Biodiversity and Forest Ecology Specialist, EKNA IE Design and Baseline Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAI)

Job Description – Biodiversity and Forest Ecology Specialist

Biodiversity and Forest Ecology Specialist, EKNA IE Design and Baseline

Contract Name

Integrated Natural Resources Management (INRM)

Contract No

7200AA20F00010

Period Of Performance

Upon signing – August 31, 2023

Place Of Performance

Zambia

Maximum Level Of Effort (LOE)

28 days

STARR II IDIQ Labor Category

Natural Resource Specialist – Senior

Integrated Natural Resource Management Task Order: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Zambia Eastern Kafue Nature Alliance (EKNA) Impact Evaluation (IE) Design and Baseline is managed under the Integrated Natural Resource Management (IN RM) Task Order (TO). The INRM TO provides on-demand support services and technical assistance for USAID Missions, Bureaus, and Independent Offices, and is managed by the Center for Environment, Energy, and Infrastructure (EEI) in the Bureau for Development, Democracy, and Innovation (DDI). INRM supports integrated analysis and programming across development sectors. By using a multi-sectoral lens, INRM seeks to strengthen the impacts of USAID’s core environmental programming by recognizing synergies, adopting best practices, and building broader constituencies for integrated programming. The activity is designed to help USAID operating units achieve higher impact environment programming and to support the uptake of principles and approaches outlined in the Agency’s Environmental and Natural Resource Management Framework .

Project Background and Description: USAID has commissioned a team under the INRM TO to design and implement the baseline for an IE of the USAID/Zambia EKNA Activity in 2022-2023. The EKNA Activity will be implemented in several Game Management Areas (GMAs) and conservancies that border the eastern side of Zambia’s Kafue National Park (KNP), by a consortium of public and private sector partners led by The Nature Conservancy. High poverty rates in the area lead to a dependence on natural resources and income from forests for many households, contributing to deforestation and forest degradation from wood extraction, agricultural expansion, and fires. To address these issues and impact both conservation and human well-being outcomes, the EKNA Activity is comprised of four strategic approaches (SAs):

• SA1: Strengthen natural resource compliance and management systems
• SA2: Develop inclusive ecosystem-based markets for local prosperity
• SA3: Strengthen community maternal and child health and improve access to clean water
• SA4: Develop effective land and resource use planning, tenure, and governance systems

The objectives of this assignment are to (1) design an IE for the EKNA Activity, (2) conduct baseline data collection and analysis, and (3) prepare a final baseline report. Given the lack of counterfactual-based studies on the EKNA Activity’s main interventions, a rigorous impact evaluation presents an important opportunity to improve USAID’s understanding of conservation and biodiversity programming effectiveness. In particular, the EKNA Activity presents a unique opportunity to measure the effect of conservation programming on biodiversity outcomes given the large amount of biodiversity monitoring that will take place as part of the program implementation, which will be further expanded as part of the evaluation. Additional primary and secondary data sources that will be used include a large household survey, qualitative data from key informants, and remotely sensed data.

Position Description: DAI/INRM is seeking an individual to fulfill the role of the Biodiversity and Forest Ecology Specialist for the EKNA IE Design and Baseline . The Biodiversity and Forest Ecology Specialist will provide subject matter expertise in wildlife biodiversity and forest ecology in Zambia, particularly related to the Greater Kafue Ecosystem (GKE), and measurement approaches for related outcomes. The Biodiversity and Forest Ecology Specialist will work closely with the Team Leader and other research team members to contribute to the baseline design, data collection and analysis, and provide technical inputs for the draft and final report(s) – the Evaluation Design Report (EDR) and Baseline Report – as requested. The project will begin in September 2022 and is projected to last through July 2023. The EDR will be drafted in September 2022 and finalized in October 2022. Fieldwork for baseline data collection will take place from October – November 2022 prior to the rainy season, although this position will not be required to participate in fieldwork. Data analysis will take place from December 2022 – March 2023 with reporting in April – June 2023.

• Citizens and residents of Zambia are strongly encouraged to apply**

Responsibilities

• Provide subject matter expertise in wildlife biodiversity and forest ecology in Zambia, particularly related to the Greater Kafue Ecosystem (GKE), and measurement approaches for related outcomes.
• Work closely with the other research team members, including the Team Leader, Senior Biodiversity and Forest Ecology Advisors, Evaluation Manager/Technical Specialist, and Environmental Health Specialist on evaluation design, data collection, and analysis
• In collaboration with the research team, conduct analysis of baseline data as requested, including but not limited to: aerial survey data, wildlife biodiversity monitoring data (camera traps, search and encounter, spoor transects, focal monitoring/satellite collars), and remote sensing data (tree cover, fires)
• Contribute as requested to project deliverables, including the draft and final EKNA IE Evaluation Design Report (EDR), draft and final EKNA IE Baseline Report, and any related presentations. This may include drafting responses to USAID comments/questions on draft reports.
• Maintain clear and regular communication with the research team and INRM support staff, and inform the INRM team of any risks, problems, or challenges in a timely manner.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in Biodiversity/Conservation, Forest Ecology, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of ten years of experience with a master’s degree designing and executing similar projects, or six years of experience with a PhD.
• Extensive expertise in conducting research, evaluation, and related studies for biodiversity conservation and forest ecology in Zambia.
• Experience designing and conducting impact evaluations for conservation programs preferred.
• Experience working on multi-disciplinary teams preferred.
• Experience with USAID/Zambia or similar regional or country USAID Missions preferred.
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, writing, and presentation skills.
• Fluency in English required.

Organization and Values

DAI is a global development company with corporate offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, EU, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Palestine and project operations worldwide. We tackle fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. DAI works on the frontlines of global development. Transforming ideas into action—action into impact. We are committed to shaping a more livable world.

DAI and its employees are committed to confronting racism and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and work. DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner.

DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All of our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.