VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

The Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone (EPA-SL) mandate is to protect and manage the environment effectively, monitor and regulate companies with EIA Licenses and illegal operations that impact the environment, and advise the Minister of Environment and Climate Change on all environmental matters. Among others, the Agency has responsibilities to ensure compliance and enforcement of environmental impact assessment procedures and pursue ecological education to create public awareness of the environment and its importance to the economic and social life of Sierra Leone.

Background.

The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) is the Executing Agency (EA) for the Sierra Leone Gola project. It will lead and guide the day-to-day implementation, administration, and monitoring of the project, facilitate meetings and information flow, and coordinate with executing partners and stakeholders, including Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), local communities, research institutions, and NGOs. The EPA’s guidance will align with the GEF’s and the Implementing Agency’s policies and guidelines (CI-GEF). In addition, EPA will be responsible for directly managing project-related activities, sub-contracts, project staffing, and the use of project funds.

Project Summary

The GEF 8 project titled “Strengthening Conservation and Effective Governance of Sierra Leone’s Critical Forests in the Gola Forest Landscape” is a USD 5.5 million initiative that aims to conserve and restore the Kambui Hills Forest Reserve and associated community forest lands through a holistic, integrated approach focused on biodiversity conservation, sustainable land use, and climate change mitigation. The project will focus on enhancing landscape management within government administrative boundaries and promoting active participation from all stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, NGOs, and research institutions. The project will address key environmental challenges such as deforestation, habitat loss, and land degradation while supporting sustainable livelihoods. The project will be structured around five key components: (i) enhancing forest conservation and restoration efforts, (ii) improving community-based sustainable land management practices, (iii) promoting access to climate-resilient and biodiversity-friendly technologies, (iv) knowledge sharing, communication, and local capacity building, and (v) monitoring and evaluation. For more information about the project, please refer to this link HERE.

The results of this project will contribute to the success of the Guinean Forests Integrated Program (GFIP), aligning with the program’s objectives to promote sustainable forest management and environmental resilience across the region.

1. Job Title: Environmental, Social Safeguards, and Gender Officer

    Duty Station: TBD

    Reporting to: Project Manager (PM)

    Responsible for:  None

    Salary: Attractive

    Position Summary

The role of the Environmental, Social Safeguards, and Gender Officer is critical to the success of the Sierra Leone Gola project. As a key member of the project team, you will be responsible for ensuring that environmental, social, and gender safeguards are integrated into the project’s design and implementation. You will lead the safeguarding efforts, including adherence to the GEF’s social and environmental standards, focusing on ensuring that the project respects human rights, gender equality, and environmental sustainability.

Reporting to the Project Manager, you will work closely with various project components and stakeholders, ensuring that all activities align with the project’s objectives and donor agreements. Your role will require significant coordination and collaboration across various sectors to ensure that safeguards and gender considerations are effectively implemented throughout the project lifecycle.

