Program Officer, Forestry

AWF is seeking an experienced individual to support its anticipated US$14 million, five year program entitled Community-based Forest Management Program (CFP) to support Zambia’s REDD+ readiness. This program is part USAID/Zambia’s Global Climate Change initiative and is expected to establish the largest REDD+ program in the country primarily in the border regions of Eastern Province covering at least 700,000 hectares of forest.  

For more than 50 years, the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) has been a key player in African Conservation and sustainable development. AWF is seeking an experienced individual to support its anticipated US$14 million, five year program entitled Community-based Forest Management Program (CFP) to support Zambia’s REDD+ readiness. This program is part USAID/Zambia’s Global Climate Change initiative and is expected to establish the largest REDD+ program in the country primarily in the border regions of Eastern Province covering at least 700,000 hectares of forest.

Key responsibilities:

Reporting to the Chief of Party (COP), the Program Officer, Forestry will coordinate daily operations and field activities within established jointly-managed forest areas and REDD+ project sites, closely liaise with government, research, community, carbon consultants, and other relevant stakeholders to implement program activities, regularly monitor  program performance and report to the COP, develop program work plans and financial budgets for technical program implementation, provide overall strategic leadership on community engagement, forest protection, and carbon sequestration. Develop, coordinate and manage relationships at the field & provincial levels to ensure smooth running and achievement of desired results of program. With partners, support the enforcement of existing forest conservation and management policies, laws and plans in the project area. Work with the Monitoring &Evaluation team, to set out baselines for monitoring and evaluating the progress and impacts of the project. Work with the GIS team, relevant council teams and Village Natural Resource Committees to undertake forest boundary exercises. Ensure program lessons are disseminated within and outside AWF for the benefit of sustainable forest conservation.

The successful candidate will:       

•  Have an advanced degree in environmental sciences, natural resource management, international development or other relevant field.
• Have at least three years previous experience working on community-based forestry related programs in Africa. Prior experience in southern Africa preferred.
• Have previous experience implementing REDD+ methodologies including MRV and carbon sequestration frameworks.
• Have demonstrated experience in implementing USAID programs including grant management and reporting requirements.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication
• Be fluent in English. Fluency in local languages is an advantage
• Have outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to network strategically and communicate effectively with a wide group of partners ranging from government authorities to local community groups.
• Be knowledgeable of local laws and regulations governing forest conservation in Zambia.

Apply now