Livelihoods Manager, USAID/India Strengthening Landscape Management & Conservation (SLMC)

The USAID/India Strengthening Landscape Management & Conservation (SLMC) is a 5-year activity that will work in concert with the Government of India (GoI), in particular with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), to enhance the management of ecologically important landscapes for biodiversity conservation, human well-being and climate benefits. The activity will be contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved carbon sequestration, and enhanced environmental benefits for the country. SLMC’s three inter-related objectives across the Central Indian Landscapes and Sundarbans landscape are: Improve management of protected areas, buffer areas and corridors; Enhanced inclusive livelihoods from ecosystem services; and Institutionalized systems and practices that support sustainable landscape conservation. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Winrock is seeking candidates for a Livelihoods Manager under Component 2 of the USAID SLMC Activity. Identify and design livelihood strategies that benefit indigenous communities, women, and girls and integrate traditional knowledge and practices to strengthen the function, value, and protection of ecosystem services Design and implement inclusive interventions that yield monetary and non-monetary benefits for different groups—including indigenous groups that are dependent on forests and Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), communities and small asset holders in Protected Area (PA) buffer zones and corridor areas, and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)/landowners and entrepreneurs. Ensure engagement of women, marginalized groups self-help groups and other women-centric institutions to integrate learnings from traditional knowledge and practices to strengthen value addition of livelihood activities. Support SLMC coordination with the private sector to explore partnerships and improve linkages between communities and markets with an emphasis on NTFP products Identify and evaluate value chain development opportunities based on compatibility with biodiversity outcomes, market and income generation potential, cultural values, and ability to reach marginalized populations Validate feasibility and market potential of value chains with local communities, marginalized populations, local government officials, and private sector partners Co-develop and implement value chain strengthening activities with community leaders, government institutions and private sector actors that increase incomes while reducing pressures on landscapes in protected areas and buffer zones. Strengthen capacity of existing women’s groups, cooperatives, and small businesses to increase income through collective action and value addition for NTFPs. Coordinate with partners and stakeholders on livelihood activity planning and implementation Provide related inputs to the writing of quarterly and annual reports and other livelihood materials and deliverables. Participate in regular field visits to provide direction and oversight of project livelihoods activities and results, and train staff and partners. Contribute to learning activities in support of the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) and Technical Teams. QUALIFICATIONS AND BACKGROUND: Education: M.Sc. or equivalent university degree in forestry, rural development, environmental or social sciences, or related field. Experience: At least 10 years of experience in sustainable natural resources management, biodiversity conservation, rural development, or a similar field (USAID or other donor experience strongly preferred). Working with communities in forest fringe villages Excellent computer software skills in Microsoft Excel and Word Skills: Excellent communication skills, both oral and written with fluency in English required. About Winrock International Winrock is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all people and value diversity and inclusiveness. Winrock recruits, employs, trains, promotes and compensates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, or any other basis protected by law. At Winrock we have a clear mission: Empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity and sustain natural resources through unwavering dedication to accountability, equity, innovation, integrity and transformation. Winrock knows that its success comes from the hard work and steadfast dedication of its diverse workforce. Winrock remains committed to maintaining diversity, inclusion and equity across the entire organization. Learn more about our activities: www.winrock.org