District Field Technician

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 and Sofala. 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 Technician will report directly to the Hud Coordinator, in close collaboration with the Programme Specialist - Environment and Natural Resources, under overall supervision 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\:
• Assist in the establishment and promotion of mechanisms for information exchange between Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• 3 years of relevant experience in in forestry, natural resources management, or related areas, preferably with a focus on sustainable land management, community engagement, and conservation practices.
• Working knowledge (Level C) of English and Portuguese is required
• 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.

Selection Criteria

• Limited knowledge (Level B) of local languages spoken in Manica and Sofala provinces is highly desirable.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION