Project Management Lead *Jakarta, Indonesia* - Management & Engineering Technologies International : Job Details

Project Management LeadFull-time staff position, Jakarta, IndonesiaPosted: 9 Oct 2024Closing: 8 Nov 2024The successful applicant will be hired through a contractor (METI Inc.) to work with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Office of International Programs on international natural resource projects.Management and Engineering Technologies International, Inc. (METI), in support of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Office of International Programs (IP), may require the services of a full-time Project Management Lead to help administer a U.S. government (USG)-funded program based in Jakarta, Indonesia.BackgroundThe United States Forest Service (USFS) is the principal domestic technical agency for forestry and natural resource management in the United States and the largest natural resource research institution in the world. Its 35,000-person workforce possesses a wide range of natural resource management skills, including expertise in forest and rangeland management, protected area management, wildlife management, research and practical applications related to ecological resilience, recreation and tourism development, ecosystem services valuation, and ecosystem restoration, among others. The agency's multiple-use mandate requires that it balance conservation with social and economic interests, necessitating a pragmatic approach to natural resource management. Further, the Forest Service works extensively with resource management agencies at both the federal and state level and with communities, tribes, and civil society to coordinate management, seek input, and resolve conflict - the agency is well-versed in the shared management of resources that do not adhere to political and administrative boundaries (i.e., ecosystems and their primary constituents - water, wildlife, soils, and services).USFS International Programs (USFS-IP) partners with USAID Indonesia to enhance sustainable forest management by providing technical and implementing support to contribute to USAID Indonesia's Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) 2020-2025. Advancing Landscape and Ecosystem Management (ALAM) is a 5-year interagency program funded by USAID Indonesia and implemented by USFS-IP. The program will provide an efficient mechanism through which USFS can offer unique technical expertise and capabilities from its experience in managing America's forests and grasslands for more than 100 years. In collaboration with USAID Indonesia, USFS will develop technical cooperation with relevant Government of Indonesia (GoI) counterparts to support Indonesia's Forestry and Other Land Use (FOLU) Net Sink 2030 plan. Furthermore, the program will provide a platform for the United States Government (USG) to support GoI to continue to build upon proven strategies in sustainable forest management, ecosystem conservation, carbon sequestration, adaptation to natural hazards, disaster risk reduction, and women and youth engagement.The project is seeking a qualified and experienced professional to be the full-time 'ALAM Project Lead' based in Jakarta, Indonesia. Position DescriptionWorking closely with USFS-IP Program Manager based in Washington, DC and Management Engineering Technologies International, Inc. (METI) office, the ALAM Project Lead will provide in country leadership, management, partnership building, program representation, and general technical direction of the entire program, ensuring an integrated vision among the program team, components, and stakeholders, with a focus on achieving the results defined in the program description. This project will work in close collaboration with GoI ministries in charge of the forestry and climate change topics and all relevant stakeholders to achieve the overall objectives of the program. The ALAM Project Lead would support the program in capacities such as, but not limited to, the following:

• Provide strategic direction for all project activities. Develops and updates the project strategic plan, ensuring that programmatic directions are technically sound, evidence-based, and compliant with USFS and USAID standards.

• Ensures the project achieves the greatest possible impact including providing the necessary leadership to inspire and motivate the project team to implement performance objectives and mandates in a timely and cost-efficient fashion and meet the highest quality standards and value for money.
• Develop a framework for learning and create an organizational culture of learning and knowledge sharing.
• In collaboration with the MEL Specialist provide leadership and direction to ensure robust monitoring and evaluation strategies, frameworks, plans, systems and indicators to capture and monitor/evaluate project resources, performance and results.
• Collaborates closely with senior staff and project stakeholders, to design and operationalize an annual project planning cycle, which integrates annual project work plans and budgets.
• Provide overall leadership to all aspects of the project including final review of detail budgets, work plans, performance frameworks, M & E plan, procurement and supply chain management plan, etc.
• Maintain strong relationships with related USAID officials, GoI ministries, academic institutions, community-based organizations, NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders
• Monitor the transitions of key personnel within GoI ministries and promptly cultivate new connections
• Lead the ALAM team to provide proper coordination and guidance among local federal government, country-wide initiatives, community partners, NGOs and other key stakeholders.
• Emphasize the use of data and learning for ongoing program improvement and adaptation.
• Establish effective communication and coordination with personnel from the government to implement interventions and incorporate country-wide priorities.
• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where the project team strives to achieve excellence. Ensure a cohesive workplace for optimum staff retention.
• Carry out any other financial and procurement-related responsibilities as assigned by the office.

QualificationsALAM Project Lead should have the following skills and experience:

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in natural resource management, environmental science and/or policy, management, public administration, or related fields.
• Minimum of 12 years' experience working in natural resource management positions, with minimum years in a supervisory or managerial role. Prior experience working with USAID or USG programs/projects is highly preferred. Proven experience in providing strong leadership and extensive management experience is required.
• Demonstrated understanding of Indonesia's forestry and climate change context, highly preferable having experience working with the GoI ministry in charge of forestry and climate change topics.
• A self-starter who can imagine different ways of approaches, implement them, close gaps when they exist, and produce results
• Demonstrated experience of working in a leadership position and managing programs of similar size and complexity.
• Sound understanding and demonstrated ability to effectively understand GoI policies and coordinate with GoI officials, preferably understanding the administrative framework of international cooperation
• International experience in developing countries.
• Proven leadership in the administration of similar activities with skills in strategic planning, management, supervision and budgeting. Extensive experience working with the USG or international donors is critical.
• Proven experience and knowledge in promoting the role of gender in natural resource management and/or biodiversity conservation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and develop a network of contacts among international donor officials, USG, GoI, and non-government staff;
• Evidence of excellent skills in intercultural communications and proven experience in facilitating dialogue, coordination, and collaboration in wildlife and/or biodiversity conservation.
• Possesses a demonstrated ability to establish strong working relationships with senior representatives of national and local government, the private sector and civil society.
• Able to develop effective working relationships with the project/program team members as well as with the external suppliers, vendors and service providers.
• Proven ability to show strong teamwork skills and work with a diverse group of stakeholders, with excellent customer service skills.
• Interest in learning new tools, ability to make evidence-based operational decisions.
• Proven ability to provide on-the-job capacity-building training to other team members.
• High proficiency in relevant computer applications e.g. MS Word, MS Excel, MS- PowerPoint, and basic internet skills are required.

Salary: Relevant to the technical skill level of the position but may be adjusted to account for additional experience and skills.Level of Effort: 12 month initial contract, with the ideal candidate serving through the life of project. If the USFS were to secure the services of an individual with these skills, the successful applicant would be hired through Management and Engineering Technologies Inc (METI).Instruction for Application SubmissionInterested applicants are requested to properly fill in the application form available at the following URL: Please include a cover letter and a curriculum vitae (CV) with full contact details, specific description of educational background, career experiences, and achievements.