CRS REDD+ Stakeholder Engagement Specialist at CRS Forestry Commission

Nigeria engaged a REDD+ process in 2009. A UN-REDD Nigeria national programme was designed in the period 2010-2011 along the dynamics of stakeholder engagement, policy dialogue and basic capacity building, The programme was approved at tht 7th UN-REDD Programme, policy Board and, after some refinements, signed on in August 2012. The Inception process took place at the end of 2012 The programme, with a budget of US$4 million and for a period or 3 years, will allow Nigeria to craft the REDD+ mechanism, which is Part of the set of policy and financial instruments of the UN climate change convention. Nigeria's REDD+ programme has an innovative, two-track approach consisting of actions at both federal and stare levels. At the Federal level, the programme will create technical capacities, develop strategic and policy frameworks for REDD+, and support the alignment of the country with international climate change and environmental negotiations and agreements.

At the state level, the programme will conduct strategy-development and demonstration activities on REDD+ in Cross River Stare, as this state has shown a determined political commitment for green development as well as being home to more than 50 per cent of the tropical high forest remaining in Nigeria. The best practice and lessons learned in Cross River State will be used to roll out REDD+ in other states across Nigeria. The UN-REDD national programme is perceived in Nigeria as both a means to halt the deforestation
trends and a gateway for promoting a green development path. The programme envisages the recruitment of a set of professionals to both implement the programme and sustain a REDD+ process of quality, both at the federal level and in Cross River State.

we are recruiting to fill the position of:

Job Position: CRS REDD+ Stakeholder Engagement Specialist

Location: Cross Rivers, Calabar
Start Date: 1st July, 2013

Objective
To ensure a full and efficient participation of stakeholders in the CRS REDD+ process, including the development of the CRS REDD Strategy, and to support implementation of components 3 & 4 of the UN-REDD Nigeria Programme.

Main Roles and Responsibilities

• Undertake, in a participatory manner, stakeholder engagement analysis and planning:
• Develop gender strategy and oversee its implementation;
• Oversee and ensure active involvement of NGOs and CBOs in the programme strategy development and implementation:
• Support the different REDD+ initiatives in CRS: pilots projects, REDD + fund to support community activities.
• CRS Stakeholder Forum Oil REDD+, consultation exercises and the like,
• Support the creation of entry points to REDD+ decision-making structures for local community and indigenous peoples representatives, NGO and CBO representatives;
• Undertake regular consultations with the broad stakeholder group, ensuring their increasing engagement and participation;
• Undertake regular visits to concerned communities, in particular to pilot projects, to develop engagement;
• Contribute to legal/policy reviews and make appropriate recommendations regarding stakeholder participation:
• Oversee activities to develop social and environmental safeguards for REDD+;
• Oversee development of an appropriate FPIC process for REDD+ in CRS, including analyses of the national legal framework to support FPIC;
• Oversee the development of grievance mechanisms for REDD+:
• Provide training on stakeholder engagement methods to programme team and other stakeholders:
• Support the application of the joint FCPF and UN-REDD Programme Guidelines on Stakeholder Engagement and the UN-REDD Programme Guidelines on FPIC.

Qualifications and Skills

• Post graduate qualification in social studies, communications, or related subject.
• At least 4 years relevant professional experience, including experience in developing stakeholder participation in development and support to development projects or policy initiatives;
• Previous experience working with a broad range of stakeholders including with local communities, indigenous peoples and/or other civil society organizations;
• Knowledge of the livelihood issues related to deforestation and tropical forest management;
• Strong inter-personal skills, especially oral communication skills,
• Proficiency in both spoken and written English.

Personal Attributes

• A self-starter with ability to convert ideas to deliverables.
• Motivation for the Environment.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Analytical and process skills.
• Strong communication and inter-personal skills/Good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in diverse environment and culture.
• Strong relationships building and alignment skills.
• Outgoing, self-motivated, organized, focused, goal-driven and ability to manage oneself.
• Mobile-and high energy level.
• Strong in integrity and respect for others.
• Good presentation skills.

Application Closing Date
24th June, 2013

How to Apply
Candidates should provide CV and specific examples in a letter of interest of less than two pages explaining how their experience
demonstrates these attributes, and specifically what the candidates achieved in their previous positions and how experience gained
specifically responds to this position. Please emphasize specific achievements.

The letter of interest including the CV should be submitted by e-mail as MS Word file or plain text attachment to: forestry.crs@gmail.com

Applicants should in the body of the application, address it to:
"The Permanent Secretary,
Cross River State Forestry Commission,
69 Target Road, Calabar"

Note: Please state the position applied for in the subject communication box.