The Living Amazon Initiative-LAI, Head of Transformational Strategy 4 (TS4) Sustainable Agro-commodities (SAc)

The Living Amazon Initiative-LAI is looking for a Head of Transformational Strategy 4 (TS4) Sustainable Agro-commodities (SAc) who will work to identify and promote integrated solutions that address the threats posed by agro-commodities and cattle ranching in the Amazon, whilst supporting the achievement of the objectives of other LAI TSs, thus contributing to the achievement of the overall conservation and sustainable development goals in the LAI Strategic Plan.

Location:

Negotiable - Any WWF Office related directly to the Amazon*.

*(WWF-Colombia (Bogota, Quito, Cali or others), WWF-Peru (Lima or others), WWF-Brazil (Brasília, Rio Branco, Manaus or others) WWF-Bolivia (La Paz, Santa Cruz or others), or WWF-Guianas (Paramaribo, Cayenne or others).

Main responsibilities:

• Set up and coordinate the TS4 (SC) “extended” team(s), working with key staff across the (WWF) Network who are working on / supporting projects and programs related to TS4.
• Develop annual workplans for TS4 (SC), monitor compliance and ensure objectives are met. Define priority actions within TS4 (SC) and guide their implementation in collaboration with relevant POs, NOs and other Network Programmes, including positioning in relation to projects alignment with (and “offer and acceptance” by) LAI.
• Implement TS4 (SC) workplans within agreed timetables and budgets, working in coordination with the LAI Regional (Core) Team and relevant “extended” team members, and ensuring integration with other LAI strategies (including Science and Communications).
• With the LAI Leader, assess the overlap (thematic and geographic) between current WWF investments and the proposed TS4 (SC) objectives, and, based on the results, decide what investments should be built on versus phased out.
• Carry out any necessary analysis relevant to TS4 (e.g. stakeholder analysis; analysis of incentives and policies that affect agriculture and cattle ranching in the Amazon; social and spatial analysis), in order to more clearly define the LAI’s role and key partnerships.
• Leverage expertise within the Network to advance implementation of TS4.
• Develop ideas, concepts and project proposals and proceed with the necessary contacts and demands to fundraise for TS4 and the LAI in general – whenever possible in conjunction with relevant NOs, POs and other (WWF) Network programmes, initiatives and actions.
• Keep abreast of initiatives spear-headed by NOs and POs that are relevant to TS4 (SC) involving national and local institutions.
• Manage and report on core support to LAI and project funds flowing through the budgets associated directly or indirectly to TS4 (SC) and related actions.
• Work with relevant communication staff to disseminate information on TS4 (SC) progress, lessons learned and challenges to the Network.
• Work collaboratively with POs, NOs, and other Global Initiatives / Programmes in the implementation of TS4, and so as to integrate fundamental aspects of TS4 into their strategies.
• Represent the LAI at scientific and Network meetings as appropriate.

What you need:

Required Qualifications, Skills and Competencies

• Strong analytical capabilities, including experience in the analysis and understanding of the agriculture and cattle ranching sectors, and their current trends and market dynamics, particularly in the Amazon region
• Experience and/or knowledge of the interface between agriculture and cattle ranching and natural resource conservation and management
•  Broad geographical and thematic perspectives, good understanding of the problems, threats and drivers of environmental degradation in the Amazon, as well as an ability to identify, promote and implement strategic and transformational solutions.
• At least 10 years professional experience and technical proficiency in natural resource conservation, sustainable development, social sciences, sustainable agriculture, international development or equivalent; experience inland use planning, and conservation measures, and familiarity with GIS will be considered an advantage.
• At least 5 years professional experience in a leadership role, with demonstrated success in managing multi-disciplinary and (often) virtual teams and multiple donor budgets, as well as capacity building.
• Advanced degree in agriculture, planning, policy, conservation, natural sciences, social sciences, sustainable and international development or a relevant field.
• Excellent communications and interpersonal relations, verbal and writing skills.
• Excellent command of English (1st language priority and indispensable), as well as Spanish or Portuguese (preferably both, as 2nd/3rd languages priority/ies).
• Expertise to deal with policy issues at the international and national levels.
• Proven experience of working with different cultures and institutions.
• Experience in raising and mobilizing funding.
• Excellent knowledge of the agriculture and cattle ranching sectors and of issues and contexts related to the LAI.
• Good knowledge of the Amazon region and of issues and contexts related to the LAI.
• Excellent ability to interface with external partners, from governments, private sector, academia, local communities, other NGOs, as well as with WWF staff, decision makers, and donors.
• Strong partnership development skills (NGO, government, or business environments).
• Adheres to WWF’s values, which are: Knowledgeable, Optimistic, Determined and Engaging.

Please consult the attached job description for more information on the position.

How to apply?

Email a cover letter and CV to carlabarros@wwf.org.br

Please make sure to add the following reference in your e-mail subject line in order to receive an email confirmation: Ref: Head of LAI TS#4 Sustainable Agro-commodities

Deadline for applications: April 21, 2013