Background As part of achieving the Climate Resilient Green Economy Strategy’s goals for the forest sector, targets set in the NFSDP and as part of its REDD+ Implementation Plan, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Climate Change (MEFCC) is setting up a Forest Sector Transformation Unit (FSTU). The FSTU is formed to create a multi-sectoral coordination platform to bring about transformational change in the forest sector through initiating innovative approaches and guide implementation, compile lessons/challenges for adoption, promote engagement with private sector and CSOs in forest sector/REDD+ undertaking as well as to analyze the policy environment and the roles of the forest sector in achieving the CRGE objectives.
The unit is to be set up for highly capable professionals who are distinctive in their field and energized about the development of Ethiopia and its forest sector. The unit will focus on supporting implementation of forestry initiatives under the REDD+ Implementation Plan with the ministry as well as building a broader portfolio of initiatives with the private sector and civil society that will allow rapid scale and impact in both afforestation / reforestation as well as forest protection in Ethiopia.
The FSTU is seeking a Forestry Expert who will be part of the Project Development and Resource Mobilization team. The Project Development and Resource Mobilization team is responsible for building a pipeline of bankable new forest development projects. The Government of Ethiopia has set ambitious goals for the forest sector and this team plays a critical role in achieving these goals through identification of new projects, piloting of these projects, and then supporting scale-up of successful projects (including identifying partners and mobilizing resources to support scale-up).
This is a hands-on and exciting opportunity to be at the front and center of strengthening Ethiopia’s forestry sector from the ground up and support identification of and execution of ambitious initiatives throughout the sector.
Duties and Responsibilities Provide technical forestry expertise to new programs as part of the Project Development and Resource Mobilization team, particularly through:
- Identification of new forestry models from other jurisdictions globally that could be implemented in Ethiopia, either as new pilot programs or embedded within existing programs
- Supporting business case development for new projects, particularly looking at the forestry models, with expectation that at least 2-3 of these new projects will be piloted each year
- Support development of forest management structures, including potential organizational frameworks, community engagement models, community management models, etc. Collaborate with project teams to implement these models
- Support the development of forest projects and design mechanisms for mobilizing resources for implementation of these projects
- Build capacity within implementing bodies within MEFCC, pilot programs, or other institutions through training on forestry models and global best practices, particularly focusing on project development and resource mobilization.
- Develop relevant ‘best practice guides’ and documents setting out lessons learned etc. (forestry manuals-nursery reforestation, and natural forest management manuals, etc), based on inputs from project delivery team.
- Performing other tasks as may from time to time be requested by the Manager of the Project Development and Resource Mobilization team
Competencies
- Deep forestry experience, ideally with or in strong collaboration with government agencies. This includes:
- Experience in supporting the development of sustainable forestry programs, in collaboration with government agencies, civil society organizations, and private sector
- Extensive experience in formulating and delivering capacity development activities and programmes in favour of private and public stakeholders in the areas of forestry
- Experience working and collaborating with diverse sets of stakeholders such as private sector (financial institutions, exporters, buyers, traders), academic research institutions, donors, governments and producers.
- Demonstrated forestry and related project development skill
- Demonstrated reporting and communications skill
- Strong analytical, project management or co-ordination, and problem-solving skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with a diverse group, Executives, Ministers, and subject experts
- Innovative and results-oriented attitude necessary to succeed in a dynamic environment
- Willingness and ability to learn on the job, keen to undertake training and on the job development
- Advanced to excellent computer literacy including standard office applications such as MS Office packages Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Database/Access as well as statistical techniques
Required Skills and Experience Education:
- Minimum MSc degree in forestry, agroforestry, production forestry, forest management or related qualification
Experience:
- Minimum 4 years work experience preferably with international experience
- Previous work in the forest sector in diverse settings, preferably including a public-private setting
- Proven record of leadership in a work setting
- Ability to work with people at all levels of a team
- Demonstrated sound critical thinking skills
Language requirements:
- Fluency in English
Languages – Essential: English
Languages – Desirable:
More Information
- Job City Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
