Madagascar: Policy Officer

Pact Overview
At the heart of Pact is the promise of a better tomorrow. A nonprofit international development organization founded in 1971, Pact works on the ground in nearly 40 countries to improve the lives of those who are challenged by poverty and marginalization. We serve these communities because we envision a world where everyone owns their future. To do this, we build systemic solutions in partnership with local organizations, businesses, and governments that create sustainable and resilient communities where those we serve are heard, capable, and vibrant.
Pact is a recognized global leader in international development. Our staff have a range of expertise in areas including public health, capacity development, livelihoods and economic opportunities, governance and civil society, natural resource management, fragile states and conflict mitigation, monitoring and evaluation, small-scale and artisanal mining, microfinance and more. This expertise is combined in Pact’s unique integrated approach, which focuses on systemic changes needed to improve people’s lives.
Project Overview
Pact strives for a world where all people are heard, capable, and vibrant. The five-year USAID-funded project, Hay Tao – part of USAID Madagascar’s Conservation and Communities Program (CCP) – aims to enhance the enabling environment for effective community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) and conservation of biodiversity in Madagascar through a number of targeted interventions.
Pact’s activities under this USAID Hay Tao contract will contribute to CCP’s three objectives:

• Objective 1: Targeted ecosystems sustainably managed through improved CBNRM and better protected area management
• Objective 2: Human wellbeing improved near selected areas of High Biodiversity Value through economic development and social support programs that help protect biodiversity
• Objective 3: Decentralized natural resource governance enhanced through more effective environmental policy, tenure security and civil society engagementPact has an immediate need for a highly competent development professional to fill the following position.

Position Purpose
Pact seeks a Policy Officer to support the USAID Hay Tao project in Madagascar. S/he will be responsible for supporting the project’s policy, research, and analysis activities across all three objectives, with a focus on translating analysis into practical policy and programmatic recommendations and advocacy. Working closely with the Policy and Analysis Specialist, the Policy Officer will engage with and support the capacity development of government and civil society stakeholders to develop and implement sound policies related to environmental governance, biodiversity conservation, climate change, sustainable natural resource management and economic development, natural resource and land tenure, and other related issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Support research and policy analysis that inform Hay Tao’s conservation, livelihoods, resilience, gender/youth, environmental governance, partnership with private sector activities
• Support applied political economy analysis (APEA) and participatory reviews of current policies, rules, and regulations that govern CBNRM and protected areas management, including analyzing their impacts on women and youth
• Support research and synthesis of lessons from global and regional initiatives and studies on enabling policy frameworks for conservation finance, resource and land/marine tenure rights, benefit sharing, and other related topics
• Identify key trends and assist in prioritizing key issues for Hay Tao’s policy and advocacy work
• Translate research and analysis findings into policy recommendations/reforms
• Facilitate and support policy dialogue activities
• Support technical assistance and capacity development of decision-makers on policy development or revision
• Provide training and technical guidance to local partners to analyze policies and develop policy briefs

• Liaise with other project staff for exchange and analysis of data and information, and related training and communication activities
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  Basic Requirements**

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, such as political science, environmental law, public policy, or natural resource management; advanced degree is an advantage

• At least 3 years of policy-related work experience in Madagascar

• Understanding of CBNRM, protected areas management, and resource and land tenure rights issues in Madagascar

• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods and strong analytical skills

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, local organizations, and partners

• Facilitation skills and experience providing capacity development and technical assistance

• Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability and ability to perform and collaborate under challenging conditions

• Ability to work independently and produce timely and high-quality results

• Strong planning and inter-cultural communication skills

• Ability to travel within Madagascar

• Malagasy language working proficiency

• Strong written and verbal French and English communication skills
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  Preferred Qualifications**

• Knowledge of USAID rules and regulations

• Experience working on other US Government-funded projects.

  Review and shortlisting will be done on a rolling basis until such time as a successful candidate has been identified. Suitable candidates are invited to submit their electronic application letter and CVs in English to haytaomadagascar@pactworld.org.

Pact is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.

http://pactworld.force.com/careers/VanaHCM__Job_Detail?Id=a33f1000000Yl3g