Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme – Field Assistant Coordinator

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established in October 1945 with the objective of eliminating hunger, improving nutrition and standards of living by increasing agricultural productivity. FAO coordinates the efforts of governments and technical agencies in programs for developing agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and land and water resources. It also carries out research; provides technical assistance on projects in individual countries; operates educational programs through seminars and training centres; maintains information and support services, including keeping statistics on world production, trade, and consumption of agricultural commodities; and publishes a number of periodicals, yearbooks, and research bulletins.

The Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme aims to reconcile wildlife conservation issues with those of food security in a set of key (forested and savannah) socio-ecosystems by promoting the sustainable and legal exploitation of resilient wildlife populations by native rural peoples and an adjustment of the supply of domestic proteins for the benefit of both rural and urban populations in ACP countries. The SWM Programme is applying a combination of approaches and models focusing on legal and institutional frameworks, consumption, and sustainable management of wild species resilient to hunting and fishing, alternative protein sources.

The Kavango-Zambezi Transboundary Conservation Area for Sustainable Wildlife Management (ACT-KAZA) project (hereafter referred to as the Project) expands the scope of already developed SWM Programme activities in Zambia and Zimbabwe (KAZA), to Botswana and Namibia, relying on a Community-Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) approach. Funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) and co-funded by the European Commission (EC), the project will contribute to establishing and consolidating a network of well-managed Community Conservancies (CCs) in those two countries, capable of generating sustainable socio-economic benefits for the communities and ensuring ecological connectivity within the whole KAZA landscape. It incorporates innovative elements, such as restructuring of communal grazing practices, promotion of linkages between CCs and the private sector and establishment of corridors that will allow wildlife to move among CCs.

Within the above context, the SWM Programme is seeking the support of a Field Assistant Coordinator to plan, implement, monitor and report site-based activities funded by the SWM CC project.

Reporting Lines

The consultant will work under the supervision of the SWM CC Project Coordinator and the overall supervision of both the SWM Programme Coordinator and the FAO Representative in Botswana.

Technical Focus

Assisting for the planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of site-based activities funded by the SWM CC Project in coordination with the entire project team, as well as with relevant FAO technical and support staff, the donor AFD, implementing partners and government, to ensure site-based activities are implemented in line with the project’s provisions and framework. Finally, he/she is also responsible to contribute to maintain a smooth, transparent and effective collaboration with the national government and the donor, especially through the Site Review Committee (SRC) and regular direct communication.

Tasks and responsibilities

The overall aim is to assist in coordinating the implementation of the SWM CC Project at site-level, via the following principal functions: • Assist in technical and financial supervision and monitoring of implementation of site-based activities according to agreed work plan and budget. • Coordinate technical inputs by technical experts and technical partners, including liaising with relevant SWM Programme focal points in the review of technical outputs. • Provide technical expertise in his/her area/s of expertise. • Assist in coordination of technical and financial reporting of site-level activities. • Coordinate impact and outcome monitoring & evaluation and knowledge management at site (Botswana & Namibia)-level and contribute to these at Project (regional) level, in close collaboration with site coordinators and SWM Regional Coordinator • Represent the site in international, regional and national forums and meetings related to the Project. • Assist in the organization and participate in informal and formal networking opportunities with SWM CC project technical partners, SWM programme consortium partners and other stakeholders. • Contribute to strategic revision of the project, based on the mid-term evaluation. • Perform other related duties, as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in natural resources management, wildlife management, environmental sciences, or other related fields. • Two years of relevant experience in coordinating projects on community-based development or natural resource and wildlife management with at least 1 year in the field. • Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of French for COF.REG. Working knowledge of English for PSA.SBS

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience in project management in Africa • Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions. • Extent and relevance of technical work experience in one or more of the main areas of SWM Programme’s work • Extent and relevance of work experience in one or more regions, especially in those where the SWM Programme works • Familiarity with FAO policies and procedures would be an asset • Extent of knowledge and experience working in multicultural settings and multi-disciplinary projects/programmes combining various approaches to wildlife management in the context of sustainable food and agriculture • Excellent communication skills