Forest Sector Specialist
The individual selected for this position will be administratively assigned to the Rural Development and Natural Resources Branch (RDNR) Branch of the Development Resources and Disaster Assistance Division (DRDA), Office of Capacity Building and Development (OCBD), Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (FAS/OCBD/DRDA/RDNR) but will be located in and work directly with the U.S. Agency for International Development/Economic Growth, Agriculture and Trade Bureau (EGAT), Office of Natural Resource Management (NRM).
US Agency for International Development (USAID)
Washington, DC
Deadline: 2009/05/15
array('c', 'The candidate will serve as a lead person for USAID EGAT Bureau NRM Office on forestry sector issues. S/he will provide expert technical and policy advice to USAID/Washington and field missions, and to the broader US Government (USG), on an extensive range of policy issues related to forest management, environmental services, biodiversity, and the role of forest management in global climate change mitigation. S/he will act as liaison to various actors, including other USAID Bureaus, USAID Missions, other USG agencies, interagency working groups, foreign governments, and the larger environmental community. The candidate will manage forestry programs, overseeing both the technical and administrative aspects of program management. To apply, please send a) a cover letter that directly and individually addresses each of the required skills listed below and b) your current resume of experience and qualifications to the e-mail address listed below.Applications that do not include a supplemental statement addressing individually each of the required skills may not be considered. Required Skills:•Advanced degree (preferably Master's or PhD) in international or tropical forestry, natural resources management, environmental science, or related field.•Experience integrating the ecological, economic, and social aspects of forest management programs in highly complex environments is required, as is expertise in one or more of the following technical areas: forest management including certification, and best management practices such as reduced impact harvesting; fire management and ecological integrity; forest product extraction, sale and trade; forest administration, financing and policy; community based forestry; environmental impact assessment, and forest-related aspects of global climate change. Experience as a manager, supervisor, or administrator of forestry activities or programs is desirable•Proven skill in the design, management, and evaluation of forestry programs or activities as a manager, supervisor, or administrator. Expertise in working with USAID field mission is desirable, as is knowledge of USAID administrative, contractual and financial reporting systems. USAID Contract Officer Technical Representative experience or certification is desirable.•Understanding of the role of foreign assistance in promoting the sustainable use of forest resources and balancing economic development needs with conservation objectives is critical. Demonstrated experience in the conservation and sustainable use of tropical forests in developing countries, in at least one geographic region in the developing world, preferably Asia.•Demonstrated ability to work effectively, both independently and as a member of a team, with a wide variety of individuals, groups, environmental institutions and technical organizations. Ability to work effectively under pressure to carry out specific, results-oriented tasks in developing countries given constraints in time, information, and logistical support. Ability to operate in highly complex developing country environments is essential. The candidate must be able to devise solutions for situations that may involve conflict between stakeholders, political instability, unclear policies and property rights, extreme poverty.•Excellent communication skills, including the ability to clearly articulate forestry issues, both in writing and orally. Ability to develop both technical and general audience materials to inform or advocate highly desirable. Ability to read and speak Spanish, French and/or other languages spoken in USAID-assisted countries is highly desirable.*NOTE* You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position and be able to obtain a security clearance.')
