Ecoregion Lead, Rift Valley – Wetlands International
Environment and Natural Resource, Natural Sciences
Wetlands International
Wetlands International is the only global not-for-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and restoration of wetlands. We are deeply concerned about the loss and deterioration of wetlands such as lakes, marshes and rivers. Our vision is a world where wetlands are treasured and nurtured for their beauty, the life they support and the resources they provide.
Wetlands International is dedicated to maintaining and restoring wetlands— for their environmental values as well as for the services they provide to people. We work through our network of offices, our partners and experts to achieve our goals. Most of our work is financed on a project basis by governments and private donors. We are also supported by government and NGO membership.
Our Vision
A world where wetlands are treasured and nurtured for their beauty, the life they support and the resources they provide.
Our Mission
To sustain and restore wetlands, their resources and biodiversity.
Background
Wetlands International is a global network organisation with 20 offices that share the name and brand ‘Wetlands International’ and implement a joint ‘Strategic Intent’. The organisation has its global office in Ede-Wageningen (Netherlands). Wetlands International works globally, regionally and nationally toward the conservation and wise use of wetlands to benefit biodiversity and human well-being. It is the only global NGO dedicated to the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
Wetlands International in the Eastern Africa region currently has operations in Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda and South Sudan. Operations are expanding and are expected to continue to grow in the coming years. Wetlands International Eastern Africa office has responsibility for: subregional partnerships; communications; network development and nurturing; resources development; programme and project development, execution and reporting; human resources management; and country operations.
Wetlands International Eastern Africa seeks a leader who can drive a transformative agenda in the Rift Valley eco-region. The Ecoregion Lead is responsible for defining and shaping the entire ecoregional process and for the development of and supporting the implementation of Ecoregion initiatives to improve livelihoods and protect biodiversity. The incumbent will ensure effective management of projects and coordinate with the country teams (especially Kenya and Ethiopia) and other stakeholders and also ensure the strategic linkage and effectiveness of activities in the Rift Valley Ecoregion, feed into Wetlands International’s wider programming.
The incumbent is expected to have proven experience in liasing with and working through governmental organisations, securing support and encouraging ownership from line ministries, regional and local government, specialist agencies and national institutions in Ethiopia”
Key duties and responsibilities:
- Act as the focal person in charge of coordinating work in the Rift Valley Ecoregion
- Facilitate team work among program staff within Ethiopia as well as linking with the Source to Sea project team in Kenya and Tanzania.
- Lead the implementation of the Rift Valley Ecoregion landscape programme, with our staff teams and partners, in accordance with the objectives and targets defined
- Facilitate the delivery at a landscape level through the effective coordination, knowledge sharing and joint planning betweendifferent countries. This will involve:
- Lead the team and partner process to design an ecoregion strategy linked to deliver on the ecoregion vision, and to define a workplan
- Ensure delivery of the workplan, including quality, budget control, MEL and reporting within designated time frames
- Facilitate inclusive stakeholder dialogues and decision-making processes, including by building capacity of others.
- Review and enhance the draft ecoregion vision, together with partners, giving additional emphasis to biodiversity and its integration with socio-economic factors.
- Work closely with Program and Country Office staff and project partners to ensure smooth communication, joint planning, coordinated implementation and monitoring of project deliverables;
- Establish and nurture collaborative relationships with governments, businesses, other NGOs and institutions at all levels, on both sides of the border, that will support delivery of the ecoregion vision.
- Representation and Communications: Represent the Program with donors, government and other stakeholders, as well as within Wetlands International, contributing to achieve communications and advocacy objectives at different levels.
- Serve as the project manager for the Source to Sea team in Ethiopia.
The Joint Programme Manager will be a participative and strategic leader. The ideal candidate is decisive, pro-active, entrepreneurial, creative, and collaborative, able to work in emerging and quickchanging contexts. They will have a strong track record in mobilizing landscape restoration and conservation and will have demonstrated effectiveness in programme delivery with international teams.
- Perform any other related functions as may be required by Wetland International.
Reporting to: Country Representative-Ethiopia (Line manager), and technically to S2S PM
Type of contract: Initial contract for one year, including probation of 3 months, with an expectation of extension
Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Education, knowledge and experience
- The ideal candidate will have postgraduate qualifications in landscape management, natural resources management, environment, biodiversity, wetland ecosystems, natural resource policy or other related fields
- At least ten years of experience in design/ implementation of natural resource management, integrated landscape management and biodiversity conservation and at least five years’ experience with management and reporting of donor funded projects
- Experience in organizational and institutional development of multi stakeholder platforms is a plus
- A good understanding of the Rift Valley’s environmental challenges and the institutional, public-private and civil society actors active across the region and strong ability and readiness to communicate and work with them
- A good understanding of the policies relevant for RV region
- Demonstrated experience in policy influencing/advocacy work
- Excellent written and oral communication skills and experience in diplomacy and representation at a high level including working with heads of state, government ministers, secretaries, and donors
Personal attributes and competencies
- Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with people in a multi- disciplinary and multi-cultural environment.
- Ability to write and communicate clearly and concisely in English; including preparing technical reports, budgets, project documents and effective presentations.
- Well developed organizational skills and effective management of multiple tasks and priorities, including use of relevant IT tools
- effective team leadership skills and demonstrated positive experience
- Good knowledge and familiarity in using and applying applicable administrative and financial tools, rules and regulations
- Ability to work independently but also as part of a team
- Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment;
- Ability and willingness to travel
