Environmental - Nature-Based Solutions Manager

Position Summary:

The coastal regions in West Africa are facing various challenges associated with climate change, including coastal erosion and alterations in rainfall patterns. Rising sea levels and more frequent storms are causing destruction of important ecosystems such as beaches, dunes and coral reefs, which protect the coasts from flooding and erosion. The changes in rainfall patterns are causing more frequent and intense droughts and floods, affecting agriculture, fisheries, and water supply. The challenges are also damaging infrastructure, housing, and agricultural land.

In partnership, UN-Habitat, University of Twente, HFHI and Abidjan Convention designed a project with three different but complementary components: spatial planning, concrete interventions, and coordination and governance. The project goal is to improve adaptation of small to medium coastal settlements of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire by reducing climate change impact and establishing resilient economies and communities. The project proposal was approved by the Adaptation Fund in August 2023.

HFHI will be in charge of the implementation of various climate adaptation activities at the field level, with a focus on early warning systems, awareness raising, green and blue infrastructure development, mangroves reforestation, climate-resilient agriculture and other livelihoods opportunities.

The Environmental - Nature Based Solutions (NBS) manager will play a key role in developing and implementing the so-called “green infrastructure” and mangrove reforestation to address various climate change-related environmental challenges, including flood and riverbank erosion. This position will lead the direct implementation by HFHI in 10 communities in Côte d'Ivoire and will provide remote technical support and supervision for a counterpart responsible for 11 communities in Ghana. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of NBS principles and practices, experience in forestry and natural resource management, and excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• With the support of the project technical team, especially the civil works manager, the Environmental Manager will lead the NBS project activities, ensuring adherence to project timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Liaise with stakeholders, including government agencies, landowners, community members, and based-community organizations, to promote and implement NBS projects.
• Oversee the development of NBS projects design to be carried out by consultants.
• Lead the direct implementation of NbS activities in Cote d’Ivoire, with the technical support of the civil works manager.
• Establish a monitoring system to track and report on project output and activity indicators, collecting data to assess the effectiveness of project activities, and disseminating results to inform future planning and decision making.
• Ensure that all project activities adhere to environmental regulations, guidelines, and best practices.
• Identify and implement strategies for mitigating environmental risks associated with project activities minimizing negative impacts and promoting sustainability.
• Develop and present educational materials and presentations to raise awareness of NBS benefits and foster community engagement.
• Provide remote technical support and share experiences with the counterpart in Ghana.
• Design training on carbon credits (and provide training of trainers).
• Perform other duties as required.

Minimum Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in forestry, natural resources management, environmental science, or a related field.

• Knowledge of climate change adaptation issues.

• Fluency in English and French.

  Years of Related Experience:

  • Proven experience (5+ years) in planning, implementation, and evaluation of nature-based solutions and/or reforest projects, particularly in coastal areas.

  • Proficiency in environmental monitoring and reporting.

  • Strong knowledge of environmental regulations, guidelines, and best practices.

  • Ability to conduct environmental impact assessments and develop mitigation plans.

  • Experience working in the Cote ‘d’Ivoire and Ghana will be an added advantage

    Knowledge, Skills & Abilities :

    • Excellent communication and negotiation skills for working with diverse stakeholders, including local communities and government agencies.
    • Good written and verbal communication skills
    • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.