JOB DETAILS:
Role Summary:
The Project Officer - Ecosystem Restoration and Management will lead and coordinate activities focused on the restoration, management, and conservation of critical ecosystems in the River Nkusi Catchment area. This includes implementing forest restoration, afforestation, and agroforestry initiatives while promoting community engagement and sustainable ecosystem governance

Key responsibilities
1. Ecosystem Restoration & Management:
o Coordinate the establishment and operation of community-run tree nurseries to provide seedlings for restoration activities.
o Lead efforts to restore degraded riverbanks and forest zones, targeting the 1,765 hectares specified in the project.

o Oversee the development and management of woodlots and agroforestry systems covering 3,990 hectares.
2. Stakeholder Engagement & Capacity Building:
o Strengthen and support sub-catchment management structures to ensure inclusive and effective ecosystem governance.
o Conduct training sessions on sustainable ecosystem management practices for community members and stakeholders.
3. Monitoring and Reporting:
o Monitor the progress of restoration and afforestation activities, ensuring alignment with project goals and timelines.
o Document and report outcomes and lessons learned from ecosystem management initiatives.
4. Partnerships and Advocacy:
o Collaborate with local authorities, NGOs, and community groups to align ecosystem management efforts with broader conservation goals.
o Promote awareness about the biodiversity and ecosystem services provided by the Nkusi Catchment area.

Experience:
At least 3 years of experience in ecosystem restoration, conservation, or similar projects

Educational Requirements:
Qualifications:
• A degree in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Proven experience in community engagement and capacity building.

• Strong knowledge of afforestation, agroforestry, and biodiversity conservation practices.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder coordination skills.

Key Performance Indicators:
• Level of contribution to the implementation of Climate-Smart Agriculture and sustainable livelihood activities.
• Extent of adoption and use of energy-efficient technologies in target communities.
• Level of engagement with farmers and households to improve access to potable water and irrigation resources.

• Timeliness and quality of project reports submitted.
• Effectiveness in facilitating community awareness and capacity-building sessions.
• Level of stakeholder engagement and collaboration for successful project delivery.
• Extent of micro-enterprise development and its impact on household income diversification.
• Keen observation skills and a sharp memory