Background

BIOCOOR began in 2012 as a social enterprise called BIOCOOP. In 2020, the organization shifted into an non-governmental organization, keeping the same focus. BIOCOOR was founded primarily by young people dedicated to act and advocate for biodiversity conservation, ecotourism promotion, community health, environmental management, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. The BIOCOOR headquarters are in Huye district of the Southern Province of Rwanda. The organization’s geographic focus are the five districts near Nyungwe National Park: Rusizi, Nyamasheke, Karongi, Nyamagabe, and Nyaruguru, plus Huye, Nyanza, and Gisagara districts. The primary target for BIOCOOR’s conservation activities is the rainforests of Nyungwe National Park, its buffer zone, Lake Kivu, Rusizi river basin, Ruhango-Nyungwe Corridor, Kibirizi-Muyira remnant forest, and other mountains that need restoration. BIOCOOR aims to integrate conservation projects and sustainable economic development in both green and blue economies.

Mission:

To build a nation that is environmentally and socio-economically stable through its resources and skills.

Vision:

Contribute to the development of Rwanda to the level of middle-income countries using its resources and skills.

BIOCOOR has been awarded a grant under the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) – Operational Phase 8 (OP8), implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to implement the project:

“Umutima w’Ibidukikije: Empowering Communities for Nyungwe –Ruhango Green Livelihoods.”

The project will focus on ecosystem restoration and green livelihood strengthening within the NyungweRuhango Corridor, specifically in Kaduha Sector, Nyamagabe District.

Position Purpose

BIOCOOR is seeking a qualified and motivated Field Officer to support the upcoming implementation of project activities at the community level.

Key Responsibilities

• Support implementation of ecosystem restoration activities
• Coordinate community mobilization and engagement
• Facilitate training in climate-smart agriculture and agroforestry
• Support development of green livelihood initiatives (e.g., beekeeping, small livestock, composting, and other income-generating activities)
• Assist in establishment and monitoring of demonstration sites
• Promote sustainable natural resource management and forest protection
• Organize community awareness events and outreach activities
• Collect field data and contribute to reporting
• Work closely with local leaders and stakeholders
• Report regularly to the Programs Manager

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in:

• Environmental Science
• Forestry
• Nature Conservation
• Agriculture / Agroforestry
• Natural Resource Management
• Rural Development
• Conservation Biology
• Cooperative Management or related field

Experience

• At least 2 years of relevant field experience in:
• Community-based projects
• Environmental conservation or agriculture
• Rural livelihoods programs

Required Skills

Knowledge of:

• Agroforestry and ecosystem restoration
• Soil and water conservation
• Climate-smart agriculture

Experience in:

• Community mobilization and training
• Working with cooperatives or farmer groups

Strong:

• Communication and facilitation skills
• Data collection and reporting skills
• Ability to work in rural field conditions

Languages

• Fluent in Kinyarwanda and English
• French is an added advantage

Contract Details

• Contract duration: 2 Years
• Duty station: Kaduha Sector, Nyamagabe District

• Support implementation of ecosystem restoration activities
• Coordinate community mobilization and engagement
• Facilitate training in climate-smart agriculture and agroforestry
• Support development of green livelihood initiatives (e.g., beekeeping, small livestock, composting, and other income-generating activities)
• Assist in establishment and monitoring of demonstration sites
• Promote sustainable natural resource management and forest protection
• Organize community awareness events and outreach activities
• Collect field data and contribute to reporting
• Work closely with local leaders and stakeholders
• Report regularly to the Programs Manager

• Agroforestry and ecosystem restoration
• Soil and water conservation
• Climate-smart agriculture
• Community mobilization and training
• Working with cooperatives or farmer groups
• Communication and facilitation skills
• Data collection and reporting skills
• Ability to work in rural field conditions

• Bachelor’s degree in: Environmental Science, Forestry, Nature Conservation, Agriculture / Agroforestry, Natural Resource Management, Rural Development, Conservation Biology, Cooperative Management or related field