Major Roles and Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all environmental, social, and gender safeguard requirements of the Sierra Leone Gola project.
• Develop the Environmental and Social Management plan for the Gola project, ensuring alignment with national and international standards.
• Lead the review and update of all safeguard plans, including the Stakeholder Engagement Plan, Gender Mainstreaming Plan, and Accountability and Grievance Mechanism, and develop any other necessary safeguard assessments or plans.
• Provide technical guidance to project teams in preparing, reviewing, and submitting safeguard screening forms, safeguard plans, work plans, quarterly reports, and annual reports to address social and environmental risks during project development and implementation.
• Ensure that all project teams and delivery partners adequately integrate safeguard plans and activities into their work plans, including appropriate staffing and budgeting for safeguards.
• Operate and manage the project’s Grievance Redress Mechanism, ensuring the efficient receipt, registration, handling, and reporting of complaints from external parties affected by the project.
• Incorporate human rights-based approaches (RBA) into all risk management activities and grant agreements, ensuring the meaningful inclusion of vulnerable and marginalized communities in project design and implementation.
• Develop and implement surveys or analyses as requested, related to environmental, social, and gender impacts.
• Ensure that all safeguard plans are implemented effectively, with appropriate adaptations as risks change over time.
• Conduct thorough assessments of implementing partners’ capacity to apply safeguard plans and ensure that responsibilities are cascaded in grant agreements and contracts.
• Ensure compliance with national and institutional safeguard policies, assessing risks and opportunities in partnerships related to funding.
• Monitor and report on the implementation of safeguard plans throughout the lifespan of the project, ensuring effective compliance.
• Raise awareness about project safeguards and gender action plans among stakeholders through proactive communication and disclosure of these plans.
• Assist in the design, implementation, and monitoring of safeguards and gender capacity-building programs, including the development of training materials.
• Organize and participate in awareness-raising, capacity-building, and knowledge-sharing activities related to safeguards and gender for project teams, partners, and stakeholders.
• Participate in relevant networks such as the CI Safeguard Community of Practice and stay updated on best practices and standards related to environmental and social safeguards.
• Collect, analyze, and store quarterly data related to safeguard performance indicators, supporting periodic compliance monitoring and providing the necessary information to internal/external reviewers, evaluators, and consultants.
• Organize and maintain all safeguard and gender-related documentation in the project’s SharePoint site for easy access and reference.
• Manage safeguard consultancies as needed, including the preparation of TORs, evaluating and shortlisting bids, contract signing and management, and receipt of deliverables.
• Organize and participate in GEF, EPA, or CI-organized safeguard meetings, webinars, workshops, and seminars to raise awareness, strengthen capacity, and facilitate knowledge exchange on safeguards and gender for CI staff, project teams, and executing partners.
• Support the Guinean Forests Integrated Program’s regional coordination and learning project as needed and guided by the project manager.
• Perform additional tasks as required, in alignment with the project’s goals and organizational needs.

Recruitment Requirements

Required (critical to job performance.  Applicants not meeting required skills may not be hired)

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Science, environmental science or a related field, such as international development
• At four to five years of experience working with project and program design, monitoring, and compliance of public or private donor-funded projects in the area of environment, chemicals, and/or development or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Working knowledge and experience in designing, applying, and monitoring environment and social safeguards (stakeholder engagement, gender mainstreaming, grievance mechanism).
• Experience designing/implementing environmental and social management plans and social impact assessments (ESIAs).
• Strong understanding of the social risks and impacts, particularly the inclusion of vulnerable and marginalized peoples, gender equality, benefit-sharing, conflict, and grievance redress.
• Relevant experience with gender-responsive programming, including designing and implementing gender action plans.
• Strong capacity to communicate with government agencies, local communities, civil society organizations, indigenous peoples, and other stakeholders.
• Excellent cross-cultural and people skills, commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at both a project and institutional level.
• Ability to work independently and /or remotely to meet deadlines and commitments.
• Strong interpersonal skills and capacity to work in team environments, including building productive partnerships across diverse stakeholders.
• Attention to detail and discretion in the discussion of sensitive risk-related issues
• Excellent English oral and written communication skills are strongly preferred.
• Experience designing and implementing GEF and GCF projects or familiarity with IFC’s Performance Standards
• Experience in working with MS PowerPoint and SharePoint.
• Experience in producing and disseminating knowledge management products and training materials.
• Experience in designing and conducting training on safeguard issues.
• Experience in conducting M&E, including developing performance indicators, designing surveys, analyzing data and presenting findings in a user-friendly manner.

