Management and Engineering Technologies International, Inc. (METI), in support of the US Forest Service (USFS), with funding support from the United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Office of Global Programs and Policy (INL/GPP), is initiating a program for Strengthening Institutional Capacity to Combat Wildlife Crime in Mongolia, and may require the services of a Mongolia Country Coordinator, to support the program implementation.
Objective 1: Improve national and/or international understanding of issues related to wildlife crime, with a focus on wildlife trafficking, in each target country;
Objective 2: Enhance the capacities of key partners to contribute to and/or implement effective law enforcement strategies to combat wildlife trafficking and associated natural resource crime; and
Objective 3: Strengthen national, regional, and/or global networks and communities of practice on combating wildlife trafficking.
To initiate the program in Mongolia, USFS plans to conduct a detailed program assessment that will enhance national and/or international understanding of the state of wildlife crime, with a focus on wildlife trafficking, including major challenges and opportunities. The assessment will result in a report that reflects USFS’ findings and recommendations for program interventions, as well as recommendations for broader USG engagement opportunities in Mongolia.
Following the assessment, a USFS team of experts will collaborate with key Mongolian stakeholders to design a work plan and implement activities that will enhance ongoing efforts to combat wildlife trafficking. The USFS program implementation team will include Technical Advisor (s) based in the US, Law Enforcement and Investigation Experts, Mongolia Country Coordinator, and a Program Manager from the USFS’ Office of International Programs.
The Mongolia Country Coordinator will have a central role in coordinating and implementing the program at operational level.
Position Description:
Working closely with staff at USFS’ Office of International Programs (USFS/IP) based in Washington, DC, and the USFS program implementation team, the Mongolia Country Coordinator will provide in-country logistical support, lead program design and implementation, serve as the primary liaison with the focal government agencies, and coordinate program activities with other relevant partners in Mongolia, such as non-government organizations (NGOs).
The Mongolia Country Coordinator will support the program in capacities such as, but not limited to, the following:
Participate in the remotely-based detailed program assessment, through organizing meetings and follow-up discussions, and gathering additional information from different sources and stakeholders;
Plan and manage the effective implementation of all program activities, in close coordination with the USFS/IP program manager;
Serve as the primary liaison and in-country point of contact for the government agencies involved in the program, maintaining close relationships and strong communication with government focal points to ensure that government priorities are fully taken in consideration when planning specific activities and/or training;
Serve as the primary liaison and in-country point of contact for other key partners, such as NGOs working to address wildlife trafficking and related natural resources crime, to ensure synergies among these efforts and incorporate lessons learned from previous efforts into the program’s design;
Provide support to the program design and work planning processes, including inputs to ensure the design of USFS programming takes into account political and cultural aspects that are unique to the Mongolian context;
Support the implementation of USFS activities determined in the work plan;
Coordinate in-country technical events, webinars, workshops and trainings, delivered through both remote assistance, and if COVID-19 travel regulations allow, in person. Specific tasks could include: arranging meetings, identifying workshop/training participants, preparing and sending invitations, arranging venues, procuring goods and services, and other logistics;
Prepare periodic progress reports, activity reports, and additional reporting as needed;
Work closely with visiting USFS experts to provide input on the most appropriate technical assistance, orient them to the country context, and introduce them to counterparts;
Manage and track program expenses in full compliance with U.S. government regulations, in close coordination with the USFS/IP program manager.
Qualifications: The Coordinator should have the following skills and experience:
A minimum of five years of experience in project implementation and partnership development in Mongolia, preferably in the environmental protection, forestry and/or natural resource sectors;
Minimum of an undergraduate degree, preferably in the natural resources field;
Demonstrated experience managing multi-stakeholder partnerships, engaging in consultative work planning, and coordinating activities and meetings;
Ability to work effectively without day-to-day supervision;
Ability to work in a dynamic environment with Mongolian and US Government agencies, international donors, NGOs, community groups, and other stakeholders;
Excellent organizational skills;
Excellent written and oral communication skills;
Excellent interpersonal skills;
Experience working with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism of Mongolia strongly preferred;
Experience implementing U.S. Government funded activities and maintaining compliance with US Government regulations is an advantage;
Required computer proficiencies: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet; and,
Language skills: Professional proficiency in spoken and written English and Mongolian language.
Salary: Relevant to the technical skill level of the position, but may be adjusted to account for additional experience and skills.
Level of Effort: Full-time engagement for 12 months, with the possibility of extension. Part-time or flexible engagement may also be considered.
Location: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
If the US Forest Service were to secure the services of an individual with these skills, the successful applicant would be hired through a contractor.
Qualified individuals should send a resume to: asaracina@meticorp.com by March 1, 2022 METI 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.