Senior Policy Advisor

AWF is seeking an experienced individual to facilitate the development of an 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 facilitate the development of an 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 Senior Policy Advisor will liaise with key government stakeholders, USAID’s policy representatives, and relevant stakeholders, work with the government to facilitate the development of a joint national REDD+ strategy, coordinate outreach to non-governmental stakeholders to ensure consistency and transparency between field implementation and the national REDD+ dialogue, liaise with government about land tenure, ownership and rights , work with the Lead Field Operator to ensure that the lessons learned from community PFMP processes are incorporated and captured by the program in order to influence the national REDD+ processes. In addition, this position will provide relevant, timely and insightful advice on legislation of direct relevance to AWF, represent AWF in the CFP to ensure effective collaboration with USAID and other partners, research pertinent policies and legislative information and facilitate contacts and relationships with relevant officials in Zambia.

The successful candidate will:      

• Advanced degree in public policy, environmental law, or relevant field.
• At least five years previous experience working in the development of public policies in the SADC region. Zambian experience would be preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in forestry related donor-funded programs of similar size and scope highly desirable.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication.
• Be able to communicate effectively with a wide group of collaborators, including proactive sharing of information and reporting.
• Have genuine respect for the skills and perspectives of communities, partner organizations and the private sector.

Apply now