Winrock International is recruiting a Forestry and Rural Development Specialist for an anticipated USAID-funded project. This position will be based in Port au Prince and/or Cap Haitien, Haiti. The anticipated project will build on previous experiences and work from other USAID and donor investments with a focus on an environment and food security activity designed to address environmental degradation and loss of tree cover in Haiti. Activities will be designed to reduce the threat of deforestation and increase tree cover in and around targeted areas, in line with USAID/Haiti’s goal of restoring the provision of environmental services in targeted forest areas in support of food security and resilience. The project will directly support and contribute to the Government of Haiti (GOH)-led efforts to manage healthy watersheds and mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change through forestry and land use practices. The Forestry and Rural Development Specialist will work closely with all project key personnel and with USAID. His/her main functions will be to manage and direct the technical aspects of the project related to reducing deforestation and increasing tree cover. This position will work closely with the M&E Advisor. Position is contingent upon receipt of donor funding.


ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
-Contribute to program technical direction and activity implementation in areas agreed upon with the COP;
-Build on and identify successful practices in achieving improved natural resource management at the community level;
-Facilitate relationship building with relevant government agencies and other local stakeholders;
-Organize and track meetings with stakeholders;
-Represent the project team at meetings and conferences as needed;
-Communicate and coordinate with program staff on technical questions related to forestry and rural development, work planning and program implementation;
-Provide management oversight to a range of program staff focused on forestry and rural development;
-Work closely with local NGO partners, providing technical oversight;
-Visit project areas regularly to assure project progress towards activity objectives and goals;
-Support annual work plan and progress report preparation, and monitor implementation;
-Closely follow the implementation plan and monitor each deliverable;
-Address and proactively identify problems and challenges, and adapt to evolving institutional, financial, and political realities on the ground.
-Carry out other tasks as assigned by the COP and Winrock

Master’s degree or equivalent experience in forestry, natural resources management, agronomy, environmental policy, governance, or another relevant field.

At least 5 years of relevant experience, including implementation of community-defined natural resource management goals and engagement of government counterparts in coordination, planning, and monitoring.

Experience working with relevant GOH Ministries and Government Officials.

Exceptional interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.

Ability to build and maintain strong and effective relationships with multiple stakeholders.

Fluent in French or Haitian Kreyol and English (written and spoken).