Forest Ecologist 

A local NGO whose mission is to facilitate the development and application of innovative approaches to improve rural livelihoods, resilience and sustainable natural resources management is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced applicant to fill the position of a Communication and Social Media Intern.

Job Overview

A vacancy has arisen for a BMU-IKI funded project: Community-Based Adaptation: Scaling up Community Action for Livelihoods and Ecosystems in Southern Africa and Beyond (CBA-SCALE Southern Africa+). The overall objective of the intervention is to build climate resilience, including: the integration of adaptation (incl. disaster risk reduction) in policies, planning and budgets at different levels; promote actions to build climate resilience and address climate risks in key sectors such as forestry, water, agriculture and fisheries; strengthening climate information, early warning and disaster management systems; and ecosystem and biodiversity protection; among others. The expected outcome of the project is increased resilience to climate change, for all genders and social groups, in over 100 communities of different size in Southern Africa (Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe). Specifically for Zimbabwe the project will be targeting 33 communities in Bikita and Chiredzi to ensure that Inclusive, gender-responsive and nature-based planning and implementation of CBA actions in managing climate-related risks to human security, livelihoods and food security through sustainable utilization of forestry resources.

The Forest Ecologist will lead sustainable forestry management, agricultural and nature based solutions project activities implementation in Chiredzi and Bikita Districts and S/he will ensure effective and efficient coordination with project partners, implementation and reporting of the CBA-SCALE+ Project through timely implementation of programme activities in accordance with the project work plan.

Position Summary

This job is needed to provide project coordination and supervision of the SAFIRE components under CBA-SCALE project, in Chiredzi and Bikita District as well as overall forest ecologist technical support in order to ensure sustainable utilization of forestry resources, agricultural and sustenance of community nature based financial services and enterprises.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Forestry Ecologist will be expected to:
• Lead in all aspects of the project planning, implementation and monitoring in the Chiredzi and Bikita District as outlined in the project document and inception report;
• Link and collaborate with partners at district level to strengthen the capacity of grass root ward level staff involved in facilitating community empowerment and capacity building;
• Provide technical support in collaboration with relevant partners to improve climate resilient agricultural practices and sustainable forestry management in an integrated manner;
• Promote innovative approaches to climate change mitigation and adaptation and support feasibility assessment to explore the market and economic viability of agricultural and nature based enterprises;
• Prepare any required updates / summaries on the projects and participate in project-related meetings with the donors, government, service providers, etc.
• Plan and undertake regular communication with other consortium members of the CBA-SCALE+ project and provide support to monitoring and evaluation process of projects;
• Ensure that donor contracting requirements are being met, including the timely submission of quality progress reports;
• Arrange the procurement of equipment, supplies and services for project sites and ensures that contractual processes follow the stipulated SAFIRE Internal Control System procedures;
• Establish and maintain a proper inventory of project assets register;
• Carry out regular follow-up and monitoring of implementation activities;
• Carry out regular monitoring and reporting on risks and mitigation measures.

Qualifications and Experience

The Forest Ecologist must have A BSc in any of the following: Ecology, Forestry, Wildlife, Conservation, Natural Resource Management, Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, or Environmental Economics ; a minimum of 4 years relevant working experience after graduation with experience in community development work, statistical analysis, and enterprise development as an added advantage. A master’s degree in the relevant fields will be an added advantage

TO APPLY

To apply for the position please send your CV and cover letter to infohr2008@gmail.com

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted