JOB ADVERT: Environmental Specialist in the Political/Economic (P/E) section

The U.S. Mission in Yaounde, Cameroon is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the position of Environmental Specialist in the Political/Economic (P/E) section.  

This position is located in Yaounde, Cameroon.

BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION

Incumbent is responsible for environmental analysis and reporting and assistance to US Government funded projects.  He/she performs factual and analytical reporting in the field of environment, more specifically on natural resource management, fisheries, forestry management, environmental protection, wildlife trafficking and poaching, and sustainable agricultural practices.  The incumbent will also support overall political-economic analysis, reporting and contact work for all other fields in the P/E section. He/she will assist in planning, implementing and administering development assistance projects.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Applicants must address each required qualification listed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item.  Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not qualified. 

EDUCATION: A Master’s degree in Economics, International Development, or Environmental policy studies is required.

EXPERIENCE:  At least five years of responsible professional-level experience in environmental research, analysis, and reporting is required.  Experience must include analysis and interpretation of data and the presentation of findings in written and oral form.

LANGUAGE: Level III (Good Working Knowledge) Speaking/Reading/Writing English and French are required.  (This will be tested.)

SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Must have excellent verbal skills, and be able to tailor conversations to the level of the audience, taking conversation down to the lowest common denominator.  Must be able to influence and persuade stakeholders to meet US foreign policy objectives. Must be able to diplomatically and effectively exchange with interlocutors. Must be able to effectively multi-task and manage a constantly changing number of projects.  Must be able to quickly understand and work within the realms of specific regulations that vary from project to project.  Must exercise considerable initiative and creativity when developing new project ideas or working within the confines of project regulations.  Must have strong writing skills to be able to write reports, cables and memos in English.

JOB KNOWLEDGE: The incumbent must have a thorough understanding of Cameroonian politics, history, society, economy and institutions; Central African and international development issues; cross cultural global issues, like the environment and health; and economics.  He or she should know and understand USG and Mission priorities and policies, plus US government, politics and history as relates to the execution of his or her job in the promotion/advocacy of USG foreign policy. The Environmental Specialist must be familiar with the MS Office Suite and use of the Internet for research and should have good understanding of Embassy reporting needs and procedures, including Washington’s priorities.  The incumbent must be able to serve as the “institutional memory” for information related to his or her past or present projects.

Detailed Duties and Responsibilities for Environmental Specialist.

Incumbent is responsible for environmental analysis and reporting and assistance to US Government funded projects.  He/she performs factual and analytical reporting in the field of environment, more specifically on natural resource management, fisheries, forestry management, environmental protection, wildlife trafficking and poaching, and sustainable agricultural practices.  The incumbent will also support overall political-economic analysis, reporting and contact work for all other fields in the P/E section. He/she will assist in planning, implementing and administering development assistance projects.

General

The incumbent will report directly to the designated Officer covering environmental issues within the Political and Economic Section, and the Chief of the Political and Economic Section.  Specific projects and areas of responsibility will change over time consistent with Mission priorities and needs of the Political and Economic Section.  The incumbent will have significant contacts with Cameroon government officials and members of civil society.

Environmental Issues:  70%

The incumbent will support overall environmental analysis, reporting and contact work on a broad range of topics, including domestic and international environmental policy, parks and wildlife management, sustainable forestry, and fisheries protection.  In addition, working with other LE Staff colleagues, he/she will be responsible for covering the agriculture portfolios.  These portfolios include making contacts, reporting on meetings and significant events, and representing the Embassy as requested by the incumbent’s supervisor.

Development Assistance:  20%

Cameroon is also the recipient of significant USDA, USFWS, and DOS assistance.  The incumbent will liaise with these agencies in order to support these projects as needed, including providing USG agencies with analysis of their progress and problem areas, assisting in liaison with the Government of Cameroon, and providing overall policy advice.  The incumbent will not make financial decisions about development assistance. 

Other Substantive Areas of Responsibility:  10%

As new projects are identified or Mission priorities change, the incumbent may be responsible for special projects in other areas.  In addition, as the needs of the Section require, the incumbent will perform other duties as assigned by the Chief of the Political and Economic Section, such as responding to requests from Washington, drafting cables and correspondence, coordinating official visits and assisting with day-to-day duties in the Political and Economic Section.

TO APPLY:

Interested candidates for this position must submit the following document to the Human Resource Office, P.O. Box 817, Yaoundé or via email at: ydeapplicants@state.gov (please, indicate the title of the position on the “ SUBJECT”: line). Electronic are strongly encouraged.

1. Universal application for employment (DS-174) available online at http://yaounde.usembassy.gov; or
2. A current resume or curriculum vitae that provides the same information found on the DS-174

The closing date for this position is: January 22nd, 2016