Senior REDD+/Forestry Technical Specialist , Zambia

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Senior REDD+/Forestry Technical Specialist

Effective with the release of this position announcement, Winrock International is seeking applicants for the position of Senior REDD+/Forestry Technical Specialist for an anticipated US Agency for International Development (USAID) Community-based Forest-management program in Zambia. This is a multi-year program to support the Government of the Republic of Zambia address the drivers of deforestation and degradation and strengthen forest management in the Eastern Province of Zambia. The responsibilities, duties, and qualifications are described in the position description below.

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 & 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 and submit a current resume and cover letter referencing “Senior REDD+ Specialist” by May 15, 2013.

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

EEOE/AA.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Senior REDD+/Forestry Technical Specialist

LOCATION: Zambia

UNIT: Forestry & Natural Resource Management

REPORTS TO: Chief of Party

PROGRAM SUMMARY:

Winrock is seeking a Senior REDD+/Forestry Technical Specialist for an upcoming USAID-funded program in Zambia. The Community-based Forest-management program (CFP) will be a key component of USAID/Zambia’s Global Climate Change (GCC) program under the Presidential GCC Initiative. The CFP will strengthen the Government of Zambia’s Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+) strategy, by using a range of approaches to more effectively and sustainably manage forested areas through integrated forest planning and active community engagement.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Forestry and REDD+ Specialist will work at the regional, government and community levels, to facilitate broad-based policy dialogue and capacity building, as well as targeted community-level interventions. The Forestry and REDD+ Specialist will have an understanding of the impacts of climate change on livelihoods, natural resources, biodiversity and food security, and to increase the resilience of communities vulnerable to changing ecosystems, agricultural production, and natural resource-based livelihoods.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES: • Provide technical and scientific support and leadership as a subject matter resource for the implementation of innovative field-based pilot projects that demonstrate opportunities for sustainable land management and/or showcase approaches and methodologies for achieving REDD+ objectives, including sustainable finance mechanisms, improved forest management, and other related topics. • Manage the technical activities related to design of REDD+ and land-based emission reduction strategies, feasibility analyses of different interventions, implementation of key activities by partners, monitoring and evaluation of implementation, preparation and delivery of reports and other materials. • Develop and deploy scientific tools and methods for improved ecosystem management and carbon sequestration, forest carbon inventory and reference baselines. • Prepare work plans and contribute to execution of work plans by field teams including field visits to ensure progress and amend strategy as needed. • Provide input into all work-plans, progress reports and performance management plans as an integral part of the program. • Build partnerships with key donors, government agencies and non-government organizations to help implement projects in-country. • Maintain networks and manage relationships with partners, policy makers and other stakeholders. • Prepare reports, memos, presentations, and lessons learned, as needed. QUALIFICATIONS AND BACKGROUND:

Education: Advanced degree in natural resource management, forestry, conservation, natural science, resource economics, agriculture, or other relevant international development field.

Experience: Minimum 8 years’ experience in forestry, forest carbon, REDD+, and/or natural resource management projects.

Technical knowledge of forest carbon, REDD+, land-based emission reduction strategies and planning, and/or improved forest management is strongly preferred.

Previous experience working on development programs within the context of forestry and natural resource management, global climate change mitigation in the forestry and land use sector, and/or have been a part of efforts to develop climate change adaptation strategies.

Experience working to build institutional capacity of government counterparts at the national and/or local level.

Demonstrated ability to effectively manage a large team in environmental/ community development context.

Experience working in East Africa’s forest sector and on climate change policies, laws, development and management issues is preferred.

Technical and managerial experience in East Africa, particularly in Zambia, on other USAID or donor-funded programs, is preferred.

Skills: Technical understanding of climate change in the forestry and land use sector and international carbon markets.

Energetic and dynamic approach to building partnerships and promoting innovative program initiatives.

Strong leadership qualities and excellent skills in networking with stakeholders and in positioning a demonstration project to catalyze change in national policies and legal frameworks.

Excellent computer skills (word-processing, spreadsheets, and databases) are required.

Excellent management, communication, and organization skills are required. Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in a local language is preferred.

How to apply:

Applicants should go to the “Jobs” link at www.winrock.org and submit a current resume and cover letter referencing “Senior REDD+ Specialist” by May 15, 2013.