Nature Based Solutions (NbS) Officer, Climate Adaptation and Protected Areas (CAPA) Initiative WWF Uganda

The NbS Officer will lead the development and implementation of site level Climate Adaptation NbS interventions for the CAPA Initiative. The primary target is the following Protected Areas in the GVL: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP), Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) and Rwenzori Mountains National Park (RMNP). The project will be implemented over a 3-year period with an initial inception period of 3 months. The NbS Officer will lead the initiation and implementation of NbS interventions that fulfill the NbS criteria for Climate Adaptation. This may include implementation of restoration interventions through soil and water conservation, agroforestry, assisted or natural regeneration, NbS livelihoods etc.

Responsibilities
The specific responsibilities of the NbS Officer include but are not limited to the following;
• Assess and recommend NbS interventions for climate resilience and adaptation in and or around the proposed PA sites;
• Ensure participatory development and implementation of Climate Adaptation NbS interventions in or around selected PAs including but not limited to Agroforestry, natural/assisted restoration, soil and water conservation, among others;
• Support project partners and consultants to ensure timely implementation of site level NbS interventions and activities;
• Promote People (Farm) Integrated Planning approach to increase adoption of gender sensitive Nature Based Climate Adaptation and nature-based livelihoods;
• In collaboration with the Climate Change and NbS Manager, support the development of climate change mitigation and adaptation capacity strengthening initiatives for PA authorities, local governments, Community Led Organizations and other stakeholders;
• Ensure strong relationships with environmental and development NGOs in and around target PAs in the GVL including government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and share latest thinking on adaptation practices and lessons learned;
• Interact with IISD, WWF nature-based solution (NbS) network and the WWF energy and climate practice to bring in global perspectives to the national and site level context;
• Support the development of funding opportunities for the climate change and NbS work as part of a wider GVL Strategy;
• Monitor and evaluate climate change adaptation interventions with national and local stakeholders in the GVL in line with the WWF standards and guidelines;
• Ensure the development of tools for data collection, monitoring and reporting in close collaboration with the M&E officer;
• Contribute to the project monitoring, evaluation, learning and reporting in compliance with donor requirements.

Required Qualifications/experience
• A Bachelor’s Degree in forestry; environmental studies, climate change studies; sustainable land use planning and management or a related field. A post graduate qualification in ecosystem—based management, climate change and development, forestry and natural resource management and/or nature—based/green value will be an added advantage;
• At least 3-5 years of work experience in a field related to Natural Resource management, climate change, ecosystem-based adaptation, green and nature—based enterprises, and other related fields;
• Proven practical experiences in nature-based ecosystem-based management and restoration such as agroforestry, restoration, farmer management natural regeneration etc;
• Familiarity with social and environmental safeguarding framework;
• Demonstrated ability to undertake baselines, field-based data collection and monitoring methods;
• Knowledge of relevant computer applications, softwares and team working platforms such as MS Teams, SharePoint, Zoom, Google Docs etc.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, multi-project environment
• Fluency in English and at least one other major language spoken in the GVL (e.g. Runyakitara)

Required Skills and Competencies
A team player with strong inter-personal skills demonstrated by the ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Strong ability to establish prioritize, work within tight timelines and multi-task. Able to work under minimal supervision with high level of resilience and strong oral and written communication skills in English. Identifies and aligns with the core values of WWF: Courage, Integrity, Respect & Collaboration.