About US:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has a global mandate to improve nutrition, increase agricultural productivity, raise the standard of living in rural populations and contribute to global economic’ growth. Achieving food security for all is at the heart of FAO’s efforts – to make sure people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.

Job Summary: The Rangeland Management Specialist will support the UN FAO in the provision of expert advice on rangeland ecology and management in Karamoja Region. The job holder will also coordinate all rangeland field activities including mapping and community engagement. Additionally, the rangeland management specialist will be expected to have sound knowledge of grassland plant species, soils as well as plant identification, sampling and field mapping. With technical support from FAO Water Resources Officer, the rangeland management specialist will conduct field mapping exercise, collect data, identify and sample range species and prepare summary analysis and maps. District level stakeholder engagement and monitoring of implementing partner activities will also be among the responsibilities of the rangeland management specialist.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:
· With technical supervision and guidance, engage stakeholders, assemble expert teams, provide the necessary training and carry out expert mapping and field sampling of range resources in Karamoja Region.
· Regularly review and evaluate current, historic rangeland health trends including the prevalence and spread of invasive species and identify their determining factors through surveys and mapping
· Develop field data collection and handling protocols including plant sample collection and storage
· Provide technical assistance to implementing partners, monitor their activities and prepare periodic progress reports
· Coordinate the implementation of rangeland restoration activities with implementing partners
· Coordinate rangeland management activities with relevant Government of Uganda agencies and District Local Governments
· Actively contribute to the development of digital atlas of rangeland health in Karamoja Region
· Mobilize communities, gather information on resource condition and carry out stakeholder analysis
· Identify local, customary and formal range management institutions and strengthen their capacity
· Work closely with implementing partners, facilitate the establishment of participatory community based rangeland monitoring and evaluation system
· Develop technical standards and specifications for the sustainable management of range resources.
· Take part in meetings, prepare presentation, produce information materials and carry out any other related task as needed or required.
· Prepare and submit regular progress reports and contribute to other technical and administrative reports as needed or required
· Participate in and facilitate capacity building and participatory learning forums
· Travel to project sites for data collection, training or presentation(s) as needed or required
· Perform any other related duties as required

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
· The ideal candidate for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Rangeland Management Specialist should hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in rangeland ecology, ecology, rangeland management, dendrology (botany), soil science, natural resource management or related field.
· At least four years of specialized experience in managing rangeland resources or in a directly related field. Two years’ experience in project management or coordination roles.
· Broad knowledge and understanding of rangeland ecology in Karamoja Region
· Comprehensive understanding of native and invasive plant species
· Broad understanding of and applied skills to determine plant-soil-animal interactions
· Familiarity with ecosystem services, and watershed management
· Demonstrated ability to successfully engage stakeholders including communities, local governments and other partners
· Prior work experience in Karamoja and an excellent understanding of social, environmental and economic drivers of change in the region
· Excellent communication, writing and presentation skills as well as a demonstrated commitment to team work
· Demonstrated ability to carry out field work including extended periods of walking over rough terrain, lifting moderately heavy items such as equipment and samples as well as overnight camping when necessary.
· Basic understanding of soil science, soil sampling, profiling and mapping
· Familiarity with GIS, digital mapping and analysis of spatial data
· Familiarity with local languages in Karamoja Region

How to Apply:
All suitably qualified Ugandan nationals are encouraged to send their applications together with detailed curriculum vitae and copies of certificates in a sealed envelope, quoting Vacancy Announcement no. addressed to: The Country Representative, Food and Agriculture Organization in Uganda. The envelopes should be registered at reception and placed in the box at the reception of the FAO offices at Plot 88 Buganda Road, Wandegeya, Kampala. Alternatively, you can E-mail your applications to: UG-Registry@fao.org

Note: Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. FAO does not charge applicants any fees at any stage in the recruitment process.

Deadline: 15th January 2016