Natural Resources Management (NRM) Officer

Description

• Mozambique is one of the most prone countries to climate change related extreme events, having been hit by a growing number of different cyclones and storms in recent years. The Zambezi Delta is one of most affected areas in the country, resulting in damages to infrastructures, biodiversity and people’s lives and assets. On the other hand, the country is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with critical forest, freshwater and marine land/seascapes providing important socio-economic benefits to the communities who depend upon them directly, as well as to the national population more broadly. For instance, the Zambezi Delta, a flat alluvial plain, located in the Centre of Mozambique, which vegetation is a mixture of forests, savanna, pastures, mangroves and coastal dunes, has the largest extent of mangrove forest in Mozambique and the second largest continuous mangrove habitats in Africa with 180 km along the coast and inland approximately 50 km
• The Zambezi Delta is an internationally recognized Important Bird Area (IBA) - habitat for aquatic migratory birds. It has different species and habitats, such as: Wetlands, rivers & Miombo woodlands; Buffalos (one of the most important Buffalo Reserve in Mozambique is in the Zambezi Delta), Elephants, & Lions, Migratory birds including African Openbill & Wattled Crane and plays a vital role in the local, regional and national economy of Mozambique through the ecological goods and services it provides. In 2008, the total annual value of ecosystem services in the Marromeu Complex was estimated to vary between 0.93 billion and US $ 1.6 billion(Guveya and Sukume, 2008)
• However, these natural ‘assets’ are exposed to different pressures, such as extreme events related to climate change (storms, cyclones, floods, high temperatures and droughts), conversion of land, loss, degradation, fragmentation, pollution and contamination of habitats, overexploitation of wildlife species, large infrastructure investments in mining (coal), large water abstraction for agriculture (commercial sugar plantations) & energy (hydropower dams). Implementation of Nature-Based Solutions can help to reduce climate change related effects in areas such as the Zambezi Delta
• WWF Mozambique’s (MCO) vision is “a prosperous Mozambique built on thriving ecosystems and environmental citizenship.” This vision is intended to be achieved through a Country Strategy 2020-2030 that establishes three pillars: inclusive conservation of species and habitats, sustainable and equitable livelihoods and greening the footprint of economic development, in six priority land and seascapes as well as in other geographic areas. One of these priority areas is the Zambezi Delta, where WWF MCO has been active since 2003, working on conservation, livelihood and policy related interventions. Currently implementing several projects with focus on Nature-based Solutions, Climate Change Adaptation, Ecosystems Restoration, Support Biodiversity and Community Resilience, etc. in different Land/Seascapes, being funded by different donors
• To ensure the implementation of activities on the ground, WWF MCO is seeking to recruit highly motivated, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, experienced and effective Natural Resources Management Officer to be based in Marromeu, in the Zambezi Delta, Mozambique

Duties

• The NRM Officer is responsible for implementing field project activities in the Zambezi Delta. He/she will:
• Assist and provide support to the Landscapes teams in general and to the Freshwater Program in particular
• Implement Natural Resource Management related activities in the Zambezi Delta or in other geographic locations as per line manager’s indication
• Provide advice and collaboration to the Landscape team with focus to the Freshwater Program Manager, as well as, other WWF staff in the field or offices, as appropriate, on Landscapes issues
• Supports the development, management and implementation of the WWF MCO 2020-2030 Country Strategy, specially the WWF Mozambique Freshwater programme, ensuring its ongoing alignment with National priorities and with other WWF regional and thematic priorities and focus ensuring strong delivery on the WWF MCO Conservation
• Collaborates with other field officers, providing technical assistance as required, in accordance with WWF policies, procedures and standards

Development of NRM activities in the Zambezi Delta or other Priority Locations as per WWF MCOs Country Strategy (50%)

• Implement Freshwater/Landscapes related field activities to achieve projects’ objectives
• Implement field actions under a quarterly work plan system, which will be reviewed by the Freshwater Programme Manager; and prepare monthly costed work plans for activity implementation
• Prepare budgets and Terms of Reference (ToR) for the implementation of specific field activities when requested and develop specific technical reports for the execution of these activities
• Support the preparation of ToR for trainings, workshops, field missions and exchange experiences, as well as, other required activities
• Work with the government partners, civil society, local communities and others in the field implement activities defined on the project action plan
• Provide management advice and disseminate results to inform decision and policy making process on Landscapes conservation and environmental protection or restoration processes

Technical Support and Capacity Building (30%)

