NFDS Africa is looking for a Project Officer to work with a small office based in the outskirts of Gaborone, Botswana.
NFDS Africa is a Fisheries and Natural Resources consultancy company that works mainly on fisheries and development projects within Africa. These are usually implemented on behalf of and/or funded by inter‐governmental organizations (such as the UN, World Bank, African Union, SADC, and the EU) and/or national development agencies (such as DFID and NORAD) or by NGOs or private clients. NFDS Africa is a sister company to Nordenfjeldske Development Services (NFDS) of Norway and the two companies work in close cooperation.
Our portfolio of projects is varied; some have been on‐going for more than five years, while others are shorter term. The scope of our current portfolio includes; assisting Mozambique to monitor and control their fishery sector; co‐ordination of the Stop Illegal Fishing Working Group (www.stopillegalfishing.com); working with Liberia in their fisheries sector governance and management; developing national, regional and pan‐African fishery policy; coordinating actions and regional cooperation against illegal fishing; developing strategic plans for inland and marine fisheries; analysis of fisheries access agreements; working towards climate change adaptation and disaster risk management for fishers; general fisheries training and developing training material; and preparation, and evaluation of projects.
The Project Officer should be a high quality professional with good qualifications and skills to work with limited supervision within the areas listed above. The successful applicant will find this position rewarding and challenging, with adequate opportunities for development and travel within Africa and elsewhere. The salary will be suitable for a position of responsibility and it will be linked to qualifications and experience. Ideally the person would be based in Botswana, but alternative arrangements may be considered.
Activities expected to be performed:
1. Fisheries technical work – this work includes research, analysis and report drafting on projects in the various areas that we work. This will include travel to conduct field work and to participate in and coordinate meetings, workshops and conferences. The Project Officer may work on several projects at one time and we would aim to match the projects with the technical expertise and interest of the person.
2. Project co‐ordination – in many cases the Project Officer will be part of a team working on projects, but he or she may also be the team leader for selected projects. This will involve co‐ordination of work plans and schedules, guiding, compiling and quality controlling technical work, and coordinating Research Assistants and Associate Consultants. The Project Officer will work closely with the Technical Director and Project Administrator to implement projects.
3. General office and company tasks – as a member of the NFDS Africa team the Project Officer is expected to play an active role in the life of the office and company, guiding junior colleagues, actively participating in meetings and contributing to a strong, successful and friendly ambiance as well as contributing to the on‐going development of our work programme.
Requirements for the position are:
Work experience – at least 3 years of relevant work experience, preferably in fisheries policy or fisheries
management work; experience from foreign countries an advantage, especially within Africa;
Qualifications – degree to masters level in fisheries, law, economics, environmental science, development
studies, natural resources management or other related subject;
Computer skills – excellent computer skills required;
Other skills – excellent analytical and communication skills required; teaching, training or supervisory experience
an advantage; experience in tender preparation an advantage; media and ability to design reports and
publications an advantage; a driving licence will also be an advantage;
Language – excellent writing ability required in English a second language of Portuguese or French an advantage;
Personal – a highly motivated and responsible person with excellent organisational skills and political and cultural sensitivity is required.
To apply:
If you are interested and suitable for this position we would like to hear from you. Please contact us via email at sdavies@nfds.info for further information, or to apply please include your CV, the names and contacts for two references and a letter indicating your main areas of experience, why you are applying for the position and any other information that you feel would be helpful for us to consider. Closing date for applications is June 29th 2012.