Biodiversity Conservation Lead

DAI is a global development company with corporate offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, EU, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Palestine and project operations worldwide. We tackle fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. DAI works on the frontlines of global development. Transforming ideas into action—action into impact. We are committed to shaping a more livable world. DAI and its employees are committed to confronting racism and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and work. DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner. DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.

Scope of Work

USAID BIODIVERSITY

Biodiversity Conservation Lead 

Project Background

USAID Biodiversity will conserve nature, enhance human well-being, and safeguard Nepal’s biodiversity to improve the health of ecosystems, fight environmental crime, and improve the ability of communities to prepare for and adapt to impacts caused by climate change and natural disasters. USAID Biodiversity will achieve measurable conservation targets within the biodiversity-rich, terrestrial, and freshwater ecosystems of the Chitwan-Annapurna Landscape, Kailash Sacred Landscape, Terai Arc Landscape, and proposed Karnali Conservation Landscape, while increasing resilience to climate change and contributing to inclusive and sustainable development of the Nepali people. To accomplish this, USAID Biodiversity will implement activities aligned with three mutually interrelated and reinforcing objectives: improve the health of ecosystems (Objective 1), strengthen environmental crime control and natural resource safeguards (Objective 2), and enhance the climate resilience of natural and human systems (Objective 3).

Objectives of the assignment 

The Biodiversity Conservation Lead will be a key member of the technical leadership team. S/he will lead the development of assessments, tools, and training programs; provide technical assistance; and be responsible for maintaining high technical standards that reflect international best practice in relation to biodiversity conservation. In accordance with the USAID Biodiversity contract and approved work plan, s/he is responsible for understanding and helping ensure that the field teams’ and partners’ activities contribute to achieving the contract’s objectives.

Tasks & Responsibilities

• Lead the overall USAID Biodiversity’s conservation technical design, supported by his/her team of subject matter experts and specialists from DAI in consultation with USAID and Government of Nepal (GoN) partners where relevant. 
• Coordinate with implementing and government partners and other stakeholders on the USAID Biodiversity implementation strategy.
• Lead annual work plan formulation and quarterly/annual periodic monitoring and reporting. 
• Review technical reports prepared by the team and its partners to ensure quality standards are met before submission to USAID and sharing with GoN and other stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with relevant USAID, GoN, Provincial governments, local governments, communities, and other stakeholder representatives.
• Directly supervise a team of technical experts including the Protected Area Management Specialist, and the Sustainable Livelihoods Specialist in Pokhara, Dhangadhi and Surkhet offices.
• Other duties as requested by Chief of Party and DCoP.

Qualifications 

• Master’s Degree in Wildlife management, Forestry, Watershed management, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Management, Ecosystem/Landscape management and Climate change or a highly relevant discipline is preferred
• At least 12 years of experience if master’s degree holder/14 years of experience if bachelor’s degree holder in the administration and technical management of complex development programs/projects of a similar size and scale is required. (Subtract one year of relevant experience—11 years with master’s or 13 years with Bachelors—for persons of excluded groups)
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in coordinating with government and relevant stakeholders in similar areas
• Engagement with government and line agencies in protected area and species management plan formulation, project implementation and species assessments highly preferred
• Proven experience in implementation of integrated conservation activities with a focus on reducing human wildlife conflicts, promoting ecotourism and improving local livelihoods 
• At least 5 of these years should be in a management/leadership position
• Ample experience in program design, community dialogue about environmental issues, strategic planning and implementation, both at a national and grassroots levels
• Preferred: Prior experience in a similar development context as Nepal
• Fluent in English and Nepali

Application instructions:

Select the position in which you are interested in applying for, fill out the required information and upload your CV. Please note, due to the volume of applications that we receive and the urgency to fill-up positions, only shortlisted applicants will receive notifications on next steps.

Application link:

https://fs23.formsite.com/OLJTgx/zqwxizdpt6/index

Interested candidates should submit their application no later than 1st March 2023.

Women and persons from excluded groups are encouraged to apply.

Consistent with DAI’s commitment to attracting and retaining staff from all races, ethnicities, castes and backgrounds, DAI may adjust eligibility requirements to allow for applicants from excluded groups.  In these cases, the Scope Of Work and vacancy announcement will clearly indicate the minimum requirements according to the Country Compensation Plan as well as the revised minimum requirements for applicants representing an excluded group. DAI promotes workforce diversity and in Nepal, DAI considers excluded groups to be women, Dalits, indigenous ethnic minority groups, Madhesi, Muslim, persons with disabilities, people living in remote areas, and sexual and gender minorities.