to address dynamics in Tanzania that threaten biodiversity conservation and inhibit private sector-led tourism growth. The responsibilities, duties, and qualifications are described in the attached position description.

GENERAL:

Winrock International is a nonprofit organization that works with people in the United States and around the world to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity, and sustain natural resources. By linking local individuals and communities with new ideas and technology, Winrock is increasing long-term productivity, equity, and responsible resource management to benefit the poor and disadvantaged of the world.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Winrock offers employees excellent benefits. The salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

APPLICATIONS:

Applicants should go to the “Jobs” link at www.winrock.org.Please submit a current resume and cover letter referencing “****Environmental Enterprise Development Specialist****” by ****September 19, 2014****.

Winrock would like to thank all applicants for their interest in advance, but only candidates who meet all requisite criteria and are short listed will be contacted. EEOE/AA.

POSITION TITLE: Environmental Enterprise Development Specialist

LOCATION:Tanzania

UNIT: Forestry & Natural Resource Management

REPORTS TO: Chief of Party

PROGRAM SUMMARY:

Winrock is seeking an ****Environmental Enterprise Development Specialist**** for an upcoming USAID-funded program in Tanzania. The Promoting Tanzania's Environment, Conservation and Tourism (PROTECT) activity will address dynamics in Tanzania that threaten biodiversity conservation and inhibit private sector-led tourism growth. It will incorporate a series of integrated and overlapping interventions that support and strengthen capacity for biodiversity conservation in a manner which: (i) reduces threats to biodiversity, and actively contributes to the conservation of biodiversity at a landscape scale, (ii) contributes significantly to rural development and diversification, employment, poverty alleviation, community enrichment and empowerment of women and youth, (iii) strengthens biodiversity, rural communities and the tourism value chain while reducing vulnerability to climate change, and (iv) strengthens a wide range of organizations so they can participate effectively in the policy process.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

The ****Environmental Enterprise Development Specialist**** will be responsible for the overall management, implementation and monitoring of the nature-based economic strengthening and diversification component of PROTECT. He/she will work with the staff to ensure that nature-based economic strengthening and diversification activities are tailored to the appropriate context and implemented within the program budget and in accordance with the proposed implementation plan. The Specialist will also coordinate short-term technical assistance requirements for these activities, and supervise short-term advisors.

Specifically, the specialist will support the growth of conservation-based enterprises, as well as the development, management and marketing of environmentally friendly microenterprises for non-timber forest products such as honey, coffee, other food commodities, and handicrafts. Support will also establish or improve the effectiveness of Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOS) focused on increased access to credit and financing for establishment of microenterprises. This component will have a particular focus on economic activity within and supporting Wildlife Management Areas (WMA), the tourism value chain, and economic opportunities for women and youth living within WMAs.

The Specialist will work with the program team to finalize participatory program selection methods, develop the component work plan, conduct initial assessment activities, identify and coordinate staff development and training activities, as relates to the growth of conservation-based enterprises, provide related capacity building and skills development training to local implementing partners, monitor livelihoods activity expenditures, and evaluate the impact and results of the component activities within the overall program Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) framework.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage program activities, including monitoring and evaluation of the nature-based economic strengthening and diversification component;
• Conduct value-chain analyses for tourism and other nature-based enterprises;
• Identify and establish scalable market linkages for locally produced products and services;
• Determine and address constraints to private sector investment across a variety of enterprises within WMAs;
• Assess models of promoting increased tourism in Tanzania's "Southern Route" to benefit conservation and poverty outcomes;
• Link to or establish Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) to support access to finance and basic business development services;
• Support diversification of income sources within communities. Assess potential for alternative income sources based on tourism driven demand to alleviate pressure on natural resources;
• Build the capacity of local communities through participatory trainings in basic tourism knowledge, customer service, and product development;
• Provide training and technical assistance and mentoring to build local leadership and capacity;
• Work with local community groups to address issues of conflicts, ineffective community participation, and other challenges;
• Ensure the participation of women in community organizations and nature based economic improvement activities;
• Develop, maintain, and strengthen working relationships with key partners, including national ministries, local governments, private sector, NGOs, universities and the media to identify and implement efforts to increase synergy among the key stakeholders;
• Prepare and submit reports and other deliverables.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Master’s Degree in tourism development, international development, natural resource management, development economics or a related area.

Work Experience: At least 10-years in economic development policy, community development, community based tourism and economic growth;

• Five years spent in developing countries, Tanzanian or East African experience is required.
• Proven manager of conservation based enterprise development projects with experience addressing tourism value chains, with strong ability to collaborate effectively with private sector, government entities, international donors, and other USG partners.
• Demonstrated understanding of the linkages between conservation, tourism and conservation based enterprises.
• Experience working to engage women and youth in economic enterprises is highly desirable.
• Experience in cooperation with local planning authorities and in capacity building of strong community partnerships and networks.
• Experience working on sustainable livelihoods, market linkages, value chains, tourism; capacity building.
• Experience working on USAID or international donor projects is desirable.
• Experience must demonstrate the ability to work within and understand intricate government structures and to successfully administer programs under sensitive situations.

****Skills:****

• Excellent management, communication, and organization skills are essential. Basic computer skills (word-processing, spreadsheets, and databases) are required.
• Fluency in English is required. Expertise in local language is preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills, as well as the ability to foster professional relationships.
• High standards of integrity, professionalism, and impartiality.
• Able to work independently and effectively in a team environment.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized, with a proactive approach.
• Ability to multi-task and work to meet tight deadlines.
• Experience working internationally.
• Ability to work as part of a multi-cultural team.
• Willingness to travel frequently to remote areas, and live under fairly basic conditions.

How to apply:

Applicants should go to the “Jobs” link at www.winrock.org.Please submit a current resume and cover letter referencing “****Environmental Enterprise Development Specialist****” by ****September 19, 2014****.