Ecosystem Management Specialist

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes, and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner to ensure zero hunger in the country. FAO provides support in three priority areas: sustainable increase in production and productivity, agriculture-based economic growth, and increased resilience of livelihoods to threats and crisis. The current portfolio of projects in Nigeria includes activities related to agriculture (crop), livestock, Fisheries, Natural Resource management and Food Security Information Management and Analysis.

The incumbent will contribute to the country’s programme and portfolio as foreseen in the project he/she will be assigned to provide technical support.

The post is located and based in Calabar, Cross River State - Nigeria.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) and direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programmes) (AFAOR-P) and in close collaboration with other team members and relevant FAO technical officers in the Sub-regional office for West Africa (SFW), Regional FAO Office for Africa (RAF) and Headquarters, the incumbent will undertake the following main tasks.

Technical Focus

The Ecosystem Management Specialist will play a pivotal role in the UK PACT project aiming to rehabilitate coastal ecosystems and enhance climate resilience in mangrove ecosystems and their dependent forest and fisheries communities. The specialist will oversee and guide project activities, assessments, capacity building, and policy alignment, while ensuring successful collaboration with stakeholders and contributing to knowledge sharing.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Serve as the team lead, providing guidance and direction to ensure the successful delivery of the PACT project. • Coordinate activities across the team and collaborate effectively with other experts and stakeholders. • Conduct an assessment to identify climate change and environmental impacts, shocks, and vulnerabilities in the identified communities. • Conduct surveys to identify biophysical and social drivers of mangrove deforestation and recommend adaptation and mitigation approaches. • Investigate state and local capacities for assessing and monitoring mangroves and related biodiversity. • Develop mangrove ecosystem management plans in collaboration with the project team and stakeholders, aligning them with existing relevant plans. • Assess the awareness of local communities regarding mangrove ecosystems, threats, climate change trends, and opportunities for improved management. • Collaborate with the livelihoods expert to conduct workshops and training on ecosystem restoration, participatory planning, and monitoring. • Lead on-site training of beneficiaries on indigenous mangrove species propagation, planting, and management. • Provide on-site capacity building and management care for mangrove seedlings, including relevant state institutions and communities. • Review and analyze state-level policies related to mangrove management and environmental protection. • Identify links between social protection components and mangrove management for community livelihood resilience. • Identify potential environmental risks and implement protection measures against pollution from oil and chemical spills. • Propose a strategy for mangrove management plans and interventions, including natural regeneration, restoration, and community-owned forests establishment. • Conduct capacity needs assessment among relevant government officials and institutions for restoration and climate-resilient mangrove management. • Provide training for MDAs on monitoring, management, and policies for sustainable mangrove and fish farming. • Align the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Action Plan with climate change laws and policies. • Prepare project reports for donors and government, sharing lessons learned and best practices. • Collaborate with experts to document impacts, publish success stories, and contribute to project results dissemination. • Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree or advanced university degree in relevant field (Environmental Science, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Ecosystem Management). • Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in environmental projects, particularly mangrove ecosystems management, biodiversity, environmental impact assessments, and ecosystem restoration. • Working knowledge of English • Nigerian nationality with working experience in coastal/mangrove landscapes within the country

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Strong stakeholder engagement and fieldwork skills. • Previous experience in Nigerian coastal areas, specifically in mangrove ecosystems. • Familiarity with international donors' projects is preferred. • Knowledge of national and sub-national environmental laws, regulations, and policies. • Proficiency in relevant software tools, including GIS and data analysis tools, and environmental modelling software. • Proficient computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet). • Limited knowledge of any main Nigerian language (Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Pidgin).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help please contact: [email protected]
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.