Landscape Team Leader

Scope of Work (SoW)

USAID Biodiversity (Jal Jangal)

Landscape Team Leader

USAID Biodiversity (Jal Jangal) is conserving nature, enhancing human well-being, and safeguarding 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. The activity is achieving measurable conservation targets within the biodiversity-rich, terrestrial, and freshwater ecosystems while increasing resilience to climate change and contributing to the inclusive and sustainable development of the Nepali people. To accomplish this, the activity is implementing 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 ecosystems (Objective 3). The activity is being implemented in and around the Chitwan-Annapurna Landscape (CHAL), Kailash Sacred Landscape (KSL), Terai Arc Landscape (TAL), and the proposed Karnali Conservation Landscape (KCL).

1.     OBJECTIVES OF THE ROLE 

The Landscape Team Leader will lead and guide the CHAL landscape teams and activities for the CHAL landscape office in Pokhara field office. S/He works with and provides technical guidance/support for the field teams to work with implementing partners and stakeholders to identify and prioritize opportunities for beneficial changes in ecosystem resource management and conservation practices; to plan and carry out activities to achieve these changes; and to establish good working relationships among government agencies including local governments,  private sectors , community leaders, relevant other projects, and stakeholders to strengthen an institutional environment that supports the priority opportunities.  S/he will oversee the implementation activities of the CHAL landscape office in Pokhara. The Landscape Team Leader will report to the Senior Program Manager and will directly supervise the all CHAL team including Senior Officer- M&E and Communications Officer, Enterprise Development Officer, Senior GESI officer and Grant and Operations Officer. The position is responsible for ensuring smooth and efficient operation and management of the landscape office, as well as the effective implementation of planning and reporting in accordance with USAIDF Biodiversity (Jal Jangal)’s compliance and provisions. 

2.     TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES

The following roles and responsibilities of the Landscape Team Leader include, but are not limited to: 

Technical:

• Lead and collaborate in developing the Annual Work Plan (AWP) and ensuring integration among different themes and objectives with the USAID Biodiversity (Jal Jangal) activities planning. S/he will outline tasks, deliverables, timelines, resources, monitoring steps, and accountability measures for effective implementation within the targeted landscape.
• Conduct fortnightly, monthly and quarterly reviews of timetables and progress to ensure alignment with the AWP. 
• Identify the need for additional short-term technical assistance (STTA) based on AWP requirements and emerging circumstances.
• Provide substantial input in selecting sites, partners, and grant recipients, while ensuring effective supervision and oversight of supported activities.
• Guide and mentor Senior Program Officers and thematic staff on accurate data collection during activity implementation and data verification during reporting.
• Manage all technical aspects of the activity within the CHAL, including advisory, assessment, analysis, training, and other relevant tasks.
• Translate and distribute technical guidelines to field teams, local and provincial government officials, and other necessary stakeholders. 
• Ensure compliance with policies, standards, and regulations by all team members, vendors, grantees, and subcontractors, adhering to applicable laws and donor provisions.

Coordination and Collaboration:

• Coordinate with line agencies, including provincial and local governments, private sectors, CSOs, influencers, nature-based business associations, and informal networks operating within the biodiversity conservation sector in the landscape.
• Collaborate with local and provincial government agencies including forest research and training center (FRTC), provincial policy and planning commission, local level forest, environment, and disaster management committee (FEDMC), to design and oversee activities through co-creation workshops, aligning with their requirements. 
• Develop Scopes of Work (SOW), program descriptions (PDs), and event proposals to implement AWP activities in targeted landscapes.

Operational:

• Supervise the Pokhara office team, including consulting service agencies, STTAs, and consultants. 
• Oversee day-to-day operational systems in the Pokhara office, including efficient and timely local procurement (e.g., BPA with local vendors), administrative tasks, and operational reporting to the Kathmandu office.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with objective and thematic leads, as well as other departments in the Kathmandu office, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
• Ensure allocation of resources and proper record keeping of inventory and assets including timely reporting to Kathmandu office for donor reporting.

Monitoring evaluation and reporting:

• Ensure proper monitoring of consulting service providers and grantees during activity implementation within the landscape, while liaising with government offices to facilitate new assignments. 
• Conduct regular oversight, yearly performance reviews, on-the-job training, feedback, task delegation, follow-ups, and problem-solving to foster productive team dynamics and personal development.
• Actively participate in periodic progress reviews and collaborate with the landscape and Kathmandu teams to adapt plans and activities as needed.
• Develop, compile, and submit quarterly, annual, and other periodic narrative reports within deadlines, ensuring compliance and inclusion of evidence by consolidating reports from grantees and consulting service providers.

Other:

• Mobilize the landscape team effectively, fostering a trusting, inclusive, and collaborative work environment in partnership with Human Resources to promote team productivity and cohesion.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Supervisor, Deputy Chief of Party, or senior management team (SMT).

3.     QUALIFICATIONS 

• A university degree in a relevant field is required, an advanced degree is preferred.
• A minimum of five years’ demonstrated experience in biodiversity ecosystem, natural resource management and climate change adaptation or a related role including supervisor experience is essential.
• For a candidate with a master’s degree, 12 years of professional work experience in biodiversity, ecosystems, natural resource management, climate resilience, environmental conversation, watershed management, environmental crime is required. For candidates with a bachelor’s degree, 14 years of relevant technical experience is required. (Subtract one year of relevant experience—11 years with MA or 13 years with BA—for persons of excluded groups)
• Relevant experience working on an international donor funded contract in a related role highly preferred but not mandatory. 
• Technical experience in biodiversity, ecosystems, climate resilience, environmental conversation, watershed management, environmental crime is an additional asset. 

4.     COMPETENCIES

• Expertise: Expertise in the social, economic, and political context of Biodiversity conservation and climate resilience in Nepal. Proficiency in computer skills, particularly in the (MS Office suite) is required.
• Efficiency: Skilled in managing work efficiently and handling conflicting priorities as well as strong negotiation skills for both internal and external matters.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and Nepali, with the ability to present information clearly and collaborate with technical staff.
• Teamwork: Effective interpersonal skills to build partnerships in diverse, multicultural settings with sensitivity to diversity.
• Problem solving: Proficient in analyzing information, solving problems, and maintaining attention to detail.
• Language: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Nepali are required and preferred. 
• Travel: Willingness to travel up to 50% to field locations within the CHAL coverage districts.

Application Link: 

https://fs23.formsite.com/OLJTgx/1dsit6gy4a/index

Application instructions:

Please select the position and location for which you are interested in applying for, fill out the required information and upload your CV. Only shortlisted applicants will receive notifications on the next steps.

Interested candidates should submit their application no later than 3rd February 2025. 

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 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, Muslims, persons with disabilities, people living in remote areas, and sexual and gender minorities.