Scientific Peatland and Mangrove Africa Assessment Consultant (Remote)

Management & Engineering Technologies International, Inc.
United States, D.C., Washington
Dec 20, 2024
Management and Engineering Technologies International, Inc. (METI), in support of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Office of International Programs, may require the services of a Scientific peatland and mangrove Africa assessment consultant to complete a technical assessment of scientific gaps and priorities on peatland and mangrove forests in Africa. Background The USAID Sustainable Wetlands Adaptation and Mitigation Program (SWAMP) facilitates research to estimate greenhouse gas emissions and carbon stocks of tropical wetlands, builds local research capacity and informs national policy discussions. Implemented by the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and the U.S. Forest Service International Programs (USFS), SWAMP supports development of climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies based on rigorous scientific information. In Africa, SWAMP is supporting research on sustainable management and restoration of select mangroves and peatland forests. Africa contains approximately 131 million hectares of wetlands, with peatlands comprising 5 to 6 million hectares and mangroves approximately 3 million hectares. To be able to better assess current areas of intervention as well as identify possible new program areas, the U.S. Forest Service International programs may seek a consultant to complete an assessment of scientific gaps and priorities of Africa's peatland and mangrove forests. Position Description: The Scientific peatland and mangrove Africa assessment consultant will be home-based and will work the SWAMP Africa Program Managers and other U.S. Forest Service International Programs and CIFOR colleagues to design the methodology and complete the assessment. Core deliverables include, but are not limited to, the following: Development of a proposed approach / methodology to summarize and identify peatland and mangrove forests in Africa including their geographical significance as well as present current state of knowledge of these ecosystems identifying key scientific gaps and priorities. Complete literature review and, if applicable, select interviews Write up findings of assessment in clear and concise manner, with specific and actionable suggestions Specific focus and engagement of the Technical Advisor will be determined by evolving programming and partner needs within the region. Qualifications: The applicant must meet the following minimum professional qualifications to be considered for the position: A master's degree or doctorate (preferred) or equivalent experience in peatland and/or mangrove forest science, or a related field; At least five years of natural resource or environment-related research, preferably related mangrove and/or peatlands; experience in Africa desired; Strong research background with relevant peer-reviewed publications; Knowledge of peatland and/or mangrove scientific fields including dominant areas of scientific inquiry; Experience working in Africa and knowledge of general geographies and forest ecosystems strongly desired; Demonstrated analytical skills and the ability to distill a broad range of information into key points; Strong English written language skills; French and/ or Portuguese language skills desired Location: Remote Period of Performance: Part time over 3-4 month period, specifics to be determined based upon the agreed scope of the assignment. Compensation: Commensurate with experience and qualifications To Apply: Develop an assessment proposal (2-4 pages) including proposed methodology and approach and associated number of days required to complete assignment. Please apply to the posting by clicking on this link: Upload your proposal as your "Cover letter" and upload your resume as well! Please do so by July 31^st, 2023. If having any issues with the link, interested candidates should send their application package to the HR Department at METI to IPJobs@meticorp.com with Scientific peatland and mangrove Africa assessment Consultant in the subject line. If the US Forest Service were to secure the services of an individual with these technical skills, the successful applicant would be hired through a contractor.