Biodiversity and Natural Resources Management Officer
Job Description
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The position contributes to the implementation of the “Ecosystem-based Solutions for Biodiversity Conservation and Resilient Livelihoods” (ECOR) project, which seeks to strengthen the conservation of forests, wetlands, wildlife habitats, and agricultural landscapes while enhancing the resilience and livelihoods of local communities. It supports the translation of project objectives into field-level actions, ensuring that ecosystem-based approaches are effectively integrated with sustainable livelihood strategies. In this role, the position holder leads the planning, implementation, and technical oversight of biodiversity conservation and natural resource management interventions. This responsibility includes guiding participatory forest management (PFM) initiatives, facilitating the restoration of wetlands and rangelands, and promoting ecosystem-based practices that balance conservation priorities with community needs. He/she also ensures that interventions are technically sound, context-specific, and aligned with broader environmental and development frameworks.
KEY TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES
Implement project activities at the field office
Work with the project coordinator and community development facilitators of the ECOR project in the Metu field office to achieve the project outputs/outcomes.
Facilitate the selection of project intervention sites and beneficiaries of the ECOR project in collaboration with government stakeholders and implementing partners and project staff.
Participate in the preparation of an integrated plan and detailed activities to be implemented in the project, following a holistic development approach.
Implement the ECOR project as per the detailed plan with the required quality, time, and budget
Ensure adequate consultation and participation of Woreda and village/community level stakeholders, ensuring active participation of women
Participate in the assessments, studies, surveys, monitoring, review and evaluation activities at the community level
Facilitate field visits, experience sharing visits at the community level
Support to identify training needs, prepare training materials, and deliver training, business plan development and other services to CBOs and unions
Ensure adequate consultation and participation of Woreda and village/community level stakeholders, ensuring active participation of women
With the support of the Country technical team, provide expertise and advice for community institutions/Organizations on gender mainstreaming in the project scheme
Facilitate stakeholders meetings, dialogues among others, and discuss modalities within CBOs/PFMCs/PRMCs/ women and youth enterprises
Prepare monthly progress reports and update the implementation of the ECOR project activities on time
Technical Implementation
Lead the planning, coordination, and on-the-ground implementation of biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration interventions across diverse ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, rangelands, and wildlife habitats, ensuring alignment with ecological principles and project objectives.
Provide technical support for the establishment, strengthening, and operationalization of Participatory Forest Management Cooperatives (PFMCs) and other community-based institutions, including developing governance structures, bylaws, and sustainable management plans.
Facilitate the restoration of degraded ecosystems through the application of nature-based solutions such as assisted natural regeneration, enrichment planting, soil and water conservation measures, and integrated watershed management approaches tailored to local ecological conditions.
Promote and support the adoption of sustainable land-use practices that align with integrated landscape management principles, balancing conservation objectives with livelihood needs and enhancing ecosystem resilience.
Community Engagement and Capacity Building
Design and deliver training programs and awareness-raising activities for local communities, cooperatives, and local leaders on sustainable natural resource management, climate-smart practices, and ecosystem restoration techniques.
Strengthen community-based governance systems, including Participatory Forest Management (PFM) groups, watershed committees, and wetland user groups, by enhancing institutional capacity, accountability, and participatory decision-making processes.
Promote inclusive participation by actively engaging women, youth, and marginalized groups in conservation activities, ensuring equitable access to resources, benefits, and leadership opportunities within community institutions.
Biodiversity Conservation
Support the protection and sustainable management of key species and critical habitats, with particular attention to threatened and IUCN-listed species within designated conservation areas such as biosphere reserves.
Establish and implement biodiversity monitoring systems, including data collection protocols and indicators, to track ecosystem health and inform adaptive conservation planning and management decisions.
Promote and implement human–wildlife conflict mitigation strategies, including community awareness, early warning systems, and locally appropriate interventions to reduce risks and enhance coexistence.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
Work closely with relevant government institutions, including forestry, environment, and agriculture offices, as well as development partners such as Ethiopian Coffee and Forest Forum, to ensure coordinated and effective program implementation.
Facilitate multi-stakeholder platforms and coordination mechanisms to strengthen collaboration among partners and ensure alignment with national and international frameworks, including Climate-Resilient Green Economy (CRGE), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and biodiversity strategies.
