Technical Advisor for Senegal and Gambia
Washington, DC 
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Posted 26 months ago
Position No Longer Available
Position No Longer Available
Job Description
Management and Engineering Technologies International, Inc. (METI), in support of the United States Forest Service (USFS) is seeking to recruit a full-time Technical Advisor for Senegal and Gambia to support in-country implementation of a new timber trafficking program.
Background
In recognition of the serious threats posed to people and the environment by the illegal harvest and trafficking of timber, Senegal and Gambia have enacted high-level policies over the past decade to curtail the flow of illegal timber from their territories.  However, despite these political commitments, evidence points to a healthy, and even at times increasing, volume of timber trafficked through and out of Senegal and Gambia.  In addition to being illegal, the level of harvest of targeted species such as West African Rosewood, is highly unsustainable, and negatively impacts local communities who depend on the forests and intact ecosystems, for their livelihoods.  Resulting tensions over control of these valuable forest resources, have led to violent conflicts and deaths in the Casamance region of Senegal. 
As part of the response to address timber trafficking in Senegal and Gambia, the USFS has been requested to provide technical and logistical support to strengthen the capacity of in-country stakeholders to achieve their policy objectives.  In partnership with national government and non-governmental actors, the USFS will implement activities in Senegal and Gambia focused on the following objectives:
  1. Increased capacity of government agencies to address cross-border and export-focused timber trafficking 
  2. Strengthened ability of Senegalese and Gambian Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to implement robust 3rd party monitoring of timber harvest and trade
  3. Enhanced wood identification methodologies and resources - allowing for improved field-based identification and documentation of illegal timber
In collaboration with the USFS International Programs office in Washington, DC, and the USFS Senegal Country Coordinator in Dakar, the USFS Technical Advisor for Senegal and Gambia will be recruited to manage timber trafficking program implementation, maintain close relationships and strong communication with government partner staff, as well as with key members of the NGO community. S/he will coordinate with relevant technical support staff and represent the timber trafficking program at national and/or regional, where appropriate. The Technical Advisor will also lead all in-country logistical and design support to program implementation, ranging from organizing meeting/workshop/training logistics to ensuring the design of USFS programming takes into account appropriate political and cultural aspects. In particular, s/he will be the main liaison with government partners to receive comments/feedback on draft documents developed through the program including with support from USFS technical experts.
Position Description
Core duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
 
  • Implementing, in coordination with other USFS staff, an ambitious two-year annual work program of capacity building to combat illegal timber harvest and trafficking, in collaboration with in-country partners and stakeholders and other U.S. government agencies;
  • Facilitates the scheduling, planning, and roll out of timber trade projects including training, extension, and M&E initiatives;
  • Assists the Senegal Country Coordinator to schedule and coordinate project activities, including organizing necessary workshops, trainings and meeting logistics;
  • Monitors projects to ensure they meet milestones and goals per their scope, timeline, and budget;
  • Communicates and collaborates regularly with Senegalese and Gambian agencies responsible for customs, natural resource law enforcement, and forest management to share expertise on policies and contribute to organizational improvement;
  • Ensures the design of USFS programming takes into account political and cultural aspects that are unique to the host-country contexts;
  • Identifies and develops strategic partnerships with national and international corporations, development organizations and non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) involved in border control and natural resources management or complimentary work;
  • Ensures that timber crime program activities, processes, and community adhere to Senegalese and/or Gambian laws and organizational policies;
  • Providing technical assistance updates on timber trafficking law enforcement and related issues to USFS, donors and implementing partners;

QUALIFICATIONS
 
The applicant must meet the following minimum professional qualifications to be considered for the position:
 
  • Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent experience in law enforcement, customs, environmental sciences, forestry, sustainable development, or related field;
  • Five years professional experience in project, financial and staff management in logistics/trade, forestry, natural resource management or related field;
  • Ability to work in a dynamic environment with in-country and U.S. government agencies, international donors, NGOs, community groups, and other stakeholders;
  • Experience working with key government partners in the target countries strongly preferred;
  • Working knowledge of customs and/or forestry, timber tree species, policies and codes in forestry in Senegal and Gambia;
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in French and/or English.
  • Planning and scheduling in complex environment with many demands and deadlines
  • Computer skills including Microsoft Office, database management and GIS preferred

Period of Performance: One year with a possibility of extension
Location of Work: The position would be based in Senegal or Gambia with travel regionally or internationally as needed.
Compensation: Commensurate with experience and qualifications
 Timeline: Apply by December 20, 2021.
If the US Forest Service were to secure the services of an individual with these technical skills, the successful applicant would be hired through a contractor.
Interested candidates should send a resume and letter of interest to the HR Department at METI to asaracina@meticorp.com with USFS Technical Advisor for Senegal and Gambia in the subject line. METI is an Equal Opportunity Employer: M/F/V/D www.meticorp.com

 
LAJ Enterprises, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a workforce representative of the diverse communities we serve. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.

 

Position No Longer Available
Job Summary
Employment Term and Type
Temporary, Full Time
Required Education
Master's Degree
Required Experience
5 to 7 years
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