PROJECT OFFICER (Eastern Africa Wetland Initiative). Livelihood strengthening and community development officer

Category:  Agriculture, Social Sciences and Community
Location:  Addis Ababa
Career Level:  Senior Level (5+ years experience)

Job Description

Background

Wetlands International is a global network organisation with 20 offices that share the name and brand ‘Wetlands International’ and implement a joint ‘Strategic Intent’. The organisation has its global office in Ede-Wageningen (Netherlands). Wetlands International works globally, regionally and nationally toward the conservation and wise use of wetlands to benefit biodiversity and human well-being. It is the only global NGO dedicated to the conservation and wise use of wetlands.

Wetlands International in the Eastern Africa region currently has operations in Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda and South Sudan.  Operations are expanding and are expected to continue to grow in the coming years. Wetlands International Eastern Africa office has responsibility for: sub-regional partnerships; communications; network development and nurturing; resources development; programme and project development, execution and reporting; human resources management; and country operations.

Wetlands International Eastern Africa is seeking a Project Officer in the Eastern Africa Wetland Initiative which will be implemented for 3 years (2021 to 2024). The proposed initiative will address the drivers to loss of wetlands and their biodiversity in Eastern Africa by putting in place enabling conditions for integrated wetland management solutions at landscape and Eco regional scales. The aim of the Initiative is that government agencies, civil society and community groups jointly safeguard and restore wetlands of the Rift Valley and Mangrove eco-regions. The project has 4 major components: Knowledge Generation; Capacity Building and Institutional Development; Actions on the Ground; and Policy. The project will work with different Wetlands International offices with partners at national, regional and global level.

Duties and responsibilities:

  • Support the implementation of the livelihoods and community development components of the programme;
  • Support to strategic positioning and development of the livelihood components of the programme;
  • Ensure the implementation of the livelihoods component of the programme against annual work-plan, targets, time-plans and result indicators;
  • Develop internal monitoring and operational plans that help programme implementation;
  • Support the development of livelihood-related components of  the programme – including through assessment, design and stakeholder consultation;
  • Organize and facilitate training, information-sharing and knowledge-sharing events on the programme as thematic expert on livelihoods and community development;
  • Undertake regular field visits, monitor project progress and share updates to the technical coordinator on a regular basis.
  • community development, livelihood initiatives and the development of strategies that help to achieve agricultural water efficiency and ecosystem, resilience
  • Serve as a resource person in community development for all Wetlands International projects
  • Support communication and knowledge management.
  • Perform any other related functions as may be required by Wetlands International.

Countries: Ethiopia

Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Reporting to: Country Programme Manager

Type of contract: Initial contract for one year, including a probationary period of 3 months, with a possibility of extension

Job Requirements

Education

  • Master’s Degree in development studies, rural development, Agricultural Economics, community development, geography, social studies/sociology, or a closely related field

Experience

  • 7 to 10 years of experience in economic strengthening/livelihoods and community development
  • Practical experience in community mobilization and livelihood diversification/strengthening.
  • Experience building and maintaining partnerships with Government, local community organizations and other development partners and the private sector;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
  • Experience implementing a development program with communities and local governments in wetland settings
  • A good understanding of the environmental problems of the Central Rift Valley.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and experience working with community groups and/or government officials.
  • Flexibility, adaptability and team orientation; ability to work independently yet productively is essential.
  • Prior experience with NGOs is an asset.

Language Requirements:

  • Written and oral fluency in English, Amharic and Afan Oromo

Offer

  • Competitive remuneration according to Wetlands International Eastern Africa standards.

How to Apply

Candidates should apply by sending:

  • An updated Curriculum Vitae (mandatory)
  • Expected Remuneration (Mandatory)
  • Names and contact details of two referees (Mandatory).
  •  If you believe that your credentials meet the outlined profile, we invite you to apply by emailing your application to hreastafrica@wetlands-eafrica.org 
  • Ensure to attach all requested documents for consideration.
  • Clearly indicate the title of the position being applied for as follows “Application for Project Officer Ethiopia position” in the title of your mail. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.