GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE ROLE: 

The Rangeland and Watershed Management Project in the Ethiopian side of the Karamoja Cluster aims to strengthen communal rangeland governance and enhance pastoral value chain development. Through participatory rangeland mapping, community-based governance structures, invasive species management, watershed planning, and capacity building of government and community institutions, the project promotes sustainable and inclusive management of natural resources. The intervention enhances dry-season pasture availability, strengthens water governance systems, fosters peaceful coexistence among pastoralist groups, and integrates indigenous knowledge with technical innovation.

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY/DUTIES

The Natural Resource Management (NRM) Officer will support field-level implementation of participatory rangeland and watershed management activities.

S/he will focus on community mobilization, participatory mapping, strengthening rangeland management committees, supporting water governance bodies, and delivering capacity-building activities to pastoralists, Development Agents (DAs), and local government staff.

The position will ensure that all activities are community-driven, gender-responsive, conflict-sensitive, and aligned with local development plans.

Job Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management, Rangeland Management, Environmental Science, Watershed Management, Agriculture, or related fields.

Experience: Minimum 3–5 years of relevant experience in natural resource management or community-based development programs.

Job Competencies

•   Experience working with pastoralist or agro-pastoral communities.

•   Practical experience in participatory approaches and community mobilization.

•   Familiarity with invasive species management and watershed management concepts.

•   Experience working with government institutions at woreda level.

•   Strong facilitation and communication skills.

•   Willingness to travel frequently to remote field locations.

 Desirable

• Experience in South Omo or Karamoja cluster contexts.

• Knowledge of local languages spoken in Nyangatom and Dassenech areas.

• Experience supporting community-based governance structures.

Core Competencies

• Commitment to community-driven approaches.

• Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills.

• Ability to work in multi-cultural and pastoral contexts.

• Gender-sensitive and conflict-sensitive programming skills.

• Strong organizational and reporting abilities.

REMUNERATION and BENEFITS: 

• GOAL will pay a competitive basic salary based on the salary grading with addition benefits.

• A chance to develop tangible experience.

• Being part of a team who continue to make a real difference to the lives of the most vulnerable people.  

Responsibilities and Duties

1. Community Mobilization & Rangeland Governance

• Mobilize pastoralist communities for participatory rangeland mapping and planning.

• Support establishment and strengthening of four (4) community-based rangeland management groups.

• Facilitate development of community bylaws promoting equitable and sustainable access to communal rangelands.

• Assist in preparation and documentation of rangeland management plans.

• Ensure meaningful inclusion of women-headed households and youth in governance structures. 

2. Participatory Mapping & Planning

• Facilitate participatory rangeland mapping exercises using community-based tools (matrix scoring, resource mapping).

• Support geo-referencing and digitization of community rangeland maps.

• Assist in identification of degraded rangelands and invasive species-affected areas.

• Support integration of rangeland management plans into woreda development plans.

3. Rangeland Rehabilitation & Invasive Species Management

• Support implementation of invasive species management activities as per approved plans.

• Facilitate distribution and management of hand tools through local “tool-banks.”

• Monitor rehabilitation progress and milestone achievements.

• Support community-based grass harvesting and social fund mechanisms to promote sustainability.

4. Water Governance & Conflict-Sensitive Programming

• Identify existing water governance bodies and support establishment of new ones.

• Facilitate registration and formalization of water management committees.

• Organize training for committee members on water resource management.

• Promote dialogue between pastoralist communities and other resource users to reduce conflict.

5. Capacity Building & Field Schools

• Support strengthening of Pastoralist/Farmers Field Schools (PFS).

• Deliver participatory rangeland management training to pastoralists and Development Agents (DAs).

• Provide hands-on technical support to community committees and local government staff.

• Contribute to documentation of lessons learned and best practices.

6. Monitoring, Reporting & Coordination

• Collect and compile monitoring data in line with project M&E requirements.

• Prepare regular activity reports and field updates.

• Coordinate closely with the Senior NRM Officer and Project Manager to ensure quality implementation.

• Ensure compliance with GOAL policies, safeguarding standards, and donor requirements.

• Travel frequently to field locations to support implementation.

Key Duties

• Support day-to-day technical implementation of rangeland and watershed activities.

• Coordinate with woreda technical offices, elders, pastoralist groups, and other stakeholders.

• Ensure integration of gender, youth inclusion, and conflict sensitivity into activities.

• Support donor visits and external stakeholder engagements when required.

• Carry out other duties as assigned by the line manager.

How To Apply

Interested and qualified applicants need to submit ONLY once their non - returnable application with CV for one vacancy. The vacancy reference number along with the title & Duty station need to be written in the application letter. Applicants can directly apply online using www.ethioiobs.net 

GOAL strongly encourages female candidates to apply!

Job Requirements Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resource Management, Rangeland Management, Environmental Science, Watershed Management, Agriculture, or in a related field of study with relevant work experience. How to Apply Click on the apply button below