Job purpose

The ideal candidate for this post will Provide environment advisory and build capacity to local partners and Small Mediums Entrepreneurs, also Conduct environmental assessments of implementing partners to determine their current existing practices and strategies and also evaluate their commitment to environmentally sustainability. 

Organization background

VSO is a leading independent international development organisation that works through volunteers. We are unique in the way we bring people together to volunteer their knowledge, experience and skills to fight poverty. VSO currently works in 24 developing countries mainly in Asia and Africa. We always work in partnerships, supporting and bringing together diverse partners (government departments, community-based organizations, NGOs and the private sector) who are strategically placed to advance pro-poor policies and programmes. We have been working in Tanzania since 1961, strengthening capacity to improve the quality, delivery and access of services in education, health and secure livelihoods.

Job Description

Note; these objectives are subject to improvement/modification after discussion with project manager as well as implementing partner.

Responsibilities

The ideal candidate will:

Advise

• Provide environmentally sound advisory support for the set-up and management of the technology innovation fund and the enterprise and innovation centres, including environmental best practices, alternative sources of energy, etc.

Build capacity

• Lead trainings for project staff members and national partners on environmental sensitivity and on inclusive practices for  all project components and activities

Do research and plan

• Conduct environmental assessments of selected SMEs and target value-chains and develop environmental sustainability plans and strategies for implementing these

Key Performance Indicators

KPI’s will be agreed on through mutual discussions.

These KPI’s can be subject to change if deemed necessary by project manager or employee.

Competencies

• Building and Sustaining working relationships - The social skills to build and actively maintain working relationships that foster teamwork and collaboration with others for the benefit of a common goal.
• Open Minded and Respectful - A non-judgemental approach that values other people and culture.
• Seeking and Sharing Knowledge - Recognition that learning is a two-way and continuous process.
• Facilitating Positive Change - The ability to analyse problems and develop lasting solutions in line with VSO approaches.
• Adaptability - A flexible approach and the ability to adapt behaviour to different situations.
• Resilience - The self-confidence to work with a variety of situations, diverse people and ambiguity.

Skills and Knowledge  

Qualifications (essential):

• A degree in environmental sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position (such as forestry, fisheries biology, wildlife ecology, environmental law, environmental science, biology, botany range management, geology, and other biological science courses).
• Experience in environmental management.
• Able to formulate and implement environmental regulations, policies and procedures.
• Good experience in establishing and supporting organization development.
• Facilitation and training skills
• Strong understanding of businesses, esp. small and medium businesses

Desirable

• Field experience or have actively participated in environmental projects, ideally international or developmental

Passionate for sharing knowledge and implementing projects to help the environment

Responsible to:

  Project  Manager

Personal considerations

In addition to the job description, the following information should be used when considering whether a placement is suitable for you.

Personal health considerations

If you have a significant current or past medical condition or you have general concerns about staying healthy as a volunteer, please use this information to assess whether this placement will be suitable for you. All volunteers require medical clearance from a VSO medical adviser before they are able to take up a placement with VSO. Occasionally, VSO may consider that this placement is too great a risk for you in terms of your personal health and you would be advised to consider a different placement. For further guidance about medical assessment and volunteering with a medical condition please see the frequently asked questions on VSO website.

Access to medical care and support

The standard and quality of local medical care and support available at this placement will depend on its location within the country. Health facilities are likely to be more poorly resourced in rural areas in terms of medical expertise, equipment, infrastructure and regular supplies of medication. However, this may not be the case in the capital city or in a larger town, where in some countries there may be a reasonable standard of medical care. If you wish to discuss your personal circumstances or health concerns in confidence with VSO’s medical team before you apply for this placement, please contact medical@vsoint.org

Work permit information (non-Tanzanian)

When you are going to work in Tanzania for a period longer than three weeks, you are required to have obtained both a Residence Permit and a Work Permit before you can enter Tanzania. The process of obtaining these permits is a long procedure that can take up to 6  months to complete. When your placement is in the area of health, before applying for the necessary permits, verification of your certificates by the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) and registration at the respective Council is also a necessity, which can take an additional two to three months. Of course, the professional support staff in our country office situated in the capital of Dar es Salaam will take care of this process and guide you on the process that you need to complete from your end through the websites of TCU or the council and will make sure that all forms are obtained from the right institutions, and they will guide you through this process step by step. Please note that they are always there to provide you with all necessary assistance, but please take this timeframe into account when considering whether a placement is suitable for you.