2. Job Title: Biodiversity Conservation Specialist

    Duty Station:  TBD

    Reporting to:  Project Manager

    Responsible for: None

    Salary: Attractive

    Position Summary

The role of the Biodiversity Conservation Specialist is pivotal in the Sierra Leone Gola project. As a key team member, he/she will be responsible for leading the technical efforts in biodiversity conservation, including conducting ecological assessments, providing expert guidance on habitat restoration, and ensuring that conservation activities align with the project’s goals and environmental standards. He/she will also be responsible for designing and implementing biodiversity-friendly land management strategies, monitoring biodiversity indicators, and collaborating with local communities, government agencies, and NGOs to promote sustainable land use practices. The Biodiversity Conservation Specialist will report to the Project Manager (PM) and work closely with project teams to ensure that conservation objectives are integrated into all project activities, supporting the achievement of long-term biodiversity conservation outcomes in the Gola landscape.

Major Roles and Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise on biodiversity conservation, habitat restoration, and sustainable land management to ensure alignment with project goals and environmental standards.
• Conduct ecological assessments to evaluate the health and status of biodiversity within the project’s target areas, including species diversity and habitat quality.
• Contribute to biodiversity monitoring efforts, ensuring the collection, analysis, and reporting of key biodiversity indicators, and tracking progress towards conservation targets.
• Develop and implement biodiversity-friendly strategies for land management, ensuring that conservation activities do not compromise ecosystem services and promote sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
• Support capacity-building efforts of project partners, local communities, and stakeholders in biodiversity conservation practices, through workshops, training, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Collaborate with local and national stakeholders to integrate biodiversity conservation into land use planning, including government agencies, EPA, CIGEF, and local communities.
• Provide recommendations on best practices for sustainable land management and natural resource use that balance conservation with community needs and development objectives.
• Support the restoration of degraded habitats, implementing strategies for reforestation, agroforestry, and other restoration activities to enhance biodiversity in the project’s focal areas.
• Ensure the integration of gender-responsive conservation strategies, addressing the specific needs and roles of women and marginalized groups in biodiversity conservation efforts.
• Support the Guinean Forests Integrated Program’s regional coordination and learning project as needed and guided by the project manager.
• Report regularly on biodiversity conservation progress to project management and stakeholders, contributing to annual reports, donor reports, and other documentation to highlight project achievements and challenges.

Recruitment Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Ecology, Conservation Biology, Environmental Science, or related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in biodiversity conservation and habitat restoration.
• Proven experience in managing biodiversity-related projects in complex landscapes.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in office software (Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace).
• Ability to multitask and work effectively in a dynamic environment.
• Regular travel to project sites and other locations.
• Comfortable working out of the office.
• Ability to work extended work hours to meet project deadlines.

3. Job Title: Driver

    Duty Station: Freetown with frequent travel to remote project sites.

    Reports to:  Project Manager (PM)

    Responsible for:  None

    Salary : Attractive

     Position Summary

The Driver will ensure safe transportation and logistical support for the project team, ensuring vehicles are maintained and travel is executed smoothly. The Driver is responsible for providing safe and reliable transportation for project staff and partners. This includes vehicle maintenance, ensuring the timely execution of logistics, and supporting field visits.

Major Roles and Responsibilities

• Provide transportation for project staff, consultants, and stakeholders to project sites and events.
• Ensure proper vehicle maintenance, safety checks, and record keeping for vehicle usage.
• Support the Guinean Forests Integrated Program’s regional coordination and learning project as needed and guided by the project manager.
• Assist with logistics for field visits and project activities.
• Occasional extended hours depending on project requirements.
• Comply with all relevant driving regulations and safety standards.

Recruitment Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and experience driving in rural or challenging environments.
• At least 3 years of experience as a driver, preferably in project or development settings.
• Strong knowledge of vehicle maintenance and safety protocols.
• Ability to work in a Team.
• Regular travel to project sites and other locations.
• Comfortable working out of the office.
• Ability to work extended work hours to meet project deadlines.                                                                                           

4. Job Title: Finance Officer

    Duty Station: Freetown

    Reports to: Project Manager (PM)

    Responsible for: None

    Salary : Attractive

     JOB SUMMARY

The role of the finance Officer is pivotal in the Sierra Leone Gola project. As a key team member, he/she will be responsible for ensuring the books and records for all bank and cash transactions of the project, including reviewing all supporting documentation for payment requests to ensure policies and procedures are being complied with consistently.  He/she will also be responsible for all bank payments, checking supporting documentation, monitoring bank/cash balances in each account and the office safes and notifying the project manager (PM) on a timely basis when a transfer between accounts or from the donor is required.

