Mercy Corps is an international humanitarian organization operating Water and Sanitation, Economic Development, Livelihoods, Capacity Building, Emergency Response, Health and Nutrition and similar sectors in the regions of Somali, Oromiya, Addis Ababa and SNNPR. Mercy Corps works with communities, public, and private sectors to implement appropriate relief, recovery and development interventions.
The purpose of the Natural Resource Management (NRM/CCA) Technical Specialist is to implement the technical aspects related to improving access to key natural resources, building sustainability in NRM systems and enhancing pastoralists' adaptation to climate change under the Pastoralist Resilience through Market Expansion (PRIME) Project. In consultation with the supervisor, PRIME IR Technical Team Leaders and Technical Officers, the post holder supports planning and implements the natural resource management and climate change adaptation component of the Project.
She/he will be responsible for understanding the program's governance and landscaped-based approaches to natural resource management and climate change adaptation as well as have excellent knowledge and skills of land rehabilitation and management techniques, including rangelands and water points, in pastoral areas. S/he will be responsible for internalizing and applying the guidance, approaches, strategies and tools established by the leadership team in relation to NRM, and support staff and partners to implement these effectively. She/he will be required to work alongside other team members to implement established tools and approaches in order to assist pastoralists to have improved long-term access to key natural resource areas, as well as the tools, skills and technologies that can support this.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Job Responsibility #1: Technical implementation
Supports systematic implementation of field activities related to natural resource management, as per PRIME approach and guidelines, and as per the leadership of the IR 2 Team, ensuring close follow-up and engagement.
Works closely with and supports IR 2 community officers at grazing system level, co-facilitating events on-going basis.
Develops deep understanding of the NRM approaches established by the PRIME program, particular focusing on link between systems, governance, land use, and natural resource enhancement.
Supports the identification and systematic inclusion of key NRM governance stakeholders at local and regional level in all relevant activities and processes.
Support the development and/or adaptation of facilitation approaches and trainings for field stakeholders, to support sound implementation of NRM activities; ensures approval by the NRM Technical Team Leader.
Develops sub-activity concept notes as per program template and as per workplan priorities identified by the NRM Field Technical Advisor, and with support of the NRM Technical Team Leader
Implements NRM activities as articulated in sub-activity concept notes.
Systematically liaises with and facilitate appropriate processes with relevant NRM actors, including customary institutions, elders, women, young people, woreda and zone government, and research institutions
Identifies and promotes innovative approaches and interventions to achieve project objectives, and suited to the particular conditions and needs of diverse target groups.
Job Responsibility #2: Capacity building
Under the overall guidance of the NRM Field Technical Team Leader, provide systematic support to community and government partners in NRM techniques and approaches identified by the project
Participate in and support trainings, assessments and other capacity-building activities
Job Responsibility #3: Design, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
As requested by the NRM Field Technical Team Leader, support and document assessments related to NRM context to support activity implementation and decision-making that reflect the objectives and approach of the PRIME program
Strictly adheres to program M&E system and reporting formats, submits quality data and reports on time.
Develops quality concept notes reflecting the program approaches and processes through the established review cycle.
Monitors progress and evaluates successes, challenges and lessons-learned in application of the PRIME NRM approaches
Actively participate in regular team planning and review meetings; supports identification of follow-up activities based on learning and findings from previous activities and implementation
Ensures the program captures and responds to up-to-date information about NRM within the local operational context
Collaborating with the field LKM personnel, ensures all NRM development activities are appropriately documented and that data is captured as per established monitoring and evaluation systems of the PRIME program
Contribute to case studies and best-practice write-ups
Job Responsibility # 4: Coordinate, represent and networking
Systematically coordinates with other technical staffs to ensure synergy, harmonization and appropriate sequencing of all PRIME program activities in implementation area.
Coordinates and creates linkages among community institutions and stakeholders, government officer, and research institutions, in support of strengthening governance and a systems approach to NRM.
Facilitate information exchange as appropriate
Job Responsibility # 5: Perform any other duties as assigned
Job Requirement
BSc in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Engineering or other related field
Or equivalent combination of education and work experience
Master's Degree in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Engineering or other related field
Required
Proficiency in verbal and written English,
Proficiency in standard office software package;
Understanding of governance, institutional strengthening and systems-level approach to natural resource management
Understanding of NRM opportunities and challenges in pastoral context
Strong communication and analytical skills
Demonstrated interpersonal skills in working with multi –disciplinary team
Desired:
Skills in organizing and facilitating workshop and training events.