Job Summary
Vita is implementing a new program which aims to greatly increase household adoption of fuel-efficient cook stoves by using a new Community-Led Total approach. The ultimate goal of this project is to totally eliminate use of traditional three-stone (Sost Gulicha) stoves by mobilizing 100% of households in the program area to adopt fuel-efficient stoves. The Senior Forestry Officer will be responsible for planning, implementing, and managing forestry and agroforestry initiatives within targeted Kebeles. This role involves collaboration with government officials, community members, and other stakeholders to enhance forest coverage, improve land use, and support sustainable development practices in Gamo & Gofa Zones of south Ethiopia Region.
Key Responsibilities:
Preparatory Work:
- Collect and analyze land use patterns, forest coverage, agro-ecological conditions, and socio-economic data from zonal and woreda sectors.
- Identify and document communal and private land suitable for forestry and agroforestry interventions.
- Assess the status of government nurseries and prepare plans for necessary materials and inputs for seedling production.
- Identify suitable tree species for each Kebele and develop seedling production plans based on beneficiary needs.
- Create and oversee an implementation schedule for forestry activities, including preparatory and follow-up stages.
- Establish a technical team at various administrative levels to monitor and report on forestry activities.
- Design strategies to align forestry initiatives with CLTS-triggering events.
- Develop backup plans for community mobilization in Kebeles where triggering has occurred.
Implementation Stage:
- Prepare procurement plans for nursery equipment and seeds based on the gaps identified in nurseries and in accordance with the agro-ecology of intervention Kebeles.
- Organize training sessions for experts at zonal, woreda, and Kebele levels on technical and management aspects of forestry.
- Negotiate agreements with nursery workers responsible for seedling production and management activities.
- Provide technical advice to agricultural experts and nursery workers to ensure quality seedling production within the intended timeframe.
- Facilitate performance-based payments for nursery workers in accordance with agreements.
- Develop bylaws and tree planting agreements between landowners, the project, and government actors.
- Mobilize community and private farmers for timely preparation of compost and plantation pits to enhance seedling survival.
- Organize and lead campaigns for tree planting in each intervention Kebele during the preferred season.
- Establish and educate management committees in each Kebele on their roles in overseeing communal plantations.
- Ensure project strategies align with federal and regional forest regulations.
- Participate in periodic performance evaluations and prepare required documentation
Job Requirement
Required Skills:
- Strong knowledge of forestry principles and practices.
- Proficiency in data analysis and environmental monitoring.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Strong problem-solving abilities.
- Familiarity with GIS and satellite imagery technologies.
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
Experience:
- At least of 3 years of experience in forestry management or conservation.
- Proven experience in project management and fieldwork.
Experience working with governmental and non-governmental organizations is an advantage
Duty station:- Arbaminch
How to Apply
Application Procedure: Interested applicants are invited to send their CV with covering letter in English to Vita/RTI Addis Ababa P.O Box 10744, Vita/RTI Arbaminch Coordination Office P.O Box 144 and /or by email through Vita.Ethiopia@vita.ie, or directly to Vita Arbaminch coordination office located at Arbaminch city Ganta ber road Gurba office HR section.
Women applicants are highly encouraged to apply
The deadline for application will be 10 days from the date of this announcement.