Major Roles and Responsibilities

• On a timely basis, ensure that there are always sufficient funds in the office.
• Monitor the bank balance and notify the PM on a timely basis when a transfer from CIGEF is required.
• Ensure bank transfers/cheques/cash payments are made within limits and all required documentation and authorisation procedures for the payment have been followed.
• Ensure timely preparation of bank transfers/cheques for authorisation.
• Document any findings from the bank and cash books review and include further comments from the PM before communicating it to other staff and partners.
• Monitor issues as they arise on the bank and cash book reviews to ensure they do not continue to occur.
• Raise repeat issues with the PM and work with the cashiers to resolve the issues.
• Be the main contact point for banking issues/bank staff for project account accounts and support.
• Maintain and update all bank signatory lists.
• Occasional travel to programme field sites as requested by the PM to make cash payments to beneficiaries.
• Maintain accurate cash books.
• Ensure all receipts, including payments to local and international partners, are properly checked and verified.
• Ensure filing is orderly, stored safely, and inventory updated.
• Work with the finance team to make prompt and timely payments to suppliers.
• Work with the finance team to make prompt and timely payment of all taxes and creditors.
• Participate in the implementation of bulk bank transfers / mobile money payments to beneficiaries.
• Review all hard copies of project payment documents to ensure correct supporting documentation is attached and proper EPA policy and procedures are followed.
• Advise PM of direct reports of any anomalies with EPA and Project finance policies and procedures.
• Prepare the monthly phone bill journal and the amount charged to the Project.
• Carry out monthly bank reconciliations for the Project.
• Maintain the bank & cash accounts on the balance sheet reconciliations for the Project.
• Ensure all documents requested by auditors are presented to the auditors in a timely and orderly way and returned to the files/archive correctly.
• Assist the Finance team to handle queries related to internal and external audits
• Work closely with the finance team to follow up on and implement the auditors’ recommendations.
• Participate in the production of any ad-hoc year-end reports for donors or audits.
• Support the finance team in delivering training on finance issues to non-finance staff where a need is identified in all field offices and remote locations.
• Providing, as requested, cover to key finance functions during staff absence, especially Finance Officers.
• Support the Guinean Forests Integrated Program’s regional coordination and learning project as needed and guided by the project manager.
• Complete any other reasonable tasks as requested by the Project Manager/CD/EC.

Recruitment Requirements

• Degree in Accounting or Finance related Field or Part Qualified AAT, ACA, ACCA, CIMA
• At least 4 years’ experience in finance / related field.
• Experience in working with an International non-governmental organisation.
• Experience in management reporting would be highly desirable.
• Computer literacy, particularly in Microsoft Office programmes such as Word and Excel (Essential), as well as accounting packages and other database competencies (Desirable).
• Experience developing finance staff capacity on the technical aspects of finance and training/raising awareness of non-finance staff on finance functions.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to work in a Team.
• Regular travel to project sites and other locations.
• Comfortable working out of the office.
• Ability to work extended work hours to meet project deadlines.                                                                                         

5. Job Title: Monitoring and Evaluation Officer

    Duty Station:  TBD

    Reporting to:    Project Manager

    Responsible for:  None

    Salary: Attractive

     Position Summary

The role of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer is pivotal to the success of the Sierra Leone Gola project. As a key team member, he/she will support the technical and operational execution of the project by designing and implementing robust M&E frameworks to track project performance and impact. Reporting to the Project Manager, you will ensure that all components of the project are effectively monitored and evaluated to assess progress toward conservation, restoration, and community engagement goals. This position requires strong coordination skills, broad technical knowledge, and expertise in monitoring and evaluating environmental, social, and gender outcomes. You will work closely with stakeholders to ensure that project activities are aligned with the defined results in the project document and donor agreements, maintaining coherence and consistency within project timelines. Lastly, The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer will be required to coordinate directly with the regional coordination and learning project of the Guinean Forests Integrated Program and participate in its events.

