Development Worker as Advisor (m/f/d) for Collaborative Forest Planning and Management in and around Protected Areas

Support sustainable forest management and community development in Mongolia.

This opening expired 1 year ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

GIZ - Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Sunday 13 Jul 2025 at 23:59 UTC

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Overview

Support sustainable forest management and community development in Mongolia.

You have:

  • University degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s) in forestry, environmental sciences, natural resource management, rural development, or a related field, with several years of relevant professional experience.
  • Experience working in intercultural and rural contexts, ideally in cooperation with government institutions, communities, or civil society organizations.
  • Strong conceptual and analytical thinking, combined with the ability to work collaboratively in multi-stakeholder and intercultural settings.
  • Proven experience in sustainable forest management, participatory planning processes, and/or the development of Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP) value chains.
  • Practical experience with capacity development approaches and advising local partners or institutions.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and facilitation skills, both in individual and group settings.
  • Fluent in English; Basic knowledge in German and/or Mongolian is an asset.
  • Willingness to travel on a regular basis is required.
  • Candidate must hold the German nationality or the nationality of a member state of the European Union.

Contract

This is a Volunteer contract. More about Volunteer contracts.

Job description

The project “Collaborative Forest Planning and Management in and around Protected Areas (SPACES II)” fosters a collaborative partnership with the administrations of Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area and Tarvagtai Nuruu National Park, as well as with District Forest Units and local Forest User Groups. The objective is to promote sustainable, legally compliant, and economically viable forest use while contributing to the conservation of ecologically valuable forest landscapes. The project supports the development and implementation of integrated Forest Management Plans, Forest Use Agreements, and Business Plans. Emphasis is placed on participatory planning processes and the practical application of updated forest management planning guidelines. In addition, the project strengthens public-private-community partnerships to create synergies between conservation, resource use, and local value creation. To support income diversification, the project also promotes value chains for non-timber forest products (NTFPs), helping to enhance local capacities and improve livelihoods in forest-dependent communities.

Your tasks

  • Support implementation in the thematic area of sustainable forest management and forest-based livelihoods within the GIZ SPACES II project in the target areas
  • Support and cooperate with local and international partner organizations involved in forest governance and community development
  • Advise protected area administrations, District Forest Units, and Forest User Groups on the participatory development and implementation of Forest Management Plans, Forest Use Agreements, and Business Plans
  • Support the implementation of the new forest management planning guidelines on the ground, ensuring their practical application in line with ecological and legal standards
  • Facilitate the development of value chains for Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), including training in sustainable harvesting, processing, and market access
  • Design and implement capacity development measures for partner institutions, local authorities, and communities
  • Work in an intercultural team and collaborate closely with local partners to jointly develop and implement context-specific, solution-oriented approaches

Your profile

  • University degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s) in forestry, environmental sciences, natural resource management, rural development, or a related field, with several years of relevant professional experience
  • Experience working in intercultural and rural contexts, ideally in cooperation with government institutions, communities, or civil society organizations
  • Strong conceptual and analytical thinking, combined with the ability to work collaboratively in multi-stakeholder and intercultural settings
  • Proven experience in sustainable forest management, participatory planning processes, and/or the development of Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP) value chains
  • Practical experience with capacity development approaches and advising local partners or institutions
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and facilitation skills, both in individual and group settings
  • Structured and independent working style, combined with creativity and a strong sense of responsibility
  • Fluent in English; Basic knowledge in German and/or Mongolian is an asset

Location information

We are pleased to offer you a first impression on topics such as climate, shopping and services, the school situation and health care in Mongolia.

In general, the security situation is calm. GIZ staff must adhere to security measures at all times. Please also check the county-specific information provided by the German Federal Foreign Office. A contact person for security risk management is appointed at the local GIZ office.GIZ does not impose any restrictions on life partners and family members to move with you to the country of deployment. Please note that the general and personal living conditions in the country of assignment may meet with different legal and social acceptance. We gladly support you with our many years of experience.

Further information on country-specific advice from the Federal Foreign Office at https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en.

At the site of operation, the particulate pollution occurs to be many time higher than the European acceptable limit. As part of the selection process and during the recruitment examination you will be informed of appropriate protective and behavioral measures.-k

Notes

GIZ's Development Service is looking forward to applications of candidates with a professional qualification and / or university degree and at least two years of professional experience. In addition you hold the German nationality or the nationality of a member state of the European Union.

Willingness to travel on a regular basis is required.

For general questions from dependent partners about local employment - please contact us at: map@giz.de

Please observe the provisions of the country-specific vaccination regulations for entry and work in the country of assignment.

The actual departure date depends on the visa and entry regulations of the country of assignment.

Please understand that we can accept and process in principle only applications via our E-recruiting system. Following the confirmation of your succesful application, kindly check your spam / junk mail folder on a regular basis, since some provider classify emails form our recruiting system as spam.

About us

The basis for service as a development worker is the Development Workers Act (EhfG) and a comprehensive package of benefits based on it. This includes, among other things, targeted professional and personal preparation. We offer the opportunity to work in an innovative, globally active development institution. Your competencies are in demand in an interdisciplinary team on site.

GIZ is a signatory of the Diversity Charter. Recognition, appreciation and inclusion of diversity in the company are important to us. All employees shall be valued - regardless of gender and gender identity, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, social background, age or sexual orientation.

We support equal opportunities and welcome applications from people with disabilities.

Contact

HR-Service Center +49 6196/79-3200 [email protected]

Potential interview questions

Can you describe a project where you successfully implemented sustainable forest management practices? This question is aimed at assessing your hands-on experience in sustainable forest management. Discuss your specific role, the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved.
How have you collaborated with local communities in previous roles? Understanding your approach to community engagement is crucial. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you provide an example of how you handled a multi-stakeholder project? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What challenges do you foresee in the implementation of forest management plans? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure the sustainability of the value chains you develop? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What experience do you have in capacity development with local authorities? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a time when you had to facilitate a meeting with diverse stakeholders. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you approach training local communities in sustainable harvesting practices? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: jobs.giz.de