The International Land and Forest Tenure Facility works to secure land and forest rights for Indigenous Peoples and local communities. As the first financial mechanism focused solely on this goal, we drive development, reduce conflict, improve human rights, and mitigate climate change. We provide direct funding to communities and partners, build relationships with governments and the private sector, and offer technical expertise to implement tenure rights within existing laws and policies.
The rapidly growth of carbon and biodiversity payment mechanisms – from carbon and biodiversity markets to REDD+ programmes and payment for ecosystem service schemes – represents both an opportunity and a risk for Indigenous Peoples and local communities. It represents a promising source of finance that can help communities sustain their tenure rights. However, ufnfavourable agreements or projects and programmes implemented without their free, prior, and informed consent also pose serious risk to rights.
Tenure Facility partners have indicated an increasing need for tailored advice and support from the communities they serve in deciding how they can leverage these mechanisms to strengthen their tenure rights while minimizing risks and managing conflicts. In response, Tenure Facility has developed the Carbon & Biodiversity Finance Initiative CBFin). This initiaitve will support Tenure Facility partners and the communities they serve to better understand and navigate the opportunities and risks presented by carbon and biodiversity payment mechanisms. This may include providing information and decision-making support, empowering communities to access payments, and supporting parters’ advocacy and engagement.
Tenure Facility has secured funding to beginn implementation of CBFin in Africa, with a particular focus on the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, and Liberia, and is currently exploring options to expand to other regions. We are now seeking a programme officer to support implementation of CBFin in these countries. In addition to supporting CBFin, the programm officer will manage one or more grant agreements with partners, including facilitating, coaching and supporting project partners in identifying capacity building needs and improving their project implementation strategies, results management, financial reporting practices, and sharing of lessons learned.
This position will be based in Tenure Facility’s office in DRC, or remotely in Kenya or Liberia. Travel throughout the region and, in some cases, globally, will be required for events and in-country visits to partners.
Tenure Facility is seeking a fixed-term, full-time consultant to support the implementation of CBFin, as well as broader Tenure Facility projects, in Africa, with an initial focus on Congo, Kenya, and Liberia. This is a remote-based, one-year contract (with possibility of renewal) within the Programmes Unit of Tenure Facility. It will involve working closely across the Tenure Facility team, including the Chief Programme Officer, the Africa Regional Coordinator, the Development Manager, other programme officers and focal points in Africa.
The Programme Officer will work closely with other team members to identify the needs of Tenure Facility partners and the communities they serve, and design and implement funding strategies and approaches that respond to these needs. They will also be responsible for coordinating with other organizations and initiatives in this space, fostering strategic alliances, and identifying opportunities for collaboration.
The ideal candidate must be well-versed in carbon and biodiversity payment mechanisms, as well as land tenure and issues facing Indigenous Peoples and local communities. They will bring extensive experience in Africa and be comfortable in a fast paced environment, working as part of a diverse, multi-cultural team across multiple locations.
The option for renewal will be explored at the end of the term, depending on performance and funding availability. Expected start date February 2025.
The Tenure Facility welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that actively engages Indigenous Peoples, Afro-descendant Peoples, local communities, and other marginalized groups. We value diversity in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, socio-economic background, and cultural perspective, and strive to create a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Interested applicants should submit a CV and cover letter (max one page) explaining their motivation and qualifications for the position to recruitment@thetenurefacility.org and cc Darrgah Conway, dconway@thetenurefacility.org by 12 January 2025.