Major Roles And Responsibilities

• Review and implement an M&E framework for the Gola project, ensuring effective tracking and measurement of progress against conservation, restoration, and community engagement objectives.
• Lead the review and update of M&E plans related to biodiversity conservation, forest restoration, and social inclusion to ensure alignment with project goals and GEF standards.
• Provide technical guidance to project teams in designing, reviewing, and submitting M&E tools, data collection forms, and reports to monitor environmental, social, and gender outcomes.
• Ensure the integration of M&E activities into all project work plans, ensuring that appropriate resources and budgets are allocated for M&E tasks.
• Monitor and evaluate the progress of biodiversity conservation, land management, and community development activities, providing feedback to project teams on results and areas for improvement.
• Coordinate the collection of field data on biodiversity indicators, environmental impacts, and community engagement to track project progress and assess the effectiveness of interventions.
• Develop and implement surveys and other data collection methods to measure the environmental and social impacts of project activities, ensuring that findings are used to inform decision-making.
• Ensure that safeguard plans (environmental, social, and gender) are integrated into the M&E system and consistently monitored throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepare and submit timely M&E reports to the Project Manager, donor, and other stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability in tracking the project’s progress.
• Provide regular updates on the project’s M&E findings to the Project Steering Committee (PSC) and ensure key findings are communicated to stakeholders.
• Build capacity within the project team and partners on M&E practices, including the development of training materials and conducting training sessions focused on data collection and reporting.
• Participate in external M&E networks such as CI’s global M&E community, staying informed about best practices and new trends in biodiversity and conservation-related M&E.
• Ensure that all M&E data is accurately analyzed and stored, maintaining clear and organized records for easy access by the project team and other stakeholders.
• Manage M&E-related consultancies when needed, including preparing TORs, evaluating bids, managing contracts, and ensuring that deliverables meet the project’s M&E objectives.
• Collaborate with the finance department to ensure that M&E activities are aligned with project budgets and that financial resources for monitoring and evaluation are properly allocated and tracked.

Recruitment Requirements

• Required (critical to job performance. Applicants not meeting required skills may not be hired)
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, economics, data science management or a related field.
• At least two (2) years of experience working with project and program design, monitoring, and compliance of public or private donor-funded projects in the area of environment, chemicals, and/or development or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Working knowledge and experience in designing, applying, and monitoring environment and social safeguards (stakeholder engagement, gender mainstreaming, grievance mechanism).
• Experience designing/implementing environmental management plans and environmental impact assessments (EIAs).
• Strong understanding of the environmental risks and impacts, particularly the inclusion of vulnerable and marginalized peoples, gender equality, benefit-sharing, conflict, and grievance redress).
• Relevant experience with gender-responsive programming, including designing and implementing gender action plans.
• Strong capacity to communicate with government agencies, local communities, civil society organizations, indigenous peoples, and other stakeholders.
• Excellent cross-cultural and people skills, commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at both a project and institutional level.
• Ability to work independently and /or remotely to meet deadlines and commitments.
• Strong interpersonal skills and capacity to work in team environments, including building productive partnerships across diverse stakeholders.
• Attention to detail and discretion in the discussion of sensitive risk-related issues
• Excellent English oral and written communication skills are strongly preferred.
• Experience designing and implementing GEF and GCF projects or familiarity with environmental Performance Standards
• Experience in working with MS Suite and SharePoint.
• Experience in producing and disseminating knowledge management products and training materials.
• Experience in designing and conducting training on environmental issues.
• Experience in conducting M&E, including developing performance indicators, designing surveys, analyzing data and presenting findings in a user-friendly manner.
• Regular travel to project sites and other locations.
• Comfortable working out of the office.
• Ability to work extended work hours to meet project deadlines.

