VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Organization: KTK-BELT, INC
KTK-BELT, INC, is a non-profit organization that is tax-exempt in the United States under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c) (3). It maintains offices in New York and Nepal and complies with the laws in both jurisdictions. Its mission is to catalyze new models of biodiversity conservation and environmental learning in eastern Nepal. The idea is to give a framework to local farmers to become ‘professors’ of the Vertical University, to share their indigenous knowledge while also physically conserving threatened species and landscapes. It is currently implementing a five-year project entitled “Creating Biodiversity Corridors for conservation, Education and Livelihood from Koshi Tappu to Kanchenjunga in Eastern Nepal” after entering into an agreement with Social Welfare Council on October 3, 2019, in five districts (Morang, Sunsari, Dhankuta, Taplejung, Sankhuwasabha).
Position: Restoration Ecologist / Landscape Architect
Number of Vacancies: 1
Duty Station: Eastern Region
Contract Duration: 1 year contract
Position and Scope of Work:
We’re looking for an expert in ecological restoration/ landscape architecture to provide us with guidance to develop the designs for several parcels of land to convert the land into an arboretum and botanical research center.
Phase 01: Site Assessment
• Develop a site assessment strategy
• Train local youth fellows and team to document and monitor the site using GIS pro/ other apps to collect the data
• Conduct habitat inventory of the selected land parcel to identify existing flora and fauna, in particular the existing biodiversity habitats.
• Survey template to identify the problem areas, threats and degradation issues
• Evaluate soil conditions for the restoration work
• Compile, analyze, and map geographic data
• Travel to the field site and coordinate with various stakeholders to assess and acquire data from the site.
• Provide a comprehensive report along with maps that outline the existing biological conditions of the site.
Phase 02: Developing a restoration strategy
• Based on the collected data, analysis and resources available develop a restoration strategy In consultation with the KTK team. This should include, restoration goals, objectives, target species
• Redefine specific, measurable, agreed-upon, realistic, and timebound restoration goals after the review of initial assessment data and set achievable milestones.
• Develop a list of indicators for monitoring and evaluation purposes in collaboration with the KTK-BELT team.
• Providing recommendation for problematic soil conditions on existing sites.
• Identify the restoration actions that need to be undertaken to reach the desired state.
• Draft a design and implementation plan, prepare draft budget and workplan for the restoration strategy in collaboration with the field team and design team
• Draft an overview of the yearly work plan for restoration
• Provide detailed feedback to the design team to incorporate the landscape and architectural design into the restoration strategy
• Develop a comprehensive landscape plan in collaboration with the KTK-BELT team using maps
Phase 03: Implementation of the restoration strategy
• Monthly monitoring of outputs and outcomes
• Monthly review of the monitoring of habitat survey
• Monthly meeting with the team and fellows to review the tasks
Deliverables:
• Site assessment report outlining the following:
1. Methodology for ongoing data collection and biodiversity monitoring surveys
2. Survey template using kobo or offline tools to gather the data
3. Existing site conditions, problems, and threats
4. Habitat inventory
• GIS maps showcasing the current state of the land with the mapping of the flora, fauna, water layers and other site conditions
• Restoration strategy outlining the following:
1. Restoration goals and target species profiles
2. Timeframe of the restoration goal outlining the phasing of the project over the course of the next 3-5 years from foundation phase to advanced ecosystem stage
3. Restoration methods and strategies, work plan and phasing
4. Approximate budget and a workplan
5. Recommendations to the landscape and architecture design team for the developing of the schematic and detailed design landscape plans.
Desired qualifications:
• M.S or equivalent work experience in restoration ecology, landscape architecture or natural resource science or related science and
• 5-10 years of appropriate work experience.
• Successful candidates must be willing to travel and work in Nepal
• Spatial data analysis and mapping.
• Interacts effectively with people in all areas of the company.
• Strong analytical ability to assess complex situations and apply problem solving strategies.
• Ability to apply logical thinking and sound judgment to a wide range of practical problems.
• Excellent communication; written, oral and group facilitation in sharing biological findings.
• Work well under pressure in order to meet multiple, and sometimes, competing deadlines. ment or restoration.
• General understanding and experience with GPS/GIS applications required.
Duty Station: Field position in Eastern Region of Nepal
Timing:
• The initial contract shall be for three months on a probationary/ trial basis and extended upon successful completion to a longer duration based on both project funding and performance of the candidate.
Selection Criteria:
We highly encourage minority applicants to apply including those who identify as women and indigenous community members/ minority caste groups. Internal candidates, particularly fellows from our catchment areas will be given the first priority.
We reserve the right to not hire for this position or to postpone the start date based on project funding. The initial trial period will be only for three months.
Last date to apply: 3 November 2020
HOW TO APPLY
