Ecosystem Specialist - PREP at TechnoServe

Job Summary

• The Ecosystem Specialist will play a pivotal role in strengthening the enabling environment for plastic recycling in Kano State and Nigeria at large.
• Working closely with the Senior Technical Manager, the Ecosystem Specialist will support the programme’s efforts to build partnerships, facilitate stakeholder engagement, and address systemic barriers within the recycling and waste management ecosystem.
• The role involves conducting research, stakeholder mapping, and policy engagement to ensure that collectors, aggregators, and other value chain actors receive sustainable ecosystem support for business growth and impact.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities

• Support the Senior Technical Manager in developing and implementing strategies to strengthen the plastic recycling ecosystem in Kano and other project locations (Lagos and Anambra states).
• Assist in conducting a deep dive market assessment in Kano, including data collection, stakeholder mapping, and analysis of regulatory, social, environmental, and economic dynamics.
• Facilitate engagement with government agencies, private sector players, civil society organizations, and other ecosystem stakeholders to promote collaboration and policy dialogue.
• Identify barriers and opportunities within the recycling value chain and propose practical solutions to enhance the enabling environment for waste collectors and aggregators.
• Track relevant government policies, regulations, and initiatives that affect the plastic recycling sector, and provide timely updates and recommendations to the programme team.
• Coordinate knowledge-sharing sessions, workshops, and capacity-building activities to strengthen ecosystem collaboration and awareness.
• Support monitoring, evaluation, and reporting on ecosystem-related activities, ensuring alignment with programme goals and donor requirements.
• Develop briefs, reports, and presentations on ecosystem insights and recommendations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide continuous ecosystem support to project beneficiaries (collectors and aggregators) by connecting them to relevant market opportunities, networks, and policy initiatives.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree / HND in Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Economics, Development Studies, Business Administration, Public Policy, or a related field, with at least 3 year’ relevant professional experience in waste management, recycling, sustainability, policy engagement, or related sectors.
• Alternatively, a master’s degree with 1 year’s experience
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement and coordination with government, private sector, and civil society.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with proven ability to conduct market assessments and policy analysis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in donor-funded projects or development programmes.
• Familiarity with Nigeria’s waste management, plastic recycling, or environmental sustainability sector.
• Proven track record of supporting ecosystem-strengthening interventions.
• Experience working in Northern Nigeria, with strong networks in Kano State.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.

Required Languages:

• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English. Proficiency in the local languages of Kano State is highly desirable.

Travel: 

• At least 40% with a willingness to travel to these communities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experienced in writing excellent reports.
• Must have strong interpersonal skills.
• Proven skills with Microsoft Office software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Knowledge of the use of Comcare, and KoBoCollect will be an advantage.
• Excellent communication skills to collaborate with various stakeholders and communicate findings effectively.
• Ability to engage and advise a broad range of stakeholders, including senior management of private sector companies, donor representatives, and others;
• Knowledge of relevant environmental regulations and policies.
• Proven experience in stakeholder engagement, data collection and analysis, digital training delivery, and report writing.
• Demonstrated experience in report writing.
• Experience in the waste management or recycling sector.