Agro – Forestry Officer 

Job Description

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT  

INTERNAL & EXTERNAL  

General Description of GOAL’s Work in Sierra Leone  

GOAL has been present in Sierra Leone since 1999, with an overall aim to contribute to poverty and  vulnerability reduction through the implementation of integrated, multi-sectoral interventions, with a primary  focus on improving Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child and Adolescent health (RMNCAH) specifically  addressing teenage pregnancy. GOAL is also improving rural water supply, urban WASH focusing on faecal  sludge management and promoting social inclusion, empowerment, and the promotion of decent work  through systems-based programme approaches and community led social and behavioural change. GOAL  currently operates in Western Area Urban (Freetown), Kambia, Bombali, Moyamba and Kenema Districts, with  funding from Irish Aid, Charity: Water, FCDO and Community Foundation of Ireland (CFI). 

On this note, GOAL Sierra Leone would like to invite well experienced and professional applicants for the  undermentioned position:  

General Description of the Programme  

The Community-Led Mangrove Restoration project for a thriving Coastal Future in Kambia District Sierra Leone  project seeks to enhance food security and climate resilience of coastal communities in Sierra Leone through  the empowerment of local communities to actively participate in the restoration and sustainable management  of mangrove ecosystems. This project is housed in the blue economy department of GOAL Sierra Leone  program and will last for one year. The project targets one community in Kambia district, Sierra Leone, the  project has four principal yet interlinked activities which will address the overall aim of limiting the impact of  climate change while building community resilience through the restoration of wetland ecosystem  (mangroves). The project is designed to be community led, taking a gender-sensitive and youth-centred  approach, ensuring that gaps, needs, barriers, and opportunities are identified for women, youth, and  vulnerable communities through their direct participation in the project’s activities. This approach builds on  the existing capacities, knowledge, and resources, drawing on local and indigenous knowledge wherever  possible. To achieve this aim, the project has been designed to improve the status of mangrove ecosystem. 

Overview of the role  

The Agroforestry Officer will play a crucial role in integrating sustainable agroforestry practices into our  community-led initiative to restore mangrove ecosystems, this includes utilization of expertise to contribute  to mitigating climate change effects, fostering community resilience, and promoting sustainable livelihoods in  the Kambia District.

Main Responsibilities  :

 Programme Management  

• Supports the implementation of the GOAL Blue economy, food security and livelihood project in  western rural and urban, Sierra Leone. Including oversight of trainings, quality assurance  assessments, data collection, and site supervision. 
• Support with the draft development of monthly, quarterly, and annual activity planning and  budget reforecasting for the blue economy program in western rural and urban area in line with  program broader objectives and targets.  
• Timely submission of blue economy activity reports to Blue Economy Program Manager, or to the  coordinator where the Program manager is absent.  

  Technical Support  :

• Design and implement livelihood enhancement programs to improve the economic stability of  project communities. 
• Collaborate with local stakeholders to identify sustainable livelihood opportunities that align with  the principles of the Blue Economy food security and livelihood component. 
• Support in providing training and capacity-building initiatives for community members to enhance  their skills and promote entrepreneurship in sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism,  agro forestry, and other micro businesses. 
• Develop and oversee projects for the restoration and sustainable management of natural  resources in project areas. 
• Implement strategies for the conservation of marine ecosystems, including mangroves, fisheries,  and biodiversity. 
• Work closely with environmental experts to assess the impact of livelihood activities on the  surrounding ecosystems and recommend mitigation measures. 
• Provide technical assistance to blue economy programming within GOAL Sierra Leone as  appropriate, especially in the areas of livelihood enhancements and natural resource  management and governance.  
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements, best practices, and innovations in blue economy  management with respect to livelihood diversification and enhancement for coastal communities. 
•  Liaise with the blue economy: program manager, program coordinator and the Program director  on programme technical design and implementation that capture well the component of  livelihood provisioning and resource governance. 

Community Engagement: 

• Foster strong relationships with local communities, understanding their needs, aspirations, and  challenges. 
• Organize community consultations and participatory decision-making processes to ensure that project  activities are aligned with community priorities. 
• Facilitate awareness programs on sustainable practices, environmental conservation, and the importance  of the Blue Economy. 

Agroforestry Integration:

• Develop and implement agroforestry models that complement mangrove restoration efforts. 
• Collaborate with local communities to promote sustainable land-use practices, ensuring the coexistence  of agriculture and mangrove ecosystems. 

Climate Change Adaptation:  

• Support technically in assessment of climate change impacts on local communities and ecosystems. 
• Formulate strategies to enhance community resilience and adaptation to climate change effects in the  coastal region. 

