South America Natural Resources Advisor

METI, Inc. in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service, International Programs Office is looking for a South America Natural Resources Advisor.

Background:   The US Forest Service (USFS) implements bi-lateral and regional programs in South America in partnership with the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the Department of State (DOS), and other US Government (USG) partners, as well as through direct USFS initiatives. Programs deliver USFS technical expertise on a broad array of natural resource management and biodiversity conservation topics to develop local capacity and support governmental and nongovernmental organizations, communities, research institutes, and university partners. Work is carried out through training and workshops, technical exchanges and assistance visits, and study tours to the US or other countries, as appropriate. 

Objective: The objective of the Advisor position is to contribute to coordination of USFS programs and initiatives in South America, to provide natural resource and biodiversity advice and guidance to USAID and other partners, to enhance communication regarding USFS South America regional programs, and to inform USFS medium and long-term strategic planning in the region.

Requirements:  The Advisor shall have the following skills:

• Minimum of 10 years of  natural resource management and biodiversity conservation related work experience;
• An advanced degree in natural resources management, forestry, environmental management, or related field;
• Knowledge of the USFS and other USG land management agencies;
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and build and strengthen partnerships;
• Knowledge of  natural resource management issues in Latin America;
• Skill in developing partnerships and collaboration among stakeholder groups;
• Experience conducting assessments, capacity building activities, workshops and trainings;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and independently without day-to-day supervision;
• Skill in producing high quality written and visual communications products;
• Experience in program management and coordination, including financial management; and
• Fluency in Spanish.
• Must be a US Citizen

 Duties: 

• Serve as a main point of contact for USFS/IP in the South America region and as a liaison between USFS/IP and USAID;
• Collaboratively identify strategic opportunities for technical assistance from USFS and manage US expertise and inputs related to natural resource management;
• Contribute to the development or review of work plans and strategic planning activities, including providing recommendations for technical assistance;
• Cultivate strong working relationships with regional governments, multilateral, and non-governmental institutions involved in natural resource issues;

• Coordinate with USFS/IP LAC team, including the LAC Program Coordinator, and other South America program managers; 
• Provide direct support and technical backstopping to USAID and USFS/IP such as input on activities, work plans, and performance reports;

• Conduct monitoring of strategic indicators;
• Contribute to USFS/IP communications, including success stories, web-page updates, one-pagers and newsletters; and
• Provide regular reports on technical activities for the USFS/IP Washington office.

Location of Work: The Advisor will be based in Lima, Peru.

Anticipated Travel and Work Schedule: It is estimated that these activities will require a full-time level of effort, and significant travel within the South America region as well as to the US for consultations and to accompany technical visits and study tours.

Benefits: Housing, cost of living, and post differential allowances will be provided for the period of performance, as well as reimbursement for inoculations and visas for the Advisor.  Relocation and resettlement/shipment of household effects (HHE) will be provided for the Advisor and his/her family. Communications via mobile phone and internet related to the requirements of the position will be reimbursed. A laptop computer, software, and related office supplies will be provided.

In addition to the allowances listed above METI offers competitive salaries, as well as comprehensive employee benefits.

If you are interested in becoming an METI Team member, please send your Cover Letter and Resume/CV to HRdept@meticorp.com.  METI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.