Natural Resources Management Officer

Website Total Land Care

Total LandCare (TLC) is a non-profit organization implementing development programs in Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique, and Tanzania. TLC’s mission is to transform the livelihoods of rural households from subsistence to prosperity and self-reliance. Achieving this goal involves building the capacity of organized groups of farmers, cooperatives, and related local governance structures to integrate sustainable agricultural and natural resource practices with initiatives to strengthen livelihoods and value chains linked to micro-finance and markets. The ultimate aim is to increase farm productivity, diversification, profitability and resilience with lower input costs and sound management of the landscape for current and future generations.

To support the above mission, TLC has secured funding towards the implementation of development projects in Northern and Central Malawi. The goal of the projects are a) to strengthen local food systems in selected extension planning areas (EPAs) through improved food and nutrition security, increased resilience to climate change and increased income among agriculture-dependent rural households, and b) to restore the land and livelihoods of vulnerable small-scale farm households, and to enhance carbon sinks using locally-appropriate evergreening systems.

TLC is therefore seeking the services of qualified, highly motivated, and hardworking persons to fill the following position:

Natural Resources Management Officer X1

The Natural Resource Management Officer will perform duties related to supporting communities in the implementation of landscape restoration interventions, assisted natural regeneration, farmer managed natural regeneration, tree planting and establishment of plantations, management of communal forests, and establishment of sustainable natural resource-based enterprises among others. Her/His services will be conducted under the direct supervision of the Project Manager. As with all project staff, she/he is also accountable to primary stakeholder groups.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Provide technical supervision in the implementation of interventions on natural resource management.
  • Lead capacity building and training of local governance structures in natural resource management.
  • In collaboration with Department of Forestry facilitate development of communal forest management plans and registration with District Councils.
  • Train and support communities engage natural resource based enterprises such as sustainable harvest of forest and non-forest products, honey production etc.
  • Train local governance structures in corporate governance practices, basic rights, conflict resolution and by-law formulation related to natural resource management.
  • Facilitate the establishment and management of model villages based on project interventions.
  • Facilitate linkages for access markets and financial services for ecosystem-based value chains.
  • Provide monthly updates on progress and assist management in the production of the semi and annual reports.
  • Produce quarterly workplans and reports for performance-based appraisals.

Qualifications/Experience:

  • Degree in Forestry/community-based natural resource management, landscape restoration or related fields.
  • Minimum of 3 years’ experience in natural resource management.
  • Familiar with the NRM related Acts and Policies, and NRM related local governance structures.
  • Experience in developing and promoting non timber forest-based value chains.
  • Experience with technical and/or operational issues related to forest management.
  • Strong facilitation skills and ability to facilitate group discussions with communities.
  • Ability to transfer knowledge through formal and informal training.
  • Ability to influence, network, and collaborate with government, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and a team player.
  • Excellent oral and written analytical communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to work well with diverse group of people.
  • Ability to meet strict deadlines under pressure.
  • Fluency in English and at least one locally spoken language.
  • Demonstrated computer literacy in MS Office packages.
  • Willingness to travel approximately 50% of time to remote areas of the country to interact with field staff and project partners (farmers and others).
  • Flexibility and willingness to work during odd hours, including holidays and weekends on a wide range of tasks.
  • Previous NGO experience of at least three years preferred.
  • High level of professionalism, trustworthiness, confidentiality, and integrity.

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE 

An attractive remuneration will be offered to successful candidates commensurate with qualifications and experience. TLC is an equal opportunity employer, so women are encouraged to apply. The contract is for 12 months, renewable on a yearly basis based on performance and continuation of the projects.

METHOD OF APPLICATION

Applications including an up-to-date curriculum vitae giving names, telephone numbers, physical and email addresses of traceable referees should be sent to the address below not later than Friday 16th February 2024. Please specify the type of job you are applying for and indicate when you would be available. Note that applications via email will not be entertained.

The Managing Director

Total LandCare

Plot #12/520, New Area 12,

P.O. Box 2440, Lilongwe Malawi

“Only short-listed applicants will be acknowledged”