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Contractor	Ridge 2 Reef Consulting Ltd (Ridge 2 Reef)
Position:	Project Officer (Catchment governance and payment for ecosystem services)
Contract Type:	18 months
Location:	Honiara, Solomon Islands
Reports to:	Project Manager

About us

Ridge 2 Reef is a local consultancy company implementing payment for ecosystem services (PES) projects in the Solomon Islands in partnership with the Nakau Programme Pty Ltd (Nakau). Nakau is a social purpose Australian company supporting indigenous Pacific Islanders to earn income from environmental markets for forest conservation and catchment protection.

Ridge 2 Reef and Nakau’s portfolio of projects is constantly growing, creating a need for a project officer to work with us in developing effective socio-environmental governance systems. This role is ideal for someone with a strong commitment to social justice and sustainability who wants to use their expertise to build on existing work. We are a highly adaptive and dynamic organization, suited to individuals who want to work as part of a small team to make a large positive impact.

About the role

This position consists in integrating social considerations, governance structures, and GEDSI-Gender, Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion- principles into forest conservation efforts linked to water catchment management, natural resources management and payment for ecosystem services projects.

The role will include:

• Work with partners and stakeholders to establish and implement governance arrangements for integrated water catchment management, payment for ecosystem services and conservation projects.
• Establish and maintain effective channels of communication with stakeholders to foster participation and collaboration in water catchment management and conservation efforts.
• Organize and coordinate governance events, workshop, field activities and meetings.
• Foster participation of local communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders in forest conservation and water catchment management governance processes.
• Oversee governance practices that incorporate transparent, accountable, and participatory decision-making processes, ensuring integration of gender, equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) considerations.
• Work directly with project partners to support social field research, including assessments, monitoring and evaluation, and community engagement activities.
• Support the establishment of community projects and social protocols, including benefit sharing, governance, land use planning and dispute resolution.
• Assist to build capacity within our network of projects and partners

About You

You’ll be someone who demonstrates maturity of judgement, flexibility, creativity, responsiveness, initiative, ability to empower others, and the ability to follow through. You’ll have the ability to take a considered approach, ability to work within a small but growing organisation, have openness to learning, a sense of humour and an unconditional personal commitment to social justice and sustainability!

• You will preferably have more than 10 years’ experience in a relevant role
• Ideally you will have a qualification in a relevant field, for instance, degree or post-graduation in social sciences, environmental science, anthropology or related field.
• Desirable previous experience in integrating GEDSI to community projects and governance structures=.
• Previous experience in forest conservation, land use planning, ecosystem services or climate related projects will be highly appreciated.

Because you will work interacting with many stakeholders and will organize and facilitate meetings, events and workshop in different environments, as well as collect and analyse information, you will need:

• The ability to communicate effectively and network across different organizations and sectors, e.g. public, private, NGOs, CSOs, and communities.
• An ability to synthesize information and communicate ideas in English clearly (written and spoken).
• Good planning and organizational skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills: you will have the ability to identify and address emerging challenges and formulate innovative and adaptive solutions.
• Creativity: you need to be capable of thinking outside the box to generate innovative ideas and approaches for solving problems, even when faced with constraints or limitations.
• Critical Thinking: for evaluating information objectively and questioning assumptions to make well-informed decisions and solve problems effectively.
• Adaptability: you will need to be flexible and open-minded when faced with unexpected obstacles or changes, and being willing to adjust strategies or approaches accordingly.
• Collaboration: you will need to work effectively with others to leverage diverse perspectives, expertise, and resources in problem-solving efforts, fostering teamwork and collective problem-solving.

You must be able to work in a team, across multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team, and be consultative and collaborative. We are looking for someone who can share our vision and match the high level of integrity we set for ourselves and our operations.

We offer a flexible work environment with office location in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Remuneration
Remuneration will be commensurate with experience.

Commencement
19 th August 2024 (negotiable)

How To Apply

• Applicants need to provide their CV and Cover Letter that must demonstrate relevant experience, capabilities and personal attributes for undertaking the position.
• Applicants need to provide at least two professional references.
• Applications should be submitted via the email: hello@nakau.org , from 08 th to 28 th July 2024.
• Short listed candidates may be requested to provide further information, and a small group will be selected for interview.