employment opportunity

Mission Environment Officer/Natural Resources Management Specialist, FSN-11

OPENING DATE: June 23, 2009
CLOSING DATE: July 7, 2009
WORK HOURS: Full time (40 hrs/ per week)
SALARY: Ordinarily Resident FSN-11

NOTE: ALL ORDINARILY RESIDENT APPLICANTS MUST HAVE THE REQUIRED WORK AND/OR RESIDENCY PERMITS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking an individual for the position of Mission Environment Officer/Natural Resources Management Specialist for the Economic Growth Office (EGO).

BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION
The Mission Environment Officer/Natural Resource Management Specialist is USAID/Nicaragua's primary technical expert for the management of environment and natural resource activities, related regulatory and/or institutional reforms to strengthen the management and protection of the natural resources in Nicaragua. The incumbent will be responsible for coordinating the Mission efforts to ensure the issuance and application of investment policies supported by sound natural resources management laws, policies, and programs undertaken by the USAID/Nicaragua Economic Growth Strategic Objective (EG).   S/he is the lead advocate within the USAID Mission, as well as with Nicaraguan counterparts, to further the implementation of management systems that conserve natural resources and the promotion of competitive, market-oriented enterprises that are consistent with conservation goals.
 
A copy of the complete position description, listing all duties and responsibilities, is available in the Human Resources Office.  Contact Human Resources at extension 7328 or 7326.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Note: All applicants must address each selection criterion detailed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item.

1. A Bachelors degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Geography, Forestry, Political Science, Public Administration, Resource Economics or other related field with a focus on environment or natural resources management and five years of progressively responsible experience; or a Masters degree in these same fields of study and three years of progressively responsible experience; or a Ph.D. and two years of progressively responsible experience is required.
2. From one to five years of progressively responsible experience in ecology/natural resource management or related field depending on the highest academic degree received (see Education box) is required.
3. Level IV: in both English and Spanish, written and spoken is required.  This will be tested.
4. A thorough knowledge of all aspects of the Nicaraguan environment sector including laws and regulations which affect the sector. The incumbent should have a thorough knowledge of Nicaraguan public and private sector.
5. Must be able to assess implementation problems, evaluate for environmental compliance, meet with high-level authorities to take appropriate steps to resolve issues.; must be able to develop and maintain an extensive range of senior-level contacts in public sector circles; must obtain, analyze, and evaluate relatively complex data and to prepare precise accurate reports, work plans and other documents. Ability to clearly provide advice and guidance is required. Excel, Word, etc.

SELECTION PROCESS
It is essential that the candidate address the required qualifications above in the application.

ADDITIONAL SELECTION CRITERIA

1. Management will consider nepotism/conflict of interest, budget, and residency status in determining successful candidacy.
2. Current employees serving a probationary period are not eligible to apply.

TO APPLY
Interested candidates for this position should submit the following or the application will not be considered:

1. Optional Application for Federal Employment - OF-612 (download here) or
2. A current resume or curriculum vitae that provides the same information as an OF-612; plus
3. Any other documentation (e.g., essays, certificates, awards, and copies of degrees earned) that addresses the qualification requirements of the position as listed above.
4. Brief introductory letter, in English.

SUBMIT APPLICATION TO:
USAID
Human Resources Office
Managua.

POINT OF CONTACT
USAID/Human Resources Office
Attention: Alexander Olivares
HR Specialist Ext. 7328 or 7326.

DEFINITIONS
1. Ordinarily Resident (OR): A citizen of the host country or a citizen of another country who has shifted the main residency focus to the host country and has the required work and/or residency permits for employment in country.

CLOSING DATE FOR THIS POSITION: July 7, 2009

The US Mission in Nicaragua provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status or sexual orientation.  The Department also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs.

The EEO complaint procedure is not available to individuals who believe they have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliation.  Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts for relief.