Job Description

POSITION TITLE: Landscape Manager, USAID India Strengthening Landscape Management & Conservation (SLMC) Activity at Coimbatore

LOCATION: Coimbatore

GROUP: Forestry & Natural Resource Management

REPORTS TO: Deputy Chief of Party

POSITION SUMMARY:

SLMC is accepting applications for Landscape Manager candidates for the USAID-funded Strengthening Landscape Management & Conservation (SLMC) activity in India. The five-year Activity which commenced in April 2023 is working with the Government of India and local partners to enhance management of ecologically critical landscapes for biodiversity conservation, human well-being and climate benefits. SLMC’s three inter-related objectives across Indian landscapes are: 1) To improve management of protected areas, buffer areas and corridors; 2) To enhance inclusive livelihoods from ecosystem services; and 3) To institutionalize systems and practices that support sustainable landscape conservation. The geographic focus for this position is the Nilgiri Landscape. This position will be based in Coimbatore.

The Landscape Manager will be responsible for coordinating technical and operational implementation across the Nilgiri Landscape. S/he will be providing technical and management support and oversight to a multi-disciplinary technical team and partners comprised of specialists in ecosystem health, natural resource management, biodiversity conservation and payment for ecosystem services. S/he will oversee the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of program approaches and activities, mentor staff, and ensure that the anticipated project results are achieved.

SALARY & BENEFITS:

The salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Excellent benefits.

APPLICATIONS:

TASKS AND ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Landscape Manager (Nilgiri) is responsible for overseeing and coordinating SLMC operations and providing support to activities that are conducted in the region. S/he will contribute towards achievement of site-level project implementation objectives, activities and targeted results. The Landscape Manager will also play a lead role in managing communications and developing productive relationships between SLMC and partner staff, local government officials, communities and beneficiaries, and other donors and projects operating in the region, and facilitating collaboration with relevant stakeholders. S/he will lead the effort to ensure full collaboration of the partner Ministries and Departments that SLMC works with.

Specifically, Landscape Manager (Nilgiri) will:

Technical Activities:

• Oversee timely submission of monitoring and evaluation data pertaining to activities implemented in the Nilgiris, including data on gender and social inclusion.

• Oversee organization of training and capacity building sessions relating to the project

• Coordinate with partner organizations in implementation of field activities.

• Coordinate and oversee participation of field level staff in meetings and learning sessions to be held at headquarters.

• Liaise and coordinate with the concerned State Government Departments who will be involved in the project activities.

Office Operations:

• Manage operations of the Nilgiri field office, including technical, managerial and administrative functions, in coordination with the Chief of Party and Deputy Chief of Party, and travel to field sites.

• Ensure accurate keeping of records on project assets and equipment for use in the Nilgiri office.

• Liaise with New Delhi Office to ensure the project needs are being met in terms of accounting, contracts, human resources, IT, and operations.

• Ensure timely submission of bills, vouchers, accounts and other financial documentation of field office as required by SLMC headquarters at New Delhi.

Personnel Management:

• Supervise all SLMC-hired staff based in the field office, and ensure effective coordination and collaboration with other partner staff based in the Nilgiri landscape;

• Approve travel advances and liquidations, and timesheets of staff hired directly by SLMC;

• Advise SLMC-New Delhi office managers on technical and administrative staffing requirements and personnel management procedures and issues;

• Receive guidance from SLMC-New Delhi office managers and assure compliance of all SLMC personnel operating in the Region with SLMC policies and procedures.

Communications and Stakeholders Relations:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all SLMC activities executed from or supported by the SLMC office in Nilgiri Landscape, in consultation with the New Delhi office managers and other Landscape Managers;

• Ensure adherence to USAID mandated marking and branding;

• Provide leadership, initiative and support for outreach and development of partnerships with local government, civil society, or other projects working in synergy with SLMC;

• Help ensure buy-in and participation of all stakeholders to the project objectives and activities including all government partners.

QUALIFICATIONS AND BACKGROUND:

Education:

• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in a field related to natural resource or environment management or economic development;

• Technical experience with rural development, natural resource management, biodiversity conservation and promoting livelihoods and economic growth, relevant to SLMC activities;

• Experience managing teams based in Western Ghats and field/site offices; oversight of budgets, facilities and properties, and organization logistical support to field-based operations;

• Strong presentation, communication and interpersonal skills;

• Proficiency in English, and at least one of two languages Malayalam and Tamil. Working knowledge of Hindi is preferable, and basic computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

Experience:

• At least five years of experience in relevant donor-funded or international development or other conservation projects. Experience on large and complex natural resource management projects is strongly preferred.

• Experience with development in government ministries or departments and ability to foster and maintain good working relationships.

• Strong knowledge of the political, social, cultural environment and power dynamics in the Landscape.

• Demonstrated competence in negotiation and communication.

How to Apply:

All interested applicants may send their CV along with a covering letter to slmcrecruitment@slmcindia.org. Please mention job title in the subject line. In your application, you should include information like three references with their contact details (name, designation, email address, phone # etc.), your last drawn salary, and expected salary.

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