6. Job Title: Partnership and Grants Management Officer

     Duty Station: Freetown

     Reports to: Project Manager (PM)

     Responsible for:  None

     Salary: Attractive

      JOB SUMMARY

The Partnership and Grants Management Officer will manage the grants and partnerships for the Sierra Leone Gola Project, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and overseeing project performance. The officer will be responsible for managing grants, overseeing partnerships, ensuring compliance with financial and operational guidelines, and supporting the management of partnerships to ensure smooth implementation of project activities. Lastly, the Partnership and Grants Management officer will support the Guinean Forests Integrated Program’s regional coordination and learning project as needed and guided by the project manager.

Major Roles and Responsibilities

• Manage partnerships and grants for the Sierra Leone Gola project, ensuring that all activities comply with donor requirements, project objectives, and internal policies.
• Coordinate and monitor grants throughout their lifecycle, from inception through execution, ensuring compliance with the terms of agreement and monitoring the use of funds.
• Conduct due diligence on potential partners and sub-grantees, evaluating financial and operational capabilities before entering into agreements.
• Track and report on grant performance, ensuring that all financial and technical requirements are met by partners, and issues are addressed in a timely manner.
• Ensure that all partners comply with the project’s policies and donor regulations, including safeguarding, environmental, social, and gender policies.
• Prepare and review grant agreements in collaboration with legal and finance teams, ensuring that terms and conditions are clear and in line with project goals.
• Assist with the preparation of financial reports for donors, ensuring that all financial documentation is accurate and submitted on time.
• Support the project manager in the development of annual work plans, budgets, and reports, providing updates on grant and partnership performance.
• Serve as the main point of contact for grant and partnership queries from internal teams, stakeholders, and external partners.
• Coordinate the disbursement of funds to partners, ensuring that payments are made in accordance with agreed terms and project timelines.
• Conduct periodic reviews of grant activities and progress to ensure compliance with donor objectives and expectations, identifying any issues and providing solutions.
• Ensure proper documentation and filing of all partnership and grant-related records, including contracts, financial reports, and communications, ensuring easy access for audits.
• Collaborate with the finance department to track grant expenditures, ensuring that spending is within budget and properly documented.
• Provide training and support to project staff and partners on the technical aspects of grants management, including compliance, reporting, and financial oversight.
• Assist with the coordination of donor visits, reporting, and audits, ensuring that all necessary documentation is provided to external reviewers and auditors in a timely and organized manner.

Recruitment Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of experience in managing grants and partnerships, preferably within the environmental, conservation, or development sectors.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, ensuring efficiency and meeting deadlines.
• Proven experience in donor relations and compliance, with a clear understanding of donor regulations and financial management of grants.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear and concise reports, grant proposals, and presentations.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt quickly to changing priorities, ensuring timely and effective resolution of challenges.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment, demonstrating leadership and fostering partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.

7. Job Title: Project Manager

     Duty Station: Freetown

     Reporting to: Chief Director, Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone

     Responsible for:  Sierra Leone Gola project Staff

     Salary: Attractive

      Position Summary

The Project Manager (PM) will oversee the technical and operational execution of the project and lead the Project Management Unit. Reporting to the Chief Director of the Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone.  The PM will ensure an integrated vision among different components and stakeholders and a focus on achieving the results defined in the project document and donor agreement. This position requires significant coordination skills, broad general and technical knowledge, experience in Sierra Leone, and skills to ensure coherence and consistency within project deadlines. This role will be required to coordinate directly with the regional coordination and learning project of the Guinean Forests Integrated Program and participate in its events. The PM will demonstrate exceptional leadership skills and have a proven successful project management track record.

