Natural Resources Officer (Climate Change Mitigation Advisor)

Job Description

Description of Organization: The Bureau for Africa (AFR) is the USAID/Washington Operating Unit charged with managing USAID development programs in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The Office of Sustainable Development (SD) has the responsibility for providing technical support to these programs. AFR/SD provides technical expertise, innovative approaches, and cross-cutting support to over 35 bilateral and regional Missions in SSA with technical responsibilities spanning all areas of development – economic growth, agriculture, the environment, democracy and governance, education, and health. The Natural Resources Officer (NRO) will serve as a member of AFR/SD’s Economic Growth, Environment, and Agriculture (EGEA) Division.

Duties and Responsibilities: The NRO provides technical, policy, and strategic guidance to AFR Bureau leadership and other operating units on accelerating and scaling up climate change mitigation solutions, and supporting a just and equitable transition to an economy based on clean energy and a sustainable use of natural resources. The NRO advances AFR Bureau and Agency climate change mitigation priorities by: supporting strategic planning, design, implementation, and evaluation of natural climate solutions’ (NCS) policies and programs in SSA; coordinating with the Power Africa and Prosper Africa interagency initiatives; applying best practices in monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV); integrating climate-smart approaches into cross-sectoral programs; contributing to and promoting use of technical guidance and tools, and other resources; delivering training to USAID staff and partners; advancing strategic partnerships; identifying opportunities to leverage science and technology; and mobilizing climate finance. The NRO represents USAID within the U.S. interagency on climate-related technical and foreign policy matters. The NRO also advises on key aspects of resource management across the AFR region, including country-level resource allocations for NCS priorities and budget management. The NRO functions as a core member of AFR Bureau’s Climate Change Team, and reports to AFR/SD/EGEA’s Deputy Division Chief. This position requires international travel.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be a U.S. citizen. Candidates must indicate whether or not they are a US Citizen. If citizenship is not stated, application will not be considered.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a SECRET security clearance.
• Must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, FSL-03 or GS-13, of this position. Examples of qualifying specialized experience at the next lower level for this position include: a) demonstrated experience in program design and management of climate-related activities and partnerships in low and lower-middle income countries, preferably within SSA; b) experience working with or advising government officials, private companies, financial lenders and/or local stakeholders on climate-relevant policies and programs; c) demonstrated experience and capacities for effectively engaging on climate change policy priorities within an international development context; and d) demonstrated experience and capacities for effectively communicating about the climate and development nexus, both in writing and orally.

Knowledge, skills and abilities possessed by the preferred candidate include:

• Advanced degree in environmental or other earth sciences, natural resource management, agriculture, public policy, or related discipline appropriate to the position.
• Substantial experience and capabilities designing, managing, guiding and/or evaluating complex, multi-year programs and strategies for land-based mitigation in SSA.
• In-depth knowledge of the ecological, economic, and social aspects of forest and land conservation and management in SSA.
• Demonstrated ability integrating rights-based, gender-responsive, and socially inclusive approaches in development policies and programs.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve results and influence institutional decisions in complex organizations.
• Strong experience working collaboratively, and communicating effectively and cross-culturally in a team environment, including with experts in other disciplines to accomplish shared objectives.
• Ability to travel internationally, including to underdeveloped areas.
• Proficiency in one or more relevant regional languages (e.g., French, Portugese).

Required Documents:

• Cover letter: Candidates are required to submit a cover letter expressing interest and clearly addressing the stated requirements for the position.
• Resume/CV: Candidates must include month, year and the number of hours worked per week for each position listed.
• References: At least three (3) professional references.

Other applicable documents: Candidates should submit the following documents as applicable.

• Veteran’s Preference: Applicants claiming Veterans Preference must submit all appropriate documentation (DD-214, Service Disability Letter, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, etc.).
• Political Appointee: Applicants serving as a current/former Political Appointee must submit all appropriate documentation (SF-50s, appointment letter, etc.).

Please submit your application package to CHARLES DONKOR (cdonkor@usaid.gov). Please use the subject line “FSL APPLICATION PACKAGE: NATURAL RESOURCES OFFICER (Climate Change Mitigation Advisor), FL-02, AFR/SD.” Application submissions are required by 11:59 pm (EST), MAY 13, 2024. Packages not submitted by the deadline with the specified subject line—or incomplete packages—will not receive consideration.