Project Officer

Details

Mission and objectives

Who we are
UNDP is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help empower people and build resilient nations. UNDP has been working in Liberia since 1977 in peace and in crisis times. UNDP is committed to helping Liberia achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) as well as the country’s national development priorities as set out in its newest Pro-Poor Development Agenda. UNDP provides technical assistance within the framework of the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) which is fully aligned with Liberia’s National development Agenda.
What we do
UNDP supports Liberia’s national development agenda and works closely with national institutions and local communities to promote, advocate and contribute to good governance, peace and security. Our work focuses on engendering national initiatives and strategies that help facilitate long-term development transformation in the lives of the people of Liberia. We offer global perspectives, complementary support and ideas on strategic development projects and capacity building in continued efforts to promote and protect human rights and improve environmental management. The end result of this transformation would be a country that is characterized by peaceful and inclusive politics and diversified economy, stable institutions, enforces the laws fairly, land tenure problems have been resolved, natural resources are efficiently managed and health and education standards have reached those of other middle income countries.

Context

The UNDP’s LEH-GO-GREEN project, funded by the EU Delegation in Liberia, aims to enhance forest-based revenue and livelihoods in Liberia’s Grebo-Krahn and Gola Forest landscapes. It focuses on improving natural resources governance and business environments, aligning with EU initiatives and Liberia’s national priorities. Implemented with the Forestry Development Authority, it promotes community conservation agreements, sustainable logging practices, diversified livelihood opportunities, and carbon market participation. The Project Officer oversees field activities, including agroforestry, livelihood support, and community engagement, in collaboration with partners and local volunteers, ensuring alignment with national strategies and community needs.

Task description

Under the overall supervision of the Project Manager the UN Volunteer will be responsible to:
• Lead the process of engagement with project beneficiaries, including empowering and training the community volunteers and local communities on Sustainable Forest Management (SFM);
• Facilitate the development of the implementation of forest management plans for all forests under Community Conservation Agreements and SFM;
• provide technical support including training, and mentorship, and coordinate the activities of fifteen (15) community volunteers tasks with providing extension support to project beneficiaries, including farmers.
• Provide backstopping, training materials and resources to build the capacity of forest management for local committees, eco-guards etc on use of GPS, ODK, mapping, inventory procedures etc
• Provide technical input for carbon accounting for project interventions based on technical support from the Programme Coordinator and technical experts
• Design and coordinate surveys analyzing biological data and continuous monitoring of the forest ecosystem;
• With support from FDA Rangers, the staff will support forest patrols and monthly reporting on SFM interventions as well as report inappropriate harvests and other threats to forest conservation;
• Ensure that a comprehensive database (clearly highlighting baseline information) on the principal species and uses for all timber and non-timber forest products are produced through community participatory mapping for resource planning and management;
• Ensure equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms of resources within the CCA are in place and applied appropriately;
• Prepare monthly reports against set targets and indicators with analysis of evidence of progress towards planned work and budget;
• Ensuring stakeholders are involved at all appropriate levels;
• Monitor and report on the implementation of project activities by project partners contracted by UNDP
• Assist the Project Manager in the preparation of reports, and technical reports for submission to the Project Steering Committee/Board as required;
• Communication and Partnerships: Provide technical support to ensure that all of the above tasks are carried out and accomplished through effective communication and partnerships.