Forestry- Assistant officer (National Position)

About STS International Solidarity

STS International Solidarity is a non-governmental organization committed to providing lifesaving relief in emergencies and development assistance to the most vulnerable people affected by conflict, disaster, and the impacts of climate change. We prioritize sustainable livelihoods and food security for individuals and communities, striving to enhance these crucial aspects of sustainable development.

STS collaborates with diverse communities, including women, children, internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, and returnees. We work towards building resilience that protects their rights and well-being through various programs and initiatives. With over 15 years of experience, STS has a strong presence in hard-to-reach areas and is currently operational in south-central Somalia, including Jubland, Southwest, Hirshabelle, and Galmudug states.

Position Summary

As a Forester, you will work under the general supervision of the Project Coordinator to implement the “GREENING HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE” project, which focuses on the management and utilization of Prosopis Juliflora in Afgoye and Dollow Districts in Jubland and Southwest Somalia.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Developing and implementing landscape management plans in displacement settings based on scenario assessments and cost-benefit analysis, with a focus on selected IDP settlements in Afgooye and Dollow Districts.
• Building the capacity of local and national institutions and relevant stakeholders to develop or improve existing national strategies and natural resource management plans.
• Organizing awareness campaigns to address environmental challenges and solutions, aiming to reduce the environmental footprint caused by displacement.
• Promoting the adoption of global best practices and standards while pioneering innovative approaches at the country level for a more environmentally sustainable humanitarian response in displacement settings.
• Demonstrating expertise in nursery establishment, tree transplantation, and management.
• Conducting site-specific assessments of wood energy needs and associated challenges, facilitating the adoption of appropriate energy-efficient technologies in selected IDP settings.
• Preparing prescriptions for Prosopis harvesting and management, as well as providing written guidelines and verbal instruction on Prosopis harvesting to IDPs.
• Collaborating with STS partners to maintain maps and data relevant to ongoing forest management activities, including collecting and processing GPS data for forest inventory and management.
• Fulfilling other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements and Qualifications

• An undergraduate degree in forestry, botany, natural resource management, or a related field.
• Minimum of Three years of experience in forest management, forest practices, forest development, or a similar natural resources role.
• Familiarity with local tree species and forestry practices in Somalia.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision, maintaining a self-disciplined, ethical, and professional approach.
• Competence in IT use, including operating systems, word processing, spreadsheets, database software, and forestry applications.
• Training and experience in GPS applications for forestry.
• Excellent writing, editing, and analytical skills with the ability to produce well-targeted documents.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of the Somali language is desirable.

Work Environment and Time Commitment

• Work is primarily field-based in Afgooye and Dollow Districts.
• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week.
• Tasks may involve physical activities such as bending, lifting (up to 50 pounds), operating mechanical equipment, and traversing rough and brushy terrain.
• Work conditions may include everyday security risks, discomforts, and exposure to adverse weather conditions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

STS International Solidarity is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and does not tolerate discrimination. We actively seek individuals with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills to strengthen our global impact.

We provide a respectful and psychologically safe environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all, regardless of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status, or any other protected group.