Deadline: August 11, 2023.
USAID-Madagascar – Senior Environment Specialist (SEP) Vacancy 2023 FSN-12
The vacant position of USAID-Madagascar – Senior Environment Specialist (SEP) is located in the Sustainable Environment and Economic Development (SEED) Office, USAID-Madagascar Mission, Antananarivo, Madagascar.
USAID-Madagascar – Senior Environment Specialist (SEP) Vacancy 2023 FSN-12
The incumbent must be a recognized leader and expert in the environmental sector within Madagascar and serves as the primary resident mission expert and advisor on natural resource management (NRM), biodiversity conservation, wildlife trafficking and environmental governance. Under the supervision of the SEED Office Chief, the primary responsibility of the Specialist is to manage the Environment team and its activities as well as supervise the Mission Environment Officer (MEO) and the Climate Integration Lead (CIL). This includes providing analysis, designing and implementing projects and activities in the area of biodiversity conservation, environmental management, environmental degradation mitigation, climate change and a variety of related areas. S/he also applies advanced knowledge and experience in environmental policy analysis; complex legal and regulatory frameworks that apply in Madagascar; and the financing of sustainable environmental, forestry/reforestation, and climate change mitigation activities in Madagascar. Based on his/her analysis, the Specialist provides technical advice and management guidance for the formulation of new strategies in the environment sector. The work includes serving as Contract Officer Representative /Agreement Officer Representative (COR/AOR) for USAID projects and activities implemented under contracts, Cooperative Agreements, or grants; participating in the design of projects and activities, and the evaluation of ongoing programs; advising on best practices; and helping the MEO and CIL to integrate environmental compliance and climate risk mitigation activities into other areas of the Mission portfolio. In performance of his/her responsibilities, the incumbent represents the Mission and the USG in high-level interagency settings, as well as with other donors for coordination, program management, for technical meetings, workshops and conferences. The position is required to perform work-related travel.
Because of the level of expertise required in the position, the incumbent is expected to provide advice and guidance directly to the Host Government, the Mission Director, and the Ambassador.
USAID-Madagascar – Senior Environment Specialist (SEP) Vacancy 2023 FSN-12
-
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION
Offers will be initially screened by the Human Resources Office to determine whether they have met the minimum qualifications below. A list of qualified offers will be referred to the evaluation committee for further consideration and screening.
a. Education: Minimum of a Master’s degree in natural resources management, environmental engineering, agriculture, environmental studies, environmental economics, ecology, business administration, or law is required.
b. Work Experience: At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible, professional-level experience in NRM, biodiversity conservation, and related environment sectors is required. A significant portion of this work should have been performed in development assistance, or related work, other donor agencies, host-government organizations, non-governmental or private sector institutions. Experience should also include analysis and interpretation of data, presentation of findings in written and oral form, project design, management and performance monitoring is required.
c. Language Proficiency: Excellent written and oral communication skills in English (level IV), French (level IV) and Malagasy required. Must be able to obtain, analyze, and evaluate complex data and to prepare precise and accurate reports to various audiences. The Specialist must be able to communicate (oral and written) complex technical issues to diverse audiences and be able to fully participate in high-level meetings conducted in English and French.
d. Job Knowledge: The Specialist must demonstrate a strong understanding of the Malagasy environment sector including environmental policy issues, and in-depth technical knowledge of NRM, biodiversity, and environmental governance. The Specialist must also have knowledge and understanding of the economic, political, social, and cultural characteristics of Madagascar; the economic development problems, resources, resource constraints, and development prospects and priorities of Madagascar; and, a good knowledge, or the potential to acquire such knowledge, of USG legislation, policy, and practice relating to development assistance, of USAID programming policies, regulations, procedures, and documentation, and of the objectives, methodology, and status of assigned activities. The Specialist must have knowledge and understanding of the organization and respective roles of the different levels of the GOM, both at the Central and Regional levels, and the role of mandated units within each level, in order to enhance effective communication, and to develop consensus on program/project strategy and implementation plans.
e. Skills and Abilities: The Specialist must have excellent verbal communication skills, tact, and highly developed diplomatic skills in order to establish and develop sustainable working relations and a high level of trust with senior-level GOM officials, and with public and private organizations, such as primary USAID technical contacts in the development area. The Specialist must have the ability to undertake analysis and understand complex and multi-sectoral programs; the ability to work under pressure and quickly produce results; and, be sensitive to USAID relationships with the GOM, other donors, the Embassy, and private and public organizations. Verbal communication skills are also used to explain and interpret GOM attitudes, priorities, and concerns to USAID officials, and to negotiate program/project plans, and resolve program/project implementation issues with appropriate organizations, technical advisors, counterparts, and peers. Excellent supervisory and management skills to lead a team, provide strategic direction and vision, and coach and mentor staff. Strong interpersonal skills are needed to effectively work with a diverse set of people and organizations. Excellent writing skills are required in order to prepare regular and ad hoc reports, documentation of program impacts, and briefing papers. Good analytical ability is needed to interpret public policies, and to assist in the development of revised policies, as required; and, the development of periodic work plans. Skill, or the potential to acquire such skill, in USAID programming, policies, and plans, and in developing strategies for implementing recommendations is required. The ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment, and to achieve consensus on policy, program/project, and administrative matters, is necessary. Project management skills are required, and familiarity with financial management principles. S/he must have proficient computer skills (Microsoft Office, Google applications, and other online services) in order to complete assigned activities and to achieve set goals.
f. Ability to obtain medical and security clearances.
g. For non-Malagasy citizens, a proof for the lawful residency in Madagascar at the time of offer is required.