Environmental Governance Officer

The ECODIT Trust

Mar. 17, 2023

Job Description

The Environmental Governance (EG) Officer will act as the focal point person for development and implementation of environmental governance’ training activities for communities and local institutions in the SEL and Mid-Zambezi Landscapes. S/he will provide technical support for the design and implementation of a range of activities aimed at the strengthening the capacities of local level institutions to sustainably govern, manage and use natural resources.

This position will be based in Southeast Lowveld Office and directly report to the ZELA’ s Resilience ANCHORS Project Officer and with reporting lines to Southeast Lowveld Resilience ANCHORS Project Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities

Responsible for the implementation of natural resources governance components of a project
Plan and carry out natural resources governance programming activities in line with the broad intended results under the project.
Capacitation of stakeholders on natural resources governance and preparation of learning materials.
Participate in the development of project concept notes, agendas, activity plan and project implementation plans.
Produce project reports and knowledge products such as policy briefs, blogs, articles, and other publications on natural resources governance.
Provide expert technical advice on natural resources management and governance.
Conduct research on natural resources governance.
Produce analytical papers / issues papers on natural resources governance issues at the national, regional, and global levels.
Perform other responsibilities as maybe assigned by management.

Qualifications and Experience

A Bachelor’s Degree in Law/Environmental Management/Natural Resources Management with courses in wildlife management, forest management, and water management. A Master’s Degree is an added advantage.
Post graduate certificate/Diploma/Degree in Non-Timber Forest Management and Sustainable Use is an added advantage.
A minimum of 5 years’ experience in the sector working on Environmental Governance with a bias on Natural Resources Management / Wildlife Governance and/or Non-Timber Forest Management and Sustainable Use.
A task oriented, result focused approach with a thorough understanding challenges related environmental governance in Zimbabwe.
Experience of working in the NGO development sector and ability to work and engage with consultants.
Proficiency in English (spoken and written) and knowledge of local languages is desirable.
Demonstrated ability to oversee various activities at once ensuring timely and successful implementation.
Outstanding interpersonal skills including the ability to build coalitions, negotiate, and manage conflict and familiarity with protocols associated with working in Zimbabwe.
Genuine respect for the skills and perspectives of communities, partner organizations and the private sector.
Ability, willingness, and desire to be based in remote location (Southeast Lowveld in this case).
Good report writing skills and working knowledge of computers and MS Office software package.

Technical Knowledge, Skills and Expertise Required

Broad knowledge and understanding of natural resources governance that includes but not limited to the relevant legal, policy and institutional frameworks, human -wildlife conflict, wildlife conservation, water, forestry, land tenure, non-timber forest produce, and land rights.
Understanding of broad aspects of Natural Resources Governance that includes Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) and Communal Areas Management Programmes for Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE)
Good understanding of Natural Resources Management frameworks at the global, regional, and national levels, best practices, and their implications
Ability to build networks at the local, national, regional, and international levels to further the organization’s work
Ability to work with diverse stakeholders that include communities, CSOs, legislators, Government of Zimbabwe, funders, and the private sector
Must have good writing skills and the ability to communicate effectively that is quickly, clearly, and concisely both orally and in writing.