Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY – This position is based in Bobonong, Botswana

The “Ecosystem-Based Adaptation and Mitigation in Botswana’s Communal Rangelands” Project funded by Green Climate Fund (GCF) aims to will utilize collective management of livestock and ecosystems to restore Botswana’s communal rangelands, increasing the climate resilience of vulnerable populations and reducing GHG emissions. Over 8 years, the project will undertake activities in 104 villages in the Project Areas: Ngamiland, Kgalagadi, and Bobirwa geographic areas of Botswana to improve the management of 4.6 million hectares of rangelands. The day-to-day activities of the Project are implemented in each of the three Project Areas, and Farmer Facilitation Lead will be responsible for the overall coordination and delivery of these activities.  Administratively, the project areas cover the following districts: Okavango and North West Districts (Ngamiland Area); Hukuntsi, Tsabong, and Mabutsane Districts (Kgalagadi Area); and Bobirwa District (Bobirwa Area).

The Farmers Facilitation Lead (FFL) reports directly to the Area Manager and is responsible for ensuring that farmer and community liaison and mobilization for project participation is done in accordance with Project guidelines and supervision. The Farmers Facilitation Lead will supervise Farmer Facilitation Teams (FFT) within grazing areas in a specified cluster, and all associated duties in terms of pasture management, livestock management, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting are conducted as per project guidelines. The FFL must ensure that all project operational equipment in each project site/village within a cluster is managed and maintained in good working order. The FFL will assist the Area Manager in the coordination of all site visits by project staff and associated stakeholders and ensure a good working relationship with all participating communities as far as possible.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as a liaison (change agent) between project managers and localities and actively engage in ensuring that Ecorangers, Restoration Workers, and other field project staff in the project sites and collectively in the form of a Project Cluster in order to fulfill their duties in rangeland restoration and livestock management.
• Ensure that all actors (both from Government, NGOs, private sector, community/village structures, and other stakeholders) are fully informed of their roles and responsibilities in the Herding for Health (H4H)/Farmer Facilitation teams and associated work plans.
• Assist in the negotiation and delineation of grazing areas and conservation agreements.
• Ensure regular liaison with all local stakeholders, especially farmer and community leadership as well as local government extension staff to ensure project progress
• Work with all local actors to identify and resolve any conflict that may arise from project activities in a specific location, in a constructive and respectful manner.
• Schedule regular meetings with all stakeholders and ensure minutes are taken and circulated for project records, including attendance registers.
• Initiate all necessary engagements to ensure project insight, buy-in, and ownership by all local beneficiaries.
• Participate in project sites/Cluster, Project areas/districts, and/or national meetings/training events as directed by the Area Manager.

Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Working outside normal working hours.
• Ability to travel frequently in remote areas within Project Area.
• Ability to work with local partners. High adaptability to difficult conditions and ability for teamwork.
• Supporting the staff in the implementation of other activities outside of its main responsibilities if needed.
• Guidance on flexible work arrangements will be shared during the interview process.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 2 to 4 years of related experience.
• Must have appropriate qualifications and proven experience in managing community relationships, rangeland restoration/management and livestock husbandry, data collection and management, and people supervision.
• Must have knowledge and experience in pasture and livestock management, with experience of pasture and fodder management, animal supplementation and animal health an advantage.
• Must be dynamic, with strong inspiration and motivation to live and work within communities, able to communicate well with communal farmers so as to ensure project understanding, buy-in and compliance.
• Must have good writing and speaking skills in Setswana and English, however specific area local language will be an added advantage.
• Must have adequate working experience in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience working with international development partners or agencies will also be a significant advantage.
• Proven ability to multitask and meet priorities. Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.

Preferred

• Diploma with an agricultural or environmental background.
• Work experience and existing networks in agriculture, NGOs, community development, local authorities or government at district level.
• Work experience with environmental and social safeguards.
• Experience in sustainable production and relationships with private sector.
• Proven ability to manage teams.
• Supporting the staff in the implementation of other activities outside of its main responsibilities.

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.

Application Deadline: August 4, 2023 (11:49 PM EST)

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility-committed employer. We are proud to have a diverse, global workforce where employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, position requirements, business needs, market conditions, merit, and other legitimate nondiscriminatory factors.