VSF-Belgium Natural Resources Management & Early Warning Systems Officer Job in Uganda

VSF-Belgium is an NGO working with disadvantaged communities to increase their standard of living and improve food security through improved animal health and animal production.

In East Africa, our programmes focus on community based animal health services, training centres for mid-level animal health workers and sustainable natural resource utilisation.

Deadline for Application: 24/08/2011

Position Title: Natural Resources Management & Early Warning Systems Officer

Duty Station: Moroto Uganda

Duration: 1 year, (renewable)

Availability: Immediately

Role: Ensure effective and coordinated delivery of livestock development interventions aimed at improving access to food and income for the livestock dependent households in project areas.

The Natural Resources Management officer will report directly to the Uganda based project manager.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Programme Planning and Implementation

·       Prepare in relation to each project, annual, quarterly and monthly NRM/EWS work plans, budgets and reports and submit to the Project Manager.

·       Implement according to each project’s Workplan all activities related to NRM/EWS: including but not exhaustive: Community based NRM (environment, water facilities), Contingency/Preparedness planning, DRR related activities and Capacity building (training).

·       Conduct Monitoring and Evaluation of project activities related to area of operation and jointly with other project staffs on the same project. .

·       Contribute in reports (monthly, intermediate and final) compilation for submission to Donors.

·       Monitor the impact of the above activities on a quarterly basis

·       Team up with Logistics to ensure effective procurement, delivery and management of livestock inputs and services as per technical specifications.

·       Ensure integration of mainstreaming themes such as gender, HIV/AIDS, peace building, environmental protection, etc into the project cycle.

·       Manage relationships and linkages with other Water and NRM service providers at district and national level.

2. Programme Technical Guidance and Support

·       Provide technical guidance and support to partners during the design and implementation of NRM/EWS activities under KLDP 2/ICRD III/L4L/REGLAP Projects

·       Collaborate with the District technical departments (Water Department, Production office, Chief Administrative Office, RDC office) in all action related to NRM, EWS, Peace Building and Conflict mitigation as per the District and current government policy.

·       Support target groups and partners in the mitigation of drought impacts using appropriate response mechanisms.

3. Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

·       Closely monitor and report regularly on progress and impact of KLDP 2/ICRD III/L4L/REGLAP projects against set targets and progress indicators.

·       Keep track of NRM/EWS sector budgets and ensure proper utilisation and accountability of allocated funds.

·       In collaboration with the District Technical Departments and in relation to each project, support the development and implementation of simple monitoring framework for NRM plans, Management of water points, EW information in the projects areas.

·       Regularly monitor disaster onsets using early warning signals and suggest appropriate response mechanisms.

·       In a timely manner, compile activity progress and monitoring reports and submit to the Project Manager for integration into final reports.

4. Networking, Coordination and Advocacy

·       Build and foster local alliances and networks that enhance sharing, learning and advocacy for DRR and Climate change.

·       Work closely with other NGOs/CBOs and technical experts for harmonisation DRR, NRM, EWS and climate adaptation interventions/approaches.

·       Represent VSF Belgium in coordination meetings and reviews.

·       Participate in:

1.   VSF B Internal meetings (PMs , annual, departmental, Finance , planning)

2.   District level meetings with development actors in Karamoja cluster

3.   Regional cross border meetings in the Karamoja cluster

4.   Meeting with project beneficiaries and local partners.

5. General Tasks

·       Take an active part in proposal writing for supporting viable livelihoods micro-projects for target pastoral groups.

·       Give administrative support to the team and carry out such duties as may be delegated by the Project Manager from time to time.

Essential or Minimum Requirements

Education

·       University degree in either natural resources management, Land use planning, environmental management, development studies, range management or related fields from a recognized university

Knowledge and experience

·       Water resources development in the rangelands of East Africa for at least 3 years

·       Pasture management and conflict mitigation in the pastoralists systems for at least 2 years

·       Land use planning among pastoral communities for at least 2 years

·       Working Knowledge on participatory methodologies of empowerment of communities in natural resources utilization

·       Community based approaches in development

·       Be fully conversant with the Ugandan land laws

Skills

·       Ability to articulate Livelihood options and diversification for rangeland environments

·       Computer literacy with very good MS Word and Power point

·       Strong interpersonal and communication skills

·       Good writing and reporting skills

·       Ability to work under pressure in remote areas with pastoral communities

·       Ability to deal with conflict and crises and mobilize communities for appropriate response

·       Fluency in written and spoken English

·       Excellent planning and organizational skills

·       Proven ability to work with a range of local stakeholders including civil authorities, local Government and project partners

Attitudes

·       Team player

·       Attentive to detail

·       Flexible

·       Identify him/herself with the mission, vision and values of VSF-B

·       Display of intercultural sensitivity

·       Respect in dealing with others

·       Affinity for NGO work in general

·       Willingness to travel (frequent visits to the field, remote areas)

Desirable Requirements

·       Local languages of Uganda

·       Knowledge of a local Karamoja dialect is highly desirable

·       Experience of working in Uganda

Please send your application letter, CV and list of 3 references by e-mail (reference “Natural Resources Mgt Officer - Uganda”) before 24/08/2011 to recruitment@vsfb.or.ke

This vacancy is open to only qualified male and female Ugandan National candidates.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

For more information: www.vsf-belgium.org

Previous applicants for this position need not re-apply

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