Biodiversity Coordinator

Responsibilities:

The Biodiversity Coordinator is included in APJM’s work division Conservation Program, and therefore cooperating closely with the person in the position of the Conservation Manager to whom he/she reports. The Biodiversity Coordinator position involves close cooperation with APJM staff and management to carry out the main responsibilities in the area of Biodiversity Conservation that can be summarized as follows:

A. Management of the Native Tree Nursery Program

1. Plan and coordinate with related actors seasonal tasks related to nursery management and seedling production, from seed to delivered seedling a. Seed collection (summer-fall)
b. Seed processing and treatment (fall-spring)
c. Nursery preparation and sowing (spring-summer)
d. Maintenance (summer-fall)
e. Sales and delivery (fall-winter)

2. Set up and implement a monitoring and reporting system on regular basis to allow tracking, evaluation and quality control throughout the production chain
3. Seed documentation (collection source and date; treatment methods and duration; storage method; weight and test results)
4. Production documentation (raw material; costs; date; yield)
5. Maintenance documentation (weeding; irrigation schedule; progress; seedlings health; greenhouse status; temperatures…)
6. Sales documentation (suppliers; delivery of trays…)
7. Stock inventory management: a. Coordinate with Finance department to ensure stock inventory is regularly updated b. Create and analyze reports based on stock data: sales, cost, profit margin…
8. Coordinate and follow up with local actors to achieve timely execution of tasks: landowners; workers; drivers; field staff
9. Purchases of needed materials/equipment (components for growing substrate, growing containers, spare parts for irrigation system) 2 of 3
10. Research, test, and write protocols for proper seed cleaning, treatment and germination as well as seedling handling and transplanting, with a special focus on species of particular economic and ecological value
11. Assess productivity, efficiency and capacity of production in the seed laboratory and in the nurseries, and seek ways of improvement

B. Development of the “Home gardens” concept
1. Develop a production system of medicinal, edible and aromatic plant species in APJM native nursery
2. Coordinate between experts, local residents and APJM team, in order to efficiently launch MEA-based home gardens

C. Marketing and Communication:
1. Continuously follow up with previous and potential buyers of seedlings, and follow up on reforestation projects in need of seedlings
2. Follow up and communicate with Native Nursery Coop and other partners, e.g. Ministry of Agriculture, Lebanon Reforestation Initiative etc.
3. Research on available methods and materials, and take advantage of opportunities to increase knowledge and skills related to nursery production and management
4. Write biodiversity-related scientific articles, articles for media, reports, and social media posts
5. Develop biodiversity-related education and awareness material
6. Represent APJM in national, regional and international workshops
7. Maintain contact with relevant governmental bodies (Ministry of Environment; Ministry of Agriculture) and international NGOs and Programs (IUCN; UNESCO MAB)

D. Research and biodiversity monitoring
1. Coordinate and/or support research studies in Jabal Moussa related to Biodiversity
2. Ensure that all biodiversity data collected is recorded and shared with relevant stakeholders
3. Establish local ecology group of volunteers, using the “participatory science” approach, to engage locals and visitors in gathering biodiversity data

E. Project management
1. Coordinate upcoming/existing project activities related to the programs described above
2. Assist in the preparation of financial and narrative reports related to the project and any other substantial reports required by the donor

F. Team support
1. Provide support, upon availability and as appropriate, to other programs, including: Agro-food products; Ecotourism; Communication; Cultural Heritage
2. Provide relevant administrative and financial records to the Financial department, and conform to its requirements

Qualification requirements:
Preference will be given to holders of degrees in the Forestry / Biodiversity field and to a lesser extent in the Agricultural field. Knowledge of native trees and/or nursery practices is a plus; previous experience in native tree nurseries is highly recommended. Strong commitment and interest in applied practices and in objectives behind the program are essential personal qualities. Discipline in performing given tasks properly is expected. The candidate should be open-minded to unconventional practices. The position is not restricted to tasks like supervising, organizing, and monitoring. Own initiative in participating in work tasks that include manual labor is expected. Driver’s permit is mandatory. The candidate has to be able to reach the nurseries independently.

Duty station:
The Biodiversity Coordinator’s responsibilities require to dedicate at least 50% of the working hours in the field depending on upcoming tasks and their urgency. Office: APJM – Jounieh Field: JM Biosphere Reserve- Ftouh Kesrwan; Native tree nurseries (Mchati, Yahchoush villages); Seed Laboratory (Jouret el Thermos); driving license required. Working hours: 9am to 5pm, 5 days per week, including weekly staff meeting for 2 hours. Working hours may vary depending on tasks; overtime and occasional work on week-ends required.