Project Associate

Position: Project Associate

RECOFTC is an international nonprofit organization working towards a future where resilient communities with respected rights thrive in forest landscapes that they manage sustainably
and equitably. We take a long-term, landscape-based and inclusive approach in supporting local communities to secure their land and resource rights, stop deforestation, find alternative livelihoods and foster gender equality. With almost 40 years of experience, we have built trusting relationships with partners from communities, governments, businesses, academia and civil society organizations. Our innovations, knowledge and initiatives enable countries to foster good forest governance, mitigate and adapt to climate change and achieve the UN Global Goals.

We operate in the Asia-Pacific region, with country offices in Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand and Viet Nam.

RECOFTC Nepal operates through the Center for People and Forests, a registered non-profit organization that serves as RECOFTC’s local entity. For more than two decades, we have laid the groundwork and enhanced capacities for community forestry across the country. We work closely with government, civil society, communities and other stakeholders to advance the implementation of sustainable landscape management in Nepal. Our dynamic approach
to capacity development includes research, analysis and synthesis, strategic communication, training and learning networks, and piloting and demonstrating innovative solutions for people and forests. Guided by a strong rights-based and participatory approach, RECOFTC is recognized and trusted by local communities, government and civil society as a leading voice in community forestry and sustainable forest management.
RECOFTC Nepal invites applications for the consultancy position of Project Associate to support two ongoing projects.

1. Supporting strategic and specific opportunities to enable Indigenous Peoples and local communities to advance their rights through jurisdictional forest carbon initiatives (Kawari-funded project). This project aims to strengthen the capacity of Indigenous Peoples and local communities at the grassroots level to ensure their active engagement in the design and implementation of the Lowering Emissions by Accelerating Forest Finance (LEAF) programme in Bagmati, Gandak and Lumbini provinces. The focus is on building capacity and fostering inclusive policy influence to advance their rights within jurisdictional forest carbon initiatives.

2. Development of resource mobilization action plan on Community Centered Forest Fire Management (supported by FAO/FFF). This initiative seeks to develop a comprehensive, community-centred resource mobilization action plan for forest fire management. The project will co-develop prioritized fire management actions with relevant stakeholders, including community forest user groups, and will incorporate traditional knowledge and local best practices.

The contract is for nine months, commencing on August 2025 and ending on April 2026. The successful candidate will report to the Project Coordinator and work closely with the Senior Programme Officer.

Specific tasks and duties

Data management and reporting

•  Assist with the collection, updating and management of project data
• Analyze data received from project partners and events
•  Support the preparation of periodic progress reports
•  Maintain records and assist with note-taking during meetings, consultations and workshops

Project implementation

•  Assist in organizing and facilitating focus group discussions, consultation meetings, and workshops at different levels
•  Support partner organizations in synthesizing feedback, priorities and concerns gathered from municipal-level stakeholders on Benefit Sharing Plans (BSP)

Knowledge and communication products

•  Support the production of project fact sheets, case studies and documentation of lessons learned and success stories
• Conduct desk reviews of jurisdictional REDD+ policies and forest fire management practices to inform the development of knowledge products
• Contribute to the development of awareness materials in local languages such as leaflets, radio jingles and animated videos for wider dissemination

Other responsibilities

•  Assist in developing criteria for selecting Community-Based Forest groups and reviewing their operational plans
•  Contribute to programme development by identifying and monitoring funding opportunities
•  Perform other tasks as assigned by the Project Coordinator or Senior Programme Officer

Qualifications and experience

The Project Associate should have the following essential qualifications and experience:

Essential

•  Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resource management, environmental science, or a related field
•  At least two years of relevant experience in the development sector
•  Proven skills in documenting case studies, capturing lessons learned, data analysis and report writing
•  Knowledge and understanding of REDD+ and climate finance frameworks
•  Familiarity with forest fire management and community forestry practices
•  Excellent communication and coordination skills for effective interaction with diverse stakeholders
•  Experience in organizing and managing events and workshops

Desirable

•  Experience working with community forest user groups, Indigenous Peoples and local communities
• Understanding of jurisdictional REDD+ initiatives in Nepal
•  Proficiency in both Nepali and English, spoken and written

RECOFTC’s core values

At RECOFTC, our core values are the foundation of our culture and guide all our work. In addition to job-specific skills and experience, the applicant should possess the following characteristics, attitudes and skills:

•  Embrace innovation
• Adapt to and learn from challenges
•  Nurture commitment, responsibility and ownership
•  Collaborate with partners and stakeholders
•  Commit to sustainability
•  Cultivate participation, gender equity and social inclusion
•  Prioritize wellbeing

Commitment to RECOFTC policies and procedures

At RECOFTC, we uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency and responsibility in all our operations. Our policies and guidelines are designed to ensure a safe, inclusive, sustainable and ethical environment for our staff, partners, consultants and the communities we serve.

All staff, consultants and contractors engaged by RECOFTC are required to comply with RECOFTC’s policies and procedures while performing their roles with RECOFTC.

How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents in English:

•  Curriculum Vitae
•  Cover letter outlining your suitability for the position, expected monthly remuneration and contact details of three professional referees, including recent supervisors or those familiar with your consultancy work

Please send your complete application by 31 July 2025 to nepal-recruitment@recoftc.org with the subject line “Project Associate (Consultant).” Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For more information about RECOFTC, please visit our website at www.recoftc.org.

RECOFTC is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunity. Applicants will not be discriminated against based on ethnicity, religion, age, nationality, physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, colour, marital status, medical condition, or any other classification protected by RECOFTC’s values and code of conduct. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified disabled applicants to participate in the
application process. If you require special accommodation, please inform RECOFTC’s Human Resources in writing at the time of application. The successful candidate will be selected based on merit. RECOFTC strongly encourages women to apply.