Overview

Conservation International (CI) has been protecting nature for the benefit of all for over 30 years. Through science, policy, and partnerships, CI is helping build a healthier, more prosperous and more productive planet.

POSITION SUMMARY

The “Ecosystem-Based Adaptation and Mitigation in Botswana’s Communal Rangelands” Project funded by Green Climate Fund (GCF) will utilize collective management of livestock and ecosystems to restore Botswana’s communal rangelands, increasing the climate resilience of vulnerable populations and reducing Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. Over 8 years, the project will undertake activities in 104 villages in Ngamiland, Kgalagadi, and Bobirwa districts of Botswana targeting improved management of 4.6 million hectares of rangelands.

The Project Design and Performance Director leads the adaptive design, monitoring, evaluation and learning associated with the GCF Project. This Director will specifically focus on the design of regenerative grazing strategies for climate adaptation and mitigation outcomes in the context of environmental and social safeguards and targets. The Project Design and Performance Director reports to the Chief of Party and works closely with the Project Delivery Director and Area Managers. The principal goal being to ensure the project optimizes gender sensitive strategies in improving resiliency of smallholder farmers to the negative impacts of climate change and in enhancing sustainable livestock production and rangeland restoration. The Project Design and Performance Director will also ensure that proposed development activities will be carried out successfully with low carbon emissions.

This is a senior position responsible for the following key deliverables:

• Developing grazing and restoration strategies for each of the 104 village grazing areas across 4.6 million hectares of rangeland.  Consideration of wildlife migratory corridors, biodiversity conservation, conflict with crop farmers, and sustainable water management are required in order to deliver spatially explicit conservation actions for improved ecosystem and livelihood resilience to climate change.
• Overseeing the development of a multi-disciplinary monitoring and evaluation system that speaks to project monitoring indicators related to ecosystem and livestock health. This system must also monitor job creation effectiveness and market traceability of environmental management for livestock product sales.  The system  should draw on lessons from similar existing database structures such as Global Forest Watch, Rangeland Explorer, and SA Public Works WIMS system.
• General management and operational leadership for the scientific team of social scientists, rangeland ecologists, soil scientists, water specialists, and remote sensing team to deliver the climate resilient plans and monitor the annual impact of implementation of those plans.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, monitor and oversee the implementation of the adaptation and sustainable livestock management strategies for 104 villages in compliance to the ESMP.
• Work closely with the Area Managers to deploy scientific teams to;
  • Measure the annual outputs and indicators for rangeland restoration and improved livestock management.
  • Contribute to the field implementation of restoration and sustainable grazing activities.
  • Communicate and share results, lead the reporting development of the adaptation components.
  • Monitor and assess the implementation of the adaptation component and support the completion of high-quality annual reports.
  • Provide the following support to the Farmer Field Teams:
    • Refine and embed key adaptation strategies and practical information-oriented tools that will help participating farmers to be more resilient to extreme weather events.
    • Develop dynamic training materials and systems that are appropriate for participating farmers and that will translate into improved rangeland biomass and diversity as well as optimize value and reduce loss of livestock assets.
    • Build partnerships that improve environmental and social upliftment transparency for participating farmers as a contribution to local and national beef marketing strategies.
• Facilitate the development of a new Rangeland Stewardship Information Portal with key Ministries and partners to promote consistent measurement Project outcomes during and beyond the life of the project
• General management and leadership responsibilities to contribute to the overall Project roll-out plan; develop working relationships with other CI programs working on rangeland and livestock science and best practice.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Based in Gaborone. Frequent remote travel to the field.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Advanced degree (master or higher) in Natural resource management, Land use planning, Climate change adaptation, Environment, Livestock-based Agriculture, Rangeland Ecology or closely related qualification,
• Experience in national level monitoring and evaluation databases with linkages to field level data inputs.
• Demonstrated delivery of user-friendly M&E systems and strong skills in developing practical and user-based planning and monitoring tools,
• Knowledge in EbA, land-use planning, livelihood trainings, and conservation issues in rangeland environments, especially as it relates to sustainable livestock management and climate change adaptation
• Capacity to produce M&E reports related to climate change adaptation/ mitigation from the Project activities in English,
• Familiarity with Botswana indigenous knowledge systems and livestock management practices, particularly in relation to climatic adaptations,
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to respect and work well with people from different backgrounds and disciplines.

Preferred

• Ideal candidate would have high level knowledge/experience with planning and monitoring of regenerative grazing management, climate resilient breeds, land use planning legislation, soil carbon cycle and conditions impacting livestock enteric fermentation.
• Experience in environmental and social impact assessments, development and execution of safeguard management plans.

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.

Application Deadline: May 21, 2021 (11:49 PM EST)

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International Values

We expect that all employees will embrace the values of our organization. 

• Passion: Inspired by people and by nature, we are urgently compelled to drive change for a sustainable future.
• Integrity: We are honest, transparent and accountable for our actions.
• Teamwork: We work together as one CI, recognizing that inclusion, collaboration and cooperation are fundamental to achieving a healthy and prosperous world for all.
• Respect: We respect each other and work to earn trust, valuing our diversity of cultures, talents, and experiences.
• Courage: We pursue our vision, taking bold action, persevering and overcoming challenges.
• Optimism: We are optimistic about the capacity of people to be caring, generous and brilliant, and believe that with partners, we can inspire humanity to create a better future.

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Vets/Disabled