Forestry Manager

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Ambatondrazaka, Madagascar (National candidates only) 

Conservation International has implemented a large-scale restoration project on the Eastern side of the Lake Alaotra watershed. Planting related to this activity started in the Commune of Manakambahiny Est in 2023 and expanded to the neighboring Communes towards the North and West of the Manakambahiny Est in 2024. Planting will occur southwards in 2025, especially in the Communes of Ilafy, Didy, Feramanga, and Ambatondrazaka Suburbaine.

The Government of Madagascar has received funding from the World Bank to support the Projet de Productivité et de Résilience des Moyens de Subsistance Ruraux – Riz Plus Project, mostly known as Riz Plus. This project has a reforestation component. Thanks to CI's expertise both in landscape forest restoration and its knowledge of the Riz Plus intervention zone, the Management Unit of the Riz Plus project selected CI to implement the reforestation component of the project for the 2024-2025 planting season. 

The Forest Manager is responsible for the planning, overseeing, and monitoring of the implementation of seedling production and plant material sourcing, site preparation and planting, maintenance, and protection of planted trees. The Forestry Manager will report directly to the Project Manager. In strong collaboration with all stakeholders, they lead the implementation of mitigation activities in the field.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and implement restoration plans and strategies and update as needed. Ensure active and full participation of all stakeholders.  Devise corrective measures if there is a deviation from the original plan.
• Ensure that adequate stocks of seeds and plant materials are acquired and ready to meet the project planting needs.
• Coordinate site preparation and planting during the right period. Ensure that laborers apply the project specifications for the clearing, the size of the hole, and the planting technique. 
• Ensure maintenance and protection of planted trees through weeding, establishment of fire breaks, creation and capacity of fire committee and watershed management committee.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Typical office environment.
• Travel expected.
• Flexibility to work beyond normal work hours as needed.
• Guidance on flexible work arrangements will be shared during the interview process. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Forestry background: Forestry engineer or Bachelor's degree in forestry and ecology.
• 4 to 6 years of experience in forest restoration, especially large-scale reforestation projects.
• Good knowledge of common challenges of the forest restoration process.
• Strong sense of responsibility.
• Strong technical and analytical skills, especially in forestry technical area.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in Malagasy and French.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Problem-solving
• Ability to diagnose problems and identify solutions.
• Team player and able to work effectively with diverse groups in a multicultural environment.
• Ability to work well under pressure, multitask, set priorities, and deliver quality results.

Preferred

• Masters degree
• Good knowledge of forest restoration process.

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.

Application Deadline: January 3, 2025  (11:49 PM EST)

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility-committed employer. We are proud to have a diverse, global workforce where employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, position requirements, business needs, market conditions, merit, and other legitimate nondiscriminatory factors.