Based in Mbeya, reporting to the Project Manager, Southern Highlands Conservation Program, as part of the East Africa Regional Program. 1 year contract with potential for extension.
Project overview and Context
WCS seeks to evaluate the feasibility of cost-effective carbon sequestration within the Southern Highlands landscape in Tanzania. The region has the potential for carbon sequestration through a combination of interventions (avoided deforestation and restoration activities) on different forest reserves. For each intervention, successful project implementation depends on effective participation and meaningful engagement of local stakeholders particularly communities. Thus, WCS will jointly work with local communities to maximise socio-economic benefits and explore alternatives to the unsustainable use of natural resources. The carbon project will be validated against the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and Climate, Communities and Biodiversity Standard (CCB) where participatory approaches and effective stakeholder engagement is significant for project success.
KEY DUTIES
Initiate and Maintain stakeholder relations
• Support the implementation of project’s activities in targeted areas through collaborative partnerships with District officials, TFS managers, Village Governments and Local communities.
• Pursue and develop effective working relationships with participating villages, and key local decision makers ensuring they are kept abreast of project developments and communication channels remain open with communities.
Technical
• Oversee the process of Free, Prior and Informed Consent with rights’ holders
• Together with the participating communities, identify viable income generating activities that address conservation threats and meet community needs.
• Identify and assess socio-economic and environment risks as a result of project and develop appropriate and timely mitigation measures.
• Facilitate the development of locally appropriate communication materials to be used in project awareness and community mobilization.
• Ensure data capture of success stories emphasising project outcomes and impacts and highlighting lessons learned.
• Conduct training needs assessments among beneficiaries and community groups, and facilitate capacity building and sensitisation activities.
• Establish an effective Grievance redress mechanism together with local stakeholders and facilitate resolution of conflicts before they escalate.
• Maintain and continuously update project documentation and relevant files.
Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
• Design socio-economic indicators, monitoring plans and conduct periodic assessments as per expected outputs and outcomes.
• In liaison with the project manager, monitor financial spending on community and livelihood related activities ensuring delivery against costed workplans.
• Ensure that follow up of document approvals by concerned authorities is done in a timely manner.
• Provide input in project concept notes, presentations and project documents.
• Frequent site monitoring to ensure project activities, and services provided are compliant with Climate Community & Biodiversity (CCB) requirements and relevant international safeguards standards.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
• Bachelor’s degree in the relevant field e.g. Social sciences, Sociology, Development studies, Community development etc
• Extensive experience (above 5 years) in the field of rural community engagement and mobilization using participatory approaches to achieve livelihood objectives.
• Prior work experience on conservation projects is desirable
• Experience in conducting environment and social impact assessments
• Familiarity with the International social safeguards standards is an added advantage.
• Strong public speaking skills in both private and open meetings
• Strong interpersonal communication and writing skills
• High level mobilisation, negotiation and mediation skills
• Fluency in English in essential
• Readiness to frequently travel to remote areas
Qualified candidates should send their Cover letters & CVs including 3 referees addressed to WCS Tanzania, County Director at wcshrtanzania@wcs.org. not later than 15th July 2020.
Hand delivered CVS will not be accepted.
