Tetra Tech International Development Services is currently accepting expressions of interest from qualified candidates for the position of Ecosystem Services Specialist for the Productive Landscapes (ProLand) program.

The purpose of the ProLand project is to provide USAID assistance to catalyze change in land management systems so that people and institutions in developing countries can make informed, actionable, and effective development decisions. The ProLand program, is a 5-year Task Order under the REPLACE IDIQ that began in September 2014 and is anticipated to be extended through September 2020. ProLand supports USAID Missions to improve land use management by taking a systems approach to resilient development that integrates ecological, economic, and governance aspects. Using primary and secondary research, ProLand develops and disseminates evidence-based guidance around best management practices for sustainably intensifying land use. The position will require some travel to the field.

The Ecosystem Services Specialist will be engaged on a 50%-100% basis for the remaining life of project, through September 2020.

This position will be based in Arlington, VA, or Burlington, VT. Other locations may be considered.

Responsibilities

The technical scope of work for this position is to contribute to each of the project tasks by, at a minimum:

* Leading assessments of land management methods from concept to completion through desk and field research on best management practices for sustainably intensifying land use.

* Contributing to guidance that development professionals can use to introduce and foster uptake of land management best management practices in the developing world.

* Providing insight and guidance on effective communication approaches for the development community, particularly in accessible communication of evidence-based conclusions to a wide audience.

In addition, the Ecosystems Services Specialist is expected to:

* Meet and work with the other ProLand team members.

* Work with extremely limited supervisions in a collegial environment.

* Provide mutually agreed-upon deliverables of good quality on schedule.

* Communicate effectively with ProLand team members, Tetra Tech staff, the client and external stakeholders.

* Potentially fill the role of Deputy Chief of Party.

* Apply technical expertise to identify illustrative examples of successful sustainable land use and agricultural intensification projects and approaches;

* Develop evaluation reports and workshop materials that are adaptable to different cultural, gender, social, political, and ecological contexts; and;

* Develop evidence-based guidance for USAID based upon analyses such as those above;

* Effectively communicate results of evaluations and implementation toolkits to a variety of audiences, including the general public, development professionals, policy makers, academics and practitioners.

Qualifications:

* An advanced degree in Resource Economics or related discipline, with a specialization in forest or rangeland resources, ecological/environmental economics, climate, and/or agricultural economics;

* At least ten years of work experience in the application of natural resources economics and/or financial analysis as it relates to resource production/conservation, adapting to climate change, and/or mitigating it (carbon emissions reduction/sequestration) in developing country contexts;

* At least five years of substantial managerial and relevant technical experience in one or more developing countries in each of at least two geographical regions;

* Proven research and writing skills;

* Spanish or French language proficiency highly desired;

* Strong computer skills, including MS Office and familiarity with databases;

* USAID experience is preferred; and

* U.S. citizenship or a current, valid U.S. work permit is mandatory.