Thematic Expert (Policy Reforms
& Capacity Building)

Thematic Expert, Policy Reforms and Capacity Building (PR-CB) will work under the direct supervision and guidance of the NPC and will closely collaborate with PPCs and other thematic Specialists. The primary responsibilities of the incumbent will be to mainstream SLM principles and guidelines into sectoral polices and plans. Actively plan, implement and coordinate activities related to the capacity building component of the Up-scaling Programme. He/she will ensure that proposed programme objectives, specifically of his/her component, are accomplished within prescribed timeframe and funding parameters. His/her other major task would also be to collaborate with line ministries and provincial governments for mainstreaming NAP into their planning processes.

 The specific tasks of the Policy Reforms and Capacity Building Specialist will include: 

• Assist the NPC in achieving the overall objectives of the Programme ;
• Take a lead role in developing appropriate legal and policy reforms to harmonize sectoral polices for adoption of sustainable land management practices and identifying capacity development needs of the Programme  partners and formulate a capacity building program tailored toward SLM of land resources and the overall mandate of the Up-scaling Programme ;
• Ensure, that NAP is mainstreamed into sectoral policies and development  plans
• Organize training workshops and seminars on sustainable land use planning, rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems and integrated management of land resources;
• Develop National Criteria & Indicators (C & I) for SLM in collaboration with line ministries, research institutions, provincial governments, and NGOs;
• Develop a training plan for the Programme partners and community representatives to build their capacity in promoting SLM and integrated ecosystem management;
• Coordinate and collaborate with partner organizations and other relevant agencies for enhancing technical capacity of the line agencies, district government staff, research institutions, NGOs, farmer groups and women’s organizations in tackling land degradation and desertification;
• Provide guidance and supervise the work of communication officer in designing and implementing the Up-scaling Programme  communication strategy;
• Design and implement a program for promoting public-private partnerships for addressing desertification issues;
• Take a lead role in developing and implementing outreach and awareness raising strategy for the Programme;
• Provide quarterly updates on progress on implementation of enabling environment component of the Programme;
• Take care of special concerns such as gender equity and human rights while designing and implementing on-the job-training programs;
• Assist and collaborate with PPCs and other thematic experts in team efforts for achieving the Programme  objectives;
• Provide quarterly updates on implementation and progress made on the policy reforms and capacity building component of the Programme based on the annual work plans;
• Assist and collaborate with PPCs and other thematic experts in team efforts for achieving the Programme  objectives;
• Any other specific task as may be assigned by the NPD or NPC.

Education and Experience:-

• Master's degree in Social Sciences, Natural Resource, Agriculture / Forestry, Development Economics, management or relevant degree from HEC recognized university
• At least 07 years of related experience of working in multi stakeholder’s environment, particularly in the public or industrial sector.

Other Skills:-

• Experience in developing policies and familiarity with UNCCD process and developing national level policy documents (NAPs) would be an advantage;
• Proven ability to develop and implement outreach and public awareness programmes and familiarity with sectoral policies;
• Demonstrated interpersonal communication and leadership skills;
• Problem solving skills and result orientated;
• Sensitivity to gender and other social issues;
• Excellent writing skills and ability to fluently speak English and Urdu. Knowledge of other regional languages will be an added advantage;
• Good computer skills for data analysis, preparation of presentation and report writing