Natural Resource Expert

1. Background: The Partnership for Pastoralists Development Association (PAPDA) is a national NGO committed to enhancing the livelihoods of pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities through integrated humanitarian, development, and peace building projects across the Somali, Oromia, Afar, and Southern regions of Ethiopia.

Currently, with funding support from MISEREOR (Germany), PAPDA is implementing the Pastoralist Livelihood Support Project (PALSUP) in East Bale (Oromia) and Goro Bakasa (Liben Zone). The project focuses on sustainable rangeland management, climate resilience, and natural resource management, aiming to strengthen community adaptation and long-term environmental sustainability.

PAPDA is currently seeking a highly qualified Natural Resource Expert to support its initiatives in assessing, managing, and sustaining rangeland resources in pastoralist areas of south-eastern Ethiopia. The expert will contribute to ongoing projects to optimize pastureland use, rangeland management, and promote climate-resilient practices. Additionally, the expert will play a critical role in engaging with government agencies, NGOs, and local communities to ensure effective policy implementation and knowledge transfer.

2. Position: Natural Resource Expert

3. Objectives of the Role: The primary objectives of this position are:

·       To assess and document rangeland resources, including pasture species, bushes, and shrubs used for livestock feeding.

·       To analyze the distribution, availability, and sustainability of these resources in relation to climate change and environmental degradation.

·       To provide technical guidance on rangeland restoration and sustainable management practices.

·       To support PAPDA’s natural resource-based interventions through research, policy recommendations, and capacity-building activities.

·       To facilitate knowledge-sharing among pastoralist communities, government institutions, and other stakeholders.

·       To develop training modules and conduct capacity-building workshops for community members and local authorities.

·       To support proposal development for funding related to natural resource management initiatives.

·       To assess the pastoralist way of life, mobility trends, and traditional coping mechanisms.

·       To analyze the impact of climate change on pastoral mobility and propose adaptation strategies.

·       To contribute to the design and implementation of climate-resilient support programs for pastoralist communities.

4. Key Responsibilities: The Natural Resource Expert will be responsible for:

·       Conducting field assessments in targeted pastoralist areas, including Dawekechen Woreda (E/Bale Zone, Oromia) and Gorobekaksa Woreda (Liban Zone, Somali Region).

·       Identifying and classifying plant species used in rangelands, including their local and scientific names.

·       Documenting indigenous knowledge on plant uses and livestock grazing preferences.

·       Analyzing the impact of climate change and the spread of invasive species on rangeland resources.

·       Developing a database/catalog of documented plant species with photographic and GIS mapping support.

·       Preparing technical reports and policy briefs on sustainable rangeland management.

·       Engaging with local communities, government officials, and stakeholders to promote best practices in land restoration.

·       Conducting periodic monitoring and evaluation of rangeland interventions to assess their effectiveness.

·       Supporting PAPDA in designing and implementing natural resource conservation projects.

·       Assessing mobility trends of pastoralist communities and how they adapt to seasonal variations and resource availability.

·       Providing insights into climate resilience strategies for pastoralist livelihoods, including water resource management and drought mitigation measures.

5. Required Qualifications and Experience:

·       A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Rangeland Management, Natural Resource Management, Botany, Environmental Science, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

·       At least 5 years of experience in natural resource management, rangeland restoration, or climate change adaptation, particularly in pastoralist settings.

·       Strong technical expertise in plant taxonomy, ecological assessment, and GIS mapping.

·       Proven experience in conducting field research and community-based participatory assessments.

·       Familiarity with climate resilience strategies and sustainable land-use planning.

·       Strong documentation skills, including photography and videography for scientific and advocacy purposes.

·       Experience working with pastoralist communities in Ethiopia is an asset.

·       Strong networking and partnership-building skills with government agencies, donors, and NGOs.

·       Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and local languages (Afan Oromo/Somali) is an advantage.

6. Deliverables:

·       A comprehensive assessment report covering:

o   Classification of pasture, bush, and shrub species.

o   Local and scientific names with taxonomic classification.

o   Photographs and GIS-based mapping of documented species.

o   Analysis of resource availability, utilization, and impact of climate change.

o   Recommendations for sustainable rangeland management practices.

o   Assessment of pastoral mobility trends and their correlation with climate impacts.

o   Recommendations for climate resilience support programs for pastoralist communities.

·       A digital database of documented species.

·       Final presentation to PAPDA and stakeholders summarizing key findings.

·       Capacity-building training materials and workshop reports.

·       Periodic monitoring and evaluation reports on rangeland interventions.

7. Employment Type & Duration:

·       Contract Type: Fixed-term contract (with the possibility of extension based on performance and project needs).

·       Duration: One year (initial contract), with a three-month probationary period.

·       Duty Station: Addis Ababa in Oromia and Somali Regions, with frequent travel to field sites.

·       Report to the program manager in direct collaboration with PAPDA’s technical team.

8. Application Process: Interested candidates should submit:

·       A cover letter detailing their experience and suitability for the role.

·       A detailed CV highlighting relevant experience and qualifications.

·       Copies of academic credentials and professional certifications.

·       Contact information for at least two professional references.

·       Samples of relevant previous work (such as reports, research papers, or assessment studies).