• Provide technical backstopping to the WWF’s Landscapes initiatives and in any other requested aspect
• Participate in relevant technical working groups, conservation meetings and workshops in Inhambane Seascape and develop papers, reports and presentations on MCO work when needed
• Prepare adequate capacity building materials and workshop presentations for local communities and government officers at the district level, related to sustainable management of freshwater ecosystems (riparian forests, river and wetlands), importance of conservation for sustainable development and climate resilience, responsible use of fishing techniques and methods, etc.
• Provide technical support for the collection of NRM data for M&E, as well as, their analysis to support strategic adaptive management of activity implementation in the Zambezi Delta or in other locations according to WWF Mozambique’s priorities
• Support to increase knowledge and build the capacities of local CBOs, Associations, Community Fisheries Councils, CBNRMs, etc;
• Support the identification of Nature-based Solutions related value-chains and establishment of alternative livelihood and build local communities capacities for the management
• Mobilize local communities for their active participation on project actions and on decision-making on Natural Resources Management
• Implement field activities for creation, strengthening, increase visibility and action for different CBOs, Associations on Natural Resources Management activities
• Support the field team on the implementation of Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework (ESSF) and Grievance Redress Mechanisms on the ground

Information Management and Communication (15%)

• Prepare detailed monthly progress reports related to field activities implementation, including observations from field, lessons learned, required M&E indicators monitored, real expenses versus planned expenses, constraints and opportunities identified, etc.
• Participate in meetings and conferences to which WWF MCO is invited to attend when appointed by the line manager
• Collaborate in the preparation of overall projects communication materials, awareness raising and advocacy
• Support the dissemination of awareness raising materials amongst local stakeholders, and support communication campaigns in radios and schools, etc.

Other duties and responsibilities (5%)

• Perform other related duties as may be assigned by the Freshwater Programme Manager, Landscapes Coordinator or Conservation Manager for the smooth and efficient implementation of the WWF MCO Conservation Program

Requisites

• University Degree in Environmental Sciences, Marine Biology, Forestry, Hydrology, or similar related field. A Diploma in combination with 3 additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the university degree
• At least 2 years of field work experience working with local communities in Mozambique on natural resource management and conservation assisting the implementation of projects on: restoration/protection of freshwater ecosystems, capacity building to local communities on conservation related activities, assessment and establishment of alternative livelihoods, community-based conservation areas, etc.
• Familiarity with Participatory Rural Assessments (PRA) and community & government engagement and mobilization
• Experience and skills in planning, implementation, management, monitoring and reporting of project activities at the field level
• Experience on preparing and organizing trainings at community levels
• Knowledge on surveillance and monitoring-control of natural resources and conservation areas is also a good advantage
• Languages & ITC
• Excellent Portuguese communication skills (oral and written)
• English and local languages communication skills is desirable
• Ability to draft official informative letters to government and other stakeholders
• Ability to prepare drafts of informative project documents and training materials as well as to conduct capacity building meetings for local communities to create awareness and advocacy; Public speaking ability and experience to raise points and present information in conferences and seminars etc.
• Ability to communicate and engage with a different type of project stakeholder (local communities, government, donors, private sector, etc.)
• Computer literacy in MS Office (MS Word), spreadsheets (Excel), presentations (MS PowerPoint), email and internet research are essential
• Other personal skills:
• Proven interest, passion and commitment for the conservation of nature and community development work
• Proven ability to work and live in remote location without full time access to some commodities (cope with power outages from time to time, lack of reliable connection for internet, etc.), as well as, flexibility and adaptability to adjust to new working environments
• Self-motivated, dynamic and proactive professional with collaborative and team player spirit
• Ability to spend occasionally long hours traveling by 4x4 in off-roads, motorcycles and by boat to reach local communities
• Zero tolerance to corrupt behaviours and be an example to others
• Hardworking and responsible person with good organization, analytical, communication and leadership capacities
• Ability to ride a motorbike and own a license to do it is a strong asset
• Ability to represent with high standards the organization and its values
• Adheres to WWF’s values, which are: Respect, Collaboration, Integrity and Courage
• Adheres to WWF’s behaviours, which are: Strive for Impact; Listen Deeply; Collaborate Openly; and Innovate Fearlessly

Notes

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted
• Working Relationships:
• Internal: Interacts and works closely and on a regular basis with project implementation personnel in the different WWF MCOs offices, Landscapes Coordinator, Freshwater Programme Manager, M&E Officer, M&E Manager, ESSF Senior Officer, Communications officer, Landscapes Team and other conservation, administration and finance staff
• External: Interacts with government institutions at district level, non-government organizations, academic institutions, the media, donors, specialists/consultants, private sector and other stakeholders, in collaboration with the Freshwater Programme Manager, as appropriate