Job Position for Forestry and Natural Resource Management Officer
Forestry and Natural Resource Management Officer
Organization: COOPI – Cooperazione Internazionale
Location: Katsina State, Nigeria
Application Deadline: October 1, 2026
Selection Process: Applications reviewed on a rolling basis
About COOPI
COOPI – Cooperazione Internazionale is an Italian humanitarian NGO founded in Milan in 1965. COOPI works globally to improve access to healthcare, food, and financial security while supporting vulnerable communities affected by conflict, natural disasters, and other environmental crises.
Role Overview
COOPI is seeking an experienced Forestry and Natural Resource Management Officer to lead ecosystem restoration and climate resilience initiatives across conflict-affected communities in Katsina State.
This role focuses on reforestation, watershed management, land reclamation, and agroforestry to support sustainable livelihoods and foster local peacebuilding.
Key Responsibilities
Ecosystem Restoration & Forestry Operations
Lead community-based reforestation and afforestation activities across 8 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Oversee the planting, survival, and biodiversity outcomes of 200,000 trees.
Support land reclamation initiatives and manage nursery development alongside local stakeholders.
Promote carbon sequestration practices and support access to carbon financing mechanisms.
Capacity Building & Community Engagement
Deliver technical training on sustainable land management, agroforestry, and climate-smart agriculture.
Support the establishment of community orchards in secure locations, including local schools.
Provide technical assistance and essential tools for community-led environmental restoration activities.
Facilitate the establishment and revitalization of local Natural Resource Management (NRM) committees and sustainability agreements.
Stakeholder Coordination & Policy
Collaborate with State Ministries of Environment, Agriculture, and Land to strengthen NRM practices.
Contribute to environmental governance policy dialogues and public awareness campaigns.
Integrate conflict-sensitive programming and Do No Harm principles across all field activities.
Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning & Reporting (MEAL)
Monitor project indicators, including tree survival rates, community participation metrics, and restoration outcomes.
Contribute to MEAL activities, including baseline, midterm, and endline evaluations.
Document technical reports, lessons learned, and success stories for internal use and donor reporting.
Candidate Profile
Required Qualifications & Experience
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field.
Experience: Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in ecosystem restoration, agroforestry, or watershed management.
Technical Skills: Sound knowledge of carbon financing, climate-smart agriculture, and land-use planning.
Core Competencies: Strong facilitation, training, analytical, and coordination abilities; proven experience in community mobilization and capacity building.
Operating Environment: Ability to work independently and collaboratively in high-pressure, fragile environments.
Inclusion: Demonstrated commitment to gender, disability, and social inclusion principles.
Desirable Qualifications
Field experience in Northern Nigeria or similar fragile, conflict-affected contexts.
Fluency in local languages and a deep understanding of local cultural dynamics.
Direct experience with donor-funded projects, particularly FCDO-funded programs or similar.
What We Offer
A meaningful opportunity to contribute to climate resilience, ecosystem restoration, and peacebuilding initiatives.
A collaborative, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
Continuous professional development and learning opportunities.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should complete their application online:
Important Notes:
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; early submission is highly encouraged.
Diversity & Inclusion: Qualified female applicants and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. COOPI is an equal opportunity employer.
Zero Fee Policy: COOPI does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
