Position Summary

• The Environment & Climate Change Officer will support the implementation of environmental and climate-smart interventions under the SPRING Project.
• The role focuses on facilitating ecosystem restoration activities, sustainable natural resource management, and strengthening community climate resilience through participatory, evidence-based approaches.
• The officer will assist in ensuring that project activities are environmentally sound, climate-responsive, gender-inclusive, and aligned with AYGF’s sustainability principles and national climate adaptation policies.

Key Responsibilities
Program Implementation:

• Support the planning and implementation of climate-smart and environmental sustainability activities, including soil and water conservation, afforestation/reforestation, and water-harvesting systems.
• Conduct field-level environmental and climate assessments to inform activity design and community planning.
• Support the establishment and maintenance of demonstration sites showcasing climate-resilient agricultural practices and land restoration models.
• Ensure environmental safeguards and sustainability principles are applied across project activities.

Capacity Building & Community Engagement:

• Organize and deliver training sessions for youth, women, and local institutions on environmental sustainability, climate adaptation, and natural resource management.
• Contribute to the development of user-friendly manuals, training materials, and community guides on ecosystem restoration and green livelihoods.
• Mobilize and support community-led natural resource management committees, ensuring inclusive participation of women and youth.
• Support the development and dissemination of user-friendly manuals, training materials, and community guides on ecosystem restoration and green livelihoods.

Partnership & Coordination:

• Collaborate closely with government agencies (e.g., SEMA, Ministries of Environment, Agriculture, and Water Resources), community structures, and development partners (UNDP, IOM, WFP) on joint climate and environmental initiatives.
• Support local authorities in developing or strengthening resource-sharing frameworks and conflict-sensitive environmental governance.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:

• Track and document progress on environmental and climate-related indicators using AYGF’s Project Tracking, Monitoring, and Accountability System (PTMAS).
• Prepare periodic monitoring reports, highlight lessons learned, and recommend adaptive management strategies.
• Contribute to project learning products, case studies, and knowledge-sharing events.

Qualifications and Experience
Required:

• University Degree (B.Sc or equivalent) in Environmental Science, Climate Change, Natural Resource Management, Forestry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years professional experience in implementing environmental management, climate resilience, or ecosystem restoration programs.
• Proven experience working in rural or semi-arid contexts, preferably in Northern Nigeria.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in climate-smart agriculture, environmental assessment, and ecosystem restoration.
• Experience collaborating with government institutions, communities, and development partners on climate/environment projects.

Desired:

• Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Environmental Science, Climate Change, Natural Resource Management, Forestry, or a related field.
• Knowledge of Hausa language and familiarity with Katsina State context.
• Experience in integrating gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) into migration or livelihood programs.