Forestry and Natural Resource Management Officer at COOPI - Cooperazione Internazionale

Job Description

• COOPI is seeking a dynamic and experienced Forestry & Natural Resource Management Officer to lead the implementation of ecosystem restoration and climate resilience activities.
• The role focuses on reforestation, watershed management land reclamation and agroforestry, contributing to sustainable livelihoods and peacebuilding in conflict-affected communities.

Responsibilities
Ecosystem Restoration & Climate Resilience:

• Lead community-based reforestation and afforestation initiatives across 8 LGAs.
• Oversee the planting and monitoring of 200,000 trees, ensuring survival and biodiversity impact.
• Facilitate land reclamation and nursery development activities with local stakeholders.
• Promote carbon sequestration practices and support access to carbon financing mechanisms.

Capacity Building & Technical Support:

• Deliver training on sustainable land management, agroforestry and climate-smart agriculture.
• Support orchard establishment in secure community sites, including schools.
• Provide technical inputs and tools to enhance community-led restoration efforts.

Stakeholder Engagement & Policy Advocacy:

• Collaborate with Ministries of Environment, Agriculture, and Land to institutionalise NRM practices.
• Support formation and revitalisation of local NRM committees and sustainability agreements.
• Contribute to policy dialogue and awareness campaigns on environmental governance.

Monitoring & Reporting:

• Track and report on key indicators including tree survival rates, community participation and restoration outcomes.
• Contribute to MEAL processes, including baseline, midterm and endline evaluations.
• Document lessons learned, success stories, and technical reports for donor and internal use.

Additional job responsibilities:

• The duties and responsibilities as set out above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to carry out additional duties within the reasonableness level of skills and experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in ecosystem restoration, agroforestry, or watershed management.
• Proven experience in community mobilisation and capacity building.
• Familiarity with carbon financing, climate-smart agriculture, and land use planning.
• Strong understanding of conflict-sensitive programming and Do No Harm principles.

Skills and Technical Competencies:

• Strong facilitation and training capabilities.
• Excellent coordination and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in high-pressure environments.
• Commitment to gender, disability, and social inclusion principles.

Desirable:

• Experience working in northern Nigeria or similar fragile contexts.
• Knowledge of local languages and cultural dynamics.
• Experience with donor-funded projects, especially FCDO or similar.

Benefits

• A chance to contribute to transformative climate and peacebuilding initiatives.
• A collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and learning.