Job Vacancy Programme Officer (Participatory Stewardship), Beijing

The International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) is an intergovernmental international organization and is the leading agency committed to reducing poverty and protecting the environment through the use of bamboo and rattan. With headquarters in Beijing, China, and offices in India, Ethiopia, Ghana and Ecuador, INBAR works with over 35 countries member countries worldwide.

Current methods for resource inventory, certification and monitoring have limitations, are not appropriate for smallholders and homestead situations, and are not economically viable and sustainable for such target groups. In addition, pilot tests have shown that it is possible to put in place at lower costs than current means, participatory and real-time data gathering and information exchange mechanisms. This could result in multiple benefits to rural communities, increase transparency, awareness, and encourage community/group actions, while reducing costs and increasing productivity and income for them. It could also enable frequent or real-time, recording of quantitative and qualitative development results, outcomes and impact.

INBAR is currently seeking a well qualified and experienced Programme Officer to develop, technically backstop, directly implement, coordinate and incrementally build participatory stewardship community networks in INBAR Action Research Sites and that of partners and other development projects. The position involves travel to and working in rural areas in Asia, Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean, with possible extended periods of stay in the countries where the activities will be undertaken. The programme goal in this endeavour is to develop, validate and apply participatory stewardship methods in the field. The position will also address other LEDP activities as below.

The Programme Officer will report to the Director of the INBAR Livelihoods and Economic Development Programme.

Responsibilities
1. Work closely with LEDP staff, INBAR ARS/partners and development projects that have/use bamboo, including contribution to fundraising efforts as needed.
2. Develop, validate and apply participatory stewardship methods in the field, in particular, in the following:
   a. RS/GIS
   b. resource inventory
   c. certification
   d. flowering
   e. field research, for example, use of biochar in agriculture
   f. supply chain and value chain mapping
   g. SMS-based data gathering(surveys)/information exchange
   h. Other related applications as needed from time to time.
Specific activities under these areas will be discussed and developed including outputs to be achieved. These will need to be linked and mainstreamed into LEDP including its Global Marketing Initiative (GMI 2.0).
3. Be the point person (manager) for LEDP activities in Madagascar and Rwanda to enable effective and wider application of bamboo technologies for market-based sustainable rural livelihood development and environmental protection especially for poor women and youth. Undertake other related activities as may be needed from time to time.
4. Produce periodic data-based case studies, project reports and evaluation reports for activities being undertaken.

Requirements
1.     PhD in Information Technology, Computer Science & Engineering, or similar areas, with proven experience in remote sensing and GIS work, and good understanding and experience of mobile phone, desktop and web programming
2.     Field experience in rural development essential, preferably with bamboo-based enterprise development, plantation  establishment and environmental protection in rural areas in developing countries
3.     Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
4.     Proven fundraising abilities
5.     Prior experience with bamboo would be an advantage
6.     Knowledge of French language preferred; non-French speakers might be asked to learn the language while on the job
7.     Proficiency in use of computer applications relevant to the Job Description

Application Process

Applications will be accepted until September 15, 2010. All applications will be acknowledged, however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Please send a cover letter with your Curriculum Vita to:
Human Resources Department, INBAR
Attention: Helen He, lhe@inbar.int
Please indicate the position to which you are applying in the email subject line.