Landscape Coordination and Forest Restoration Specialist

About the role

The FAO is implementing the AFR100 Support Programme in Tanzania, focusing on the Monduli-Karatu landscape in Arusha Region, which supports locally led forest and landscape restoration, producer organizations, restoration-based enterprises and improved livelihoods. The FAO is recruiting a Landscape Coordination and Forest Restoration Specialist to act as the programme's field-based focal point, coordinating partner activities, giving technical guidance on forest landscape restoration (FLR), monitoring implementation and supporting the timely resolution of challenges. The consultant reports to the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) and works under the guidance of the AFR100 Tanzania coordinator.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate field-level activities across service providers in the landscape, organize regular coordination meetings and build working relationships with district authorities, local government focal points, communities and Forest and Farm Producer Organizations
• Facilitate collaboration and joint problem-solving among partners and communities, and help communities access the programme's grant mechanisms
• Provide technical guidance on FLR approaches, support service providers in choosing appropriate restoration techniques, and carry out regular field visits to check quality and progress
• Identify implementation challenges and technical risks early and recommend corrective actions, and follow up on agreed corrections
• Support the M&E Specialist by verifying that reported information reflects what was seen on the ground, flagging gaps and delays, and sharing good practices and lessons learned
• Perform other duties assigned by the supervisor

Required profile

• Advanced university degree in Forestry, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, Agroforestry, Land Restoration, Ecology or a closely related field
• At least five years of professional experience in FLR, sustainable land management, forestry, agroforestry or related field-based programmes
• National of the United Republic of Tanzania
• Working knowledge of English and fluency in Swahili

Required skills

• Demonstrated experience coordinating or supervising field activities with multiple partners, service providers, local authorities and communities
• Practical experience giving technical guidance on restoration approaches such as assisted natural regeneration, agroforestry, tree establishment, rangeland restoration, soil and water conservation
• Experience working directly with rural communities, producer organizations and local government authorities