Natural resource management / climate change advisor

Program/Department Summary

The Natural Resource Management (NRM)/Climate Change Advisor will play a key leadership role in the implementation of a proposed five-year $32 million program to support increased resiliency and incomes for pastoralist communities in Ethiopia.

General Position Summary

The NRM/Climate Change Advisor will lead the integration of climate change activities in particular Enhanced Climate Adaptation & Improving productivity and competitiveness of livestock by providing technical assistance to the PRIME field based staff members on NRM, climate change adaptation and at national level; climate Change Policy issues. The Advisor will develop and undertake evidence based analytics and studies related to climate change adaptation in pastoral areas to inform project activities, contribute to broader GCC debates and policies.

Organizational Learning

As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve - we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Supervisory Responsibility

- Direct supervision of: NRM/Climate Change program team
- Reports directly to: Chief of Party
- Works directly with: Deputy Chief of Party, Pastoral Health Advisor, Pastoral Livelihood Diversification Advisor, Operations and Finance team.

Knowledge and Experience

- MA/S in environmental studies, natural resource management, agriculture, livestock, development studies or related degree
- At least Five (5) years or more of progressively responsible work experience in technical areas of pastoral land management, natural resource management or climate change adaptation.
- At least Five (5) years or more of advocacy in the pastoral areas in relation to NRM, land tenure or land management.
- Strong written and oral communication skills in English, including report development, writing and editing.
- Strong management skills, with good understanding of relevant cross-cultural issues.
- Previous experience in Ethiopia or the Horn of Africa.

Success Factors

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, M&E skills and experiences.
- Research analysis and report writing especially in advocacy policy briefs and publications.

Living Conditions/Environmental Conditions

This position will be based in Addis Ababa and is accompanied for spouse and children.

Addis Ababa is the political and commercial heart of Ethiopia.  Founded by Emperor Menelik in 1877, it is now a sprawling, hospitable city of 4 million people located at an elevation of 2,200 meters in the foothills of Mount Entoto.  Modern buildings and wide-open boulevards stand side by side with historic churches, palaces and monuments as well as simple country-style huts.  Addis Ababa has basic health services and adequate international schools, K-12.  There are ample opportunities for in-country vacations.  The weather is temperate year-round with a heavy rainy season in the summer months.  Addis Ababa hosts many international organizations including the OAU, the Economic Commission for Africa and other multi-national bodies, many of which have their headquarters there.

Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.