Community Engagement: 

• Facilitate community workshops and training sessions on agroforestry, climate change adaptation, and  sustainable land management practices. 
• Work closely with local stakeholders, fostering partnerships for successful project implementation. Capacity Building:
• Train local farmers and community members in sustainable agricultural and agroforestry techniques.
•  Provide technical assistance and support to ensure the successful adoption of climate-smart practices. 

Relationship Management  :

• Build good working relationships with other health stakeholders in the district including other  NGOs, MFMR, Research institutions, other line ministries, CBOs and donors; and be ready to  represent GOAL at relevant district meetings and blue economy forum as required or referred.  

 Strategy Development:  

• Participate in developing plans, programme designs, proposals, and budgets for projects and  project extensions in conjunction with the relevant team. 

 Monitoring and Evaluation :

• With relevant staff, support to develop and implement mechanisms for the collection of key data  for programme monitoring and evaluation. 
• Assist to check data collected and ensured that data is utilised to direct programme activities. • Use the power BI as a project management and monitoring tool. 
• Document and share success stories and case studies when requested to by line manager.  • Support program coordinator to conduct supportive supervision and monitoring, develop a follow  up plan that clearly state when & how each issue identified will be addressed which is updated or  track on regularly basis. 
• Establish and implement monitoring systems to track the impact of agroforestry interventions on  ecosystem health and community well-being. 
• Regularly evaluate project outcomes and adapt strategies based on findings. 

 Other  

• Mainstream livelihood diversification enhancement approaches, resource conservation and  participatory governance.  
• Perform other duties as required by the line manager. 

Behaviours 

• Ability to facilitate staff delivery of programming.  
• Provide supportive supervision to blue economy team and delegate tasks as appropriate.
• Proactively raise issues and work with line managers to find solutions. 

Requirements:

Essential 

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Climate Change, or a related field.
•  Proven experience in implementing agroforestry projects. 
• Strong understanding of climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies and as well as  silvicultural practices. 
• Excellent community engagement and communication skills. 
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including local communities, NGOs, and  government agencies. 
• Proficient in project management and monitoring and evaluation. 
• At least 3 years of relevant field experience with managing staff. 
• Proven management experience, including work planning, report writing, monitoring and evaluation,  staff management, and project coordination.

• Ability to operate under time pressure and meet deadlines, to work independently, and take initiative. • Good team building, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills and the ability to deal respectfully with  people from varied backgrounds. 
• Previous experience working in a similar role in an NGO/humanitarian organization is an asset. • Willingness to work in disadvantaged communities. 
• Familiar with using Microsoft Office software packages. 
• Excellent English and Krio speaking/writing skills required. 

General terms and conditions.  

GOAL has a Staff Code of Conduct and a Child Protection Policy, which have been developed to ensure the  maximum protection of programme participants and children from exploitation. GOAL also has a  confidentiality policy ensuring the non-disclosure of any information whatsoever relating to the practices and  business of GOAL, acquired in the course of duty, to any other person or organisation without authority, except  in the normal execution of duty. Any candidate offered a job with GOAL will be expected to adhere to these  policies any job offers made is also subject to police clearance. GOAL is an equal opportunities employer.  

If you have these skills and interested in joining our committed and dynamic Blue Economy Team, please  send your cover letter and up-to-date CV to jobs@sl.goal.ie. on or before 5:30 pm – 25th February, 2024,
 please note that a copy of the application letter must be sent to the NGO Desk Officer, Ministry of Labour,  New England or emailed to: employmentdesk71@gmail.com 

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview.  

A commitment to GOAL values and GOAL’s integrity framework is critical to working with GOAL. Any candidate  offered a job with GOAL will be expected to adhere to the following key areas of accountability:  

1. Comply with GOAL’s policies and procedures with respect to safeguarding, code of conduct, health  and safety, confidentiality, do no harm principles and unacceptable behaviour protocols.  2. Report any concerns about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult or any wrongdoings within our  programming area;  
2. Report any concerns about inappropriate behaviour of a GOAL staff or partner. 

Children and vulnerable adults who come into contact with GOAL as a result of our activities must be  safeguarded to the maximum possible extent from deliberate or inadvertent actions and failings that place  them at risk of abuse, sexual exploitation, injury and any other harm. One of the ways that GOAL shows this  on-going commitment to safeguarding is to include rigorous background and reference checks in the selection  process for all candidates.  

GOAL provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of  race, sex, colour, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability.  

“FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY”