Field Technicians for Miombo Woodlands Full-Time

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is implementing “Transboundary integrated sustainable management of the Miombo Woodlands between Mozambique and Zimbabwe” project, financed by AICS in the Provinces of Manica. The project aims Miombo woodlands in Mozambique and Zimbabwe is protected, restored and promoted through robust integrated management systems.

The Miombo woodlands, a crucial ecosystem in Southern Africa, are vital for the livelihoods of millions of rural people in Mozambique and Zimbabwe, providing essential resources such as fuelwood, food, and shelter. Recognizing the importance of sustainable management of these woodlands, Mozambique and Zimbabwe have entered into an agreement for the transboundary integrated sustainable management of the Miombo woodlands along their shared border. This initiative aligns with regional efforts, including the SADC Protocol on Forestry and the Maputo Declaration, to conserve and promote the sustainable use of this unique ecosystem.

The project seeks to reduce the degradation of natural resources while ensuring that rural communities benefit from sustainable management practices. The success of this initiative depends on the adoption of new and improved methods by local communities, who need to see clear and tangible benefits from these changes. To facilitate this, FAO Mozambique is hiring District Field Technicians who will play a critical role in implementing the project at the ground level, working directly with local communities to promote sustainable practices and support the project’s goals.

Reporting Lines

The District Field Technicians will report directly to the Country´s Project Coordinator, in close collaboration with the Hub coordinator, under overall supervision of the International Project Coordinator on behalf of the FAO Representative in Mozambique.

Technical Focus

Sustainable Management of Miombo Woodlands; Community Engagement and Capacity Building; Monitoring and Reporting; Promotion of Alternative Livelihoods.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Information Exchange and Traceability Systems:

• Support the creation and maintenance of a traceability system for forest and non-timber forest products, including joint law enforcement efforts and the establishment of a shared database.

Training and Capacity Building:

• Facilitate and participate in training workshops and technical assistance sessions aimed at promoting cross-border collaboration, sharing best practices, and harmonizing procedures in the management of shared resources and forest products trade.
•  Support the development and dissemination of communication and visibility materials tailored to local contexts and target audiences, especially focusing on women and youth.

Support to Ministerial and Community Engagement:

• Provide logistical and operational support to the Ministerial committee on transboundary issues to facilitate joint management of shared forest resources and law enforcement.
• Engage with local communities and stakeholders during the inception phase to gather baseline data and ensure alignment of project activities with local needs and priorities.

Agroforestry and Climate-Smart Practices:

• Promote and demonstrate climate-smart farming and agroforestry technologies to reduce shifting cultivation and improve rural livelihoods.
• Establish and maintain demonstration plots and Farmer Field Schools (FFS) to showcase agroforestry models and best practices, ensuring continuous farmer engagement and support.
• Promote agroforestry and reforestation initiatives to restore degraded landscapes and enhance community resilience.

Community-Based Forest Management:

• Establish and build the capacity of community-based forest monitors and fire management committees.
• Promote participatory forest management, empowering local communities to enforce forest laws and manage resources sustainably.
• Train local communities in sustainable harvesting techniques to balance conservation with economic benefits.

Value Chain Development and Market Linkages:

• Engage with private sector players to develop green value chains and promote alternative livelihoods.
• Assist in conducting value chain assessments and support the integration of smallholders into commercial value chains, ensuring access to market information and connections with agribusiness companies.
• Facilitate the creation of community-based enterprises for sustainable forest products, such as non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and eco-tourism initiatives.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Monitor and report on illegal activities, deforestation, and fire incidents within the project areas, providing regular updates to the Agroforestry Specialist and Project Implementation Unit.
• Collect data for baseline assessments, and support the preparation of detailed monitoring plans, work plans, and communication strategies.

Gender and Youth Inclusion:

• Ensure that gender equality and youth participation are prioritized in all project activities, including training, capacity building, and community engagement efforts.
• Perform other tasks as required.

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Environmental Science, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
• 3 years of relevant experience in forestry, natural resources management, or related areas, preferably with a focus on sustainable land management, community engagement, and conservation practices.
• The candidate must possess a valid motorbike driver’s license for a motorcycle with a minimum capacity of 125 cc.
• Working knowledge of English and Portuguese.
• National of Mozambique.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus.
• Teamwork.
• Communication.
• Building Effective Relationships.
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement.

Technical/Functional Skills

• Demonstrated experience in working with rural communities, especially in implementing and promoting sustainable land management practices.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluating natural resource management activities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with local communities and stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team in remote and challenging environments.
• Familiarity with the ecological and socio-economic context of the Miombo woodlands in Mozambique and Zimbabwe is an advantage.

Additional Information

FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing). Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/.
For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

How to Apply

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills.
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile.
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application.
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered.
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile.
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp.