Ecoregion Lead, Rift Valley

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 seeks a leader who can drive a transformative agenda in the Rift Valley eco-region.  The Ecoregion Lead is responsible for defining and shaping the entire ecoregional process and for the development of and supporting the implementation of Ecoregion initiatives to improve livelihoods and protect biodiversity. The incumbent will ensure effective management of projects and coordinate with the country teams (especially Kenya and Ethiopia) and other stakeholders and also ensure the strategic linkage and effectiveness of activities in the Rift Valley Ecoregion, feed into Wetlands International’s wider programming.

Key duties and responsibilities:

• Act as the focal person in charge of coordinating work in the Rift Valley Ecoregion
• Develop, coordinate, supervise and support the implementation of the Rift Valley Ecoregion landscape programme in accordance with the objectives and targets defined
• Lead on the delivery at a landscape level through the effective coordination, knowledge sharing and joint planning between different countries. This will involve:
• Leading on the definition/ development of an ecoregional workplan and delivering the plan’s objectives within designated time frames
• Establishment/strengthening of entities that can assume responsibility for stakeholder dialogue and the negotiation of potentially divisive issues
• Development of a biodiversity vision.
• Work closely with Program and Country Office staff  and project partners to ensure smooth communication, joint planning, coordinated implementation and monitoring of project deliverables;
• Building relationships with governments, businesses, other NGOs and institutions at all levels, on both sides of the border.
• Representation: Represent the Program in meetings with donors, government and other stakeholders.
• Perform any other related functions as may be required by Wetland International.

Countries: Ethiopia, Kenya

 Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Reporting to: Regional Policy and Advocacy Officer

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

Education, knowledge and experience

• The ideal candidate will have postgraduate qualifications in landscape management, natural resources management, environment Biodiversity, wetland ecosystems,, natural resource policy or other related fields
• At least ten years of experience in natural resource management, integrated landscape management and biodiversity conservation  and at least five years’ experience with management and reporting of donor funded projects
• Experience in organizational and institutional development of multi stakeholder platforms is a plus
• A good understanding of the Rift Valley’s environmental challenges and the institutional, public-private and civil society actors active across the region and strong ability and readiness to communicate and work with them
• A good understanding of the policies relevant for RV region and experience with advocacy
• Ability to represent at a high level including working with heads of state, government ministers, secretaries, and donors

Personal attributes and competencies

• Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with people in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to write and communicate clearly and concisely in English; including preparing technical reports, project documents and effective presentations.
• Strong organizational skills and effective management of multiple tasks and priorities
• Ability to provide leadership, communicate effectively, and promote a team approach to enhance staff commitment to successfully achieve organizational objectives.
• Good knowledge of applicable administrative and financial rules and regulations
• Ability to work independently but also as part of a team
• Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment;
• Ability and willingness to travel

Offer: Competitive remuneration according to Wetlands International Eastern Africa standards.