Tetra Tech International Development Services headquartered in Arlington, VA is currently accepting expressions of interest from qualified candidates for various potential Senior Technical Specialist positions on an anticipated USAID-funded opportunity titled: Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands Forest Governance Program.

The purpose of the Program is to address the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation, unsustainable forest and land management, the lack of data to inform forest and land management decisions, and the lack of participatory land use planning and livelihood opportunities for forest-dependent communities in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

Senior Technical Specialists will provide technical and management support to activities within their field of expertise to achieve project outcomes.

Qualified applicants from Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands are highly encouraged to apply.

Community Forest Management and Land Tenure Specialist will bring extensive experience in participatory methods and understanding how to navigate the political economy relating to natural resource access, use and extraction in a Melanesia context. Ideal candidate will have robust relationships and experience working with the PNG/SI Government Forest Officials, Customary Leaders, Customary Natural Resource Management Committees, and other relevant stakeholders to improve forest governance and management.

Forest Policy, Regulation, and Enforcement Specialist: will bring a strong understanding of current forest policy and regulation in Papua New Guinea or Solomon Islands, especially understanding what is currently working and what is not. Experience identifying and implementing actions to strengthen enforcement and governance of existing laws and regulations in target country. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of working directly with the governments of PNG and SI, particularly influencing policy decisions. to provide forest law enforcement assistance through assessment of capacity gaps and resource limitations, coordination with local and provincial authorities, promotion of awareness of forest law and forest crime, and advocacy for efficient use of financial resources.

Forest Inventory Specialist will bring extensive experience in assessing and monitoring forest resource status in PNG and/or SI and capacity building in forest inventories in one or both of those countries. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record designing forest inventory systems, managing field teams, and building capacity with government and civil society partners. The ideal candidate will have strong existing working relationships with the relevant government forestry agencies, particularly in the Solomon Islands.  

Qualifications: All candidates should meet the following minimum requirements:

* 7+ years’ experience in international development operations, preferably in the environmental/forestry sector, and working on large donor funded projects;

* At least 4+ years of demonstrated experience providing technical input and/or advisory services in the designated area of specialization in a Melanesian context;

* Advanced degree in relevant discipline;

* Excellent communication skills in English