Major Roles And Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Project Management Unit (PMU), ensuring smooth execution of project activities.
• Accomplish strategic goals and objectives, providing strategic direction, vision, coordination, resource management, and supervision.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality results aligned with the project’s conservation, restoration, and climate goals.
• Oversee all project staff and build local and institutional capacity, including managing and mentoring team members.
• Oversee the completion of technical requirements and ensure the timely delivery of project results and deliverables.
• Develop solutions to keep deliverables on track and motivate staff and partners towards achieving project milestones.
• Serve as the primary representative of the Gola project, liaising with the donor, internal, and external stakeholders, fostering and maintaining critical partnerships.
• Direct the preparation of the annual work plans, budgets, and progress reports, ensuring alignment with project goals.
• Submit timely, accurate, and professional reports that meet donor and stakeholder requirements.
• Direct and oversee the implementation of grants, ensuring strategic objectives are met through proper design, staffing, implementation, and quality assurance.
• Establish and maintain effective project reporting, evaluation, and communication systems for project activities.
• Guarantee the efficient and effective use of resources to achieve the project’s conservation and restoration goals.
• Oversee and ensure the effective coordination of project activities by other executing partners, including government and community-based stakeholders.
• Monitor the progress of co-financing and ensure effective reporting and accountability.
• Organize regular project steering committee meetings, ensuring representation from all relevant government stakeholders and executing partners. Serve as co-chair of the steering committee.
• Provide regular updates on project progress to the Project Steering Committee (PSC), EPA-SL, and Conservation International.
• Ensure the project coordinates with other regional and global initiatives, sharing knowledge and lessons learned.
• Initiate and participate in meetings with relevant ministries, local governments, and civil society organizations (CSOs) to clarify roles and responsibilities, ensuring alignment with policies, strategies, and guidelines.
• Ensure environmental and social safeguards are established, implemented, monitored, and adhered to, protecting vulnerable communities and the environment.
• Directly supervise project staff and consultants to ensure efficient implementation and compliance.
• Manage the project’s public funding and budget, ensuring adherence to donor regulations and requirements.
• Ensure strict compliance with donor agreements, regulations, and reporting requirements, managing all related communications.
• Perform any other duties as required to ensure the successful delivery of the project.

Recruitment Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, natural resource management, or a related field relevant to the project’s conservation and restoration objectives. A Master’s degree is strongly preferred.
• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience with multi-sector programs, including relevant management experience in conservation or sustainable development.
• At least three (3) years of management experience, including direct supervision of professional and support staff, and assembling teams working on complex environmental and development programs.
• Proven leadership in the administration of similar projects with strong skills in strategic planning, management, supervision, and budgeting.
• Experience and knowledge of relevant donor regulations, policies, and procedures, with a demonstrated track record of successfully managing projects of similar scope and scale.
• Proven ability to engage and collaborate effectively with senior representatives of national and local governments, the private sector, civil society organizations, and local communities.
• Demonstrated ability to implement projects with rigorous timelines and deliverables, while ensuring that program quality is tracked through donor-approved monitoring and evaluation systems.
• Strong technical and analytical skills relevant to conservation, land management, biodiversity, and environmental safeguards.
• Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, with the ability to work in a multicultural environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with fluency in English.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook

Working Conditions

 

• Regular travel to project sites and other locations.
• Comfortable working out of the office.
• Ability to work extended work hours to meet project deadlines.

The dead line for application is on the 4^th April 2025, at 3:00 pm. Please note that these are full time jobs. 

Interested candidates should forward applications indicating position applied for on the top right-hand corner of a sealed envelope together with copies of credentials and an updated curriculum vitae, including names and contact information of three (3) referees to: 

The Executive Chairman

Environment Protection Agency

38 Freetown Road

Wilberforce

Freetown.

Or email: hr@epa.gov.sl

Women are strongly encouraged to apply.