Natural Resources / Environment Specialist

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Contribute to the content preparation, revising technical documents and facilitate logistical organization of training and regional workshops with partners.
• Supervise and facilitate communities’ consultations and the preparation and restoration of degraded lands in the planned ACReSAL States and/or other localities.
• Facilitate and supervise the seeding and reforestation of plots/sites of lands with herbaceous and woody seeds and seedlings prepared for restoration and rehabilitation.
• Develop Step by step procedures for the Land Restoration manual and provide support, appropriate methodologies and analysis at this level to choose those specific communities that would seek to participate in landscape restoration.;
• Provide technical support to NTFP-related value chains for transformation, income generation and food/feed security activities (for ACReSAL and GGW).
• Contribute to socio-economic impact assessments and documentation on priority value chains in ACReSAL/GGW, including those selected for their nutritional and health value.
• Carry out socio-economic and ecological monitoring with the communities of these planted/seeded plots,
• Support training on and collection of restoration seeds of local species (woody, herbaceous) for the next planting season.
• Collect all the necessary data and photos required for monitoring and reporting on field activities (geo-referencing data; areas covered; survival rates, etc.).
• Carry out and supervise socio-economic and nutritional surveys with ACReSAL/GGW communities and promote the processing of NTFPs.
• Respond to technical related forestry/natural resources issues and land restoration; feedback and clarifications, supporting the country Office.
• Produce a quarterly activity progress report and a final report.
• Perform any other duties as required.
• Coordinate activities across the team and collaborate effectively with other experts and stakeholders.
• Conduct surveys to identify biophysical and social drivers of degraded lands and recommend adaptation and mitigation approaches.
• Assess the awareness of local communities regarding restoration of degraded land, threats, climate change trends, and opportunities for improved management.
• Review and analyse state-level policies related to mangrove management and environmental protection.
• Identify links between social protection components and mangrove management for community livelihood resilience.
• Collaborate with experts to document impacts, publish success stories, and contribute to project results dissemination.
• Perform other related duties as required Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements   

• Advanced university degree (master’s or PhD) in relevant field (Environmental Science, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Forestry, agriculture, Ecosystem Management, environmental finance, sustainability, environmental engineering, or a similar relevant field).
• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in the environment and natural resources management sector, including proven experience in restoration of degraded lands, integrated landscapes, environment, forestry, blue economy, community-based development, biodiversity, and protected areas management.
• Knowledge of Collaborative Management Partnerships (CMPs) will be an asset.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills.
• Nigerian nationality with working experience in coastal/mangrove landscapes within the country

Technical/Functional Skills 

• Strong stakeholder engagement and fieldwork skills.
• Previous experience in Nigerian coastal areas, specifically in mangrove ecosystems.
• Familiarity with international donors’ projects is preferred.
• Proficient computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet).
• Fluent in English and intermediate proficiency in any main Nigerian language (Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Pidgin)
• Strong understanding of Action Against Desertification+ as a policy instrument, including the use and design of large-scale restoration Programs; and familiarity with the application of the World Bank’s environmental safeguards policies and ESF.
• Experience in project preparation and supervision in a United Nations Organization or international Agencies.
• Strong client orientation with the ability to build an understanding with government authorities, implementing agency and counterparts.
• Well-developed interpersonal, communication, and writing skills, including the ability to write concisely and translate technical knowledge and ideas into professional and accessible English.
• Proficiency in relevant software tools, including GIS and data analysis tools, and environmental modelling software.
• Knowledge of national and sub-national environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

Technical/Functional Skills 

• Strong stakeholder engagement and fieldwork skills.
• Previous experience in Nigerian coastal areas, specifically in mangrove ecosystems.
• Familiarity with international donors’ projects is preferred.
• Proficient computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet).
• Fluent in English and intermediate proficiency in any main Nigerian language (Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Pidgin)
• Strong understanding of Action Against Desertification+ as a policy instrument, including the use and design of large-scale restoration Programs; and familiarity with the application of the World Bank’s environmental safeguards policies and ESF.
• Experience in project preparation and supervision in a United Nations Organization or international Agencies.
• Strong client orientation with the ability to build an understanding with government authorities, implementing agency and counterparts.
• Well-developed interpersonal, communication, and writing skills, including the ability to write concisely and translate technical knowledge and ideas into professional and accessible English.
• Proficiency in relevant software tools, including GIS and data analysis tools, and environmental modelling software.
• Knowledge of national and sub-national environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

Source: https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2402095