Land Tenure County Coordinator

USAID Liberia Land Management Activity

ECODIT is an international development firm working with governments, businesses, and local communities to advance environmentally- and socially responsible development around the world. We provide technical assistance services ranging from quick-turnaround assessments and evaluations to design and implementation of long-term multi-million-dollar projects. Since its founding in 1993, ECODIT has provided professional services through more than 250 projects/contracts to diverse clients in more 50+ countries. Building on our track record of success, we have continuously expanded the depth and breadth of our expertise in the energy, water, environment, and urban and local governance sectors.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The purpose of the Land Management Activity is the effective and inclusive management of communal land through land tenure processes. Its aim is to support Liberian communities in obtaining deeds to their customary land per the 2018 Land Rights Act (LRA) and support the improved use of customary land for sustainable, equitable economic benefit. In doing so, the activity will ensure the adherence to standard land governance principles such as gender empowerment, access to justice, equal participation, tenure security, and productive land use.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Job Summary

The USAID Land Management Activity is working in 60 communities across Bong, Lofa and Nimba Counties. These positions are field based and intended for people currently based in one of these three counties, and with experience working on land formalization in these counties. The Project currently leads its work in targeted communities through a senior technical team, three implementing partners and 4 field-based CBOs. Carefully selected CBOs are critical for Project implementation as they have strong relationships in the communities where the Project works, including neighboring communities, are familiar with the traditional norms and practices in these communities, and have ties to local government authorities and traditional leadership. However, the 2018 LRA and work on customary land formalization process is still new for them. The Project has provided focused trainings to its local partners on these important areas, improving their knowledge and understanding, but they require additional support to carry out all planned activities related to the CLRF process and to assist communities in obtaining their deeds. The LMA is committed to mentoring these local partners for their continual development. To achieve this, the Project will recruit and place an experience Land Tenure County Coordinator in each local CBOs office, to lead the work in communities, while directly supporting and mentoring the local CBO on the implementation of activities.

The Land Tenure County Coordinator will provide policy, analytical and implementation expertise on rural land tenure security, access to land, women’s land rights, land rights formalization, resolution of land disputes, and land use planning. The Land Tenure County Coordinator will lead work plan implementation in targeted communities, under the direct supervision of the LMA’s senior technical team, and effectively use Project approved tools, resources and approaches for achieving results and building the capacity of the local partner.

conducts analyses (both from the desk and in the field), and prepares and presents analytical reviews, research and briefing papers, advisory memos, training modules, presentations, and other products. Priority will be given to professionals with experience in and a commitment to women’s land rights. The Land Tenure Specialist manages related assignments, projects, and tasks, and helps pursue project funding.

Reporting and relationships:The Land Tenure County Coordinator reports directly to an assigned member of the Project’s senior technical team.

Availability:The Land Tenure County Coordinator is expected to work a standard 40-hour work week, plus any additional hours, when required, to meet the reporting and technical deliverables of the Project.

Essential Job Functions:

• Lead work plan implementation in targeted communities, in collaboration and coordination with assigned CBO partner.
• With guidance from the assigned senior technical team member and the MEL Specialist, monitor and report on the progress of the assigned CBO partner.
• Provide technical support and guidance to the CBO partner on activity design and implementation.
• Advise CBO partner on how to address and resolve implementation challenges.
• Work closely with the MEL Specialist to ensure proper data collection and reporting as per the Project’s approved MEL Plan.
• Support gender integration and social inclusion across all project activities, in consultation with the Project’s GESI Specialist.
• Both lead and supervise planned fieldwork, ensuring progress towards approved targets and objectives.
• Provide regular feedback and recommendations to the senior technical team member on activity implementation based on challenges encountered, lessons learned and any corrective action that might need to be taken.
• Contribute to Project quarterly and annual review, reflection, planning and reporting requirements, as well as quarterly and annual work planning activities.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with local government authorities, including the LLA County Land Administer and District Superintendents, as well as traditional leaders and other key stakeholders in the Project’s targeted communities.
• Provide support to the CBO partner to plan and facilitate any high-level visits from GoL representatives or USAID.
• Contribute to internal learning objectives by facilitating research activities led by the MEL Specialist.
• Perform any other technical and/or administrative tasks as requested.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• A deep commitment helping communities in Liberia to secure land tenure.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong oral presentation skills and an ability to think on one’s feet when defending policy recommendations.
• Familiarity with legal, economic, sociological, agricultural, political, institutional, geographic, and anthropological concepts as applied to rural development.
• Ability to develop concrete work plans and manage tasks, teams, people, and other elements so that work is performed according to agreed budgets, schedules, delivery requirements, and staffing plans.
• Ability to manage documentation and correspondence requirements related to the CLRF process. ·
• Ability to work collaboratively with a range of people at all levels, including those from the GoL, especially the Liberian Land Authority, non-governmental organizations, and other counterparts, clients and donors. Ability to demonstrate cross-cultural sensitivity, tact, and poise.
• Ability to lead and work collaboratively as a team member, regardless of role within the team, through consensus building, communication, and leadership.
• Commitment to ECODIT’s core values.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• A bachelor’s degree in law, agricultural economics, economics, sociology, geography, anthropology or any other related field; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• A minimum of five years of professional work experience in the land sector in Liberia, specifically on customary land formalization with demonstrated knowledge of the 2018 LRA and the CLRF process.
• Previous work experience working with USAID, the World Bank or similar.
• Previous experience training, mentoring and building the capacity of individuals and/or institutions.
• Strong English report writing and communication skills (both verbally and in writing).

Work Expectations and Additional Comments

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. The employee, as a representative of ECODIT and USAID, must always act professionally treat all team members, partners, community members and others with respect and dignity.

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made in appropriate circumstances to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. Please note that these positions/vacancies are subject to donor approval and funding. Once received, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Working Conditions and Travel Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to working conditions and hazards that prevail in the country. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Work is both indoors and outdoors, with significant time expected to be spent in the targeted communities. The employee will be required to travel extensively in the targeted county and communities. When traveling, the employee may be exposed to physical hazards (illnesses, noise, extreme temperatures, wet or humid climates, etc.), road hazards (unfinished/dirt roads, potholes, traffic-related accidents, etc.), and atmospheric conditions (odors, dust, fumes, smog, etc.). The employee must be licensed to drive a motorbike, which will be the primarily mode of transportation in the targeted communities.

ECODIT provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you are an applicant that requires a reasonable accommodation, please email us at recruiter@ecodit.com. Please reference your county of interest for the position in the email subject line. Deadline for the submission of applications is November 1, 2023, 5:00 PM.

ECODIT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, sex, religion, creed, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and gender expression, familiar status, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected status or characteristics. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.