Background

The Flood Impacts, Carbon Pricing, and Ecosystem Sustainability (FINCAPES) project is a collaborative, gender-responsive initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada. Over a 5.5-year period, jointly undertaken by the University of Waterloo's Faculty of Mathematics and Faculty of Environment, the project supports Indonesia in adapting to climate change, mitigating its impacts, and conserving biodiversity in a socially and economically sustainable manner. Aligned with Indonesia's priorities, FINCAPES enhances the nation's capacity in key areas: forecasting and mitigating financial impacts of climate-change-induced floods, promoting Nature-based Solutions for peatland and mangrove restoration, and strengthening climate finance policy frameworks with a focus on carbon financing mechanisms.  

This project, in partnership with IPB University, promotes gender-equitable nature-based solutions (NbS) for peatland and mangrove restoration to support Indonesia's climate goals. It also supports I-CAN, a research center dedicated to advancing and implementing NbS across Indonesia, and collaborates with various stakeholders to restore mangrove and peatland ecosystems in Lampung and Jambi, serving as living laboratories for research and development of sustainable solutions. These efforts contribute to Indonesia's climate adaptation and mitigation goals, complementing the work of BRGM and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.

Summary of Position

The Field Coordinator (FC) will work under the supervision of the FINCAPES NbS Program Officer, collaborating closely with the I-CAN & IPB University team to implement mangrove restoration and conservation projects in Lampung. This involves coordinating with local governments, farmer groups, NGOs, women's groups, and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of best practices and strategies.

The Field Coordinator is responsible for establishing and maintaining strong relationships with local governments (e.g., BPDAS, Dinas Kehutanan); farmer groups (e.g., Kelompok Tani Hutan); NGOs; and other relevant parties. This coordination will ensure project implementation aligns with FINCAPES' restoration and conservation work plans. The FC will also be responsible for providing complete documentation of all project activities at the district and provincial levels.

Responsibilities 

Under the coordination of the NbS Program Officer, the Field Coordinator is responsible for the following duties:

1. Stakeholder Engagement

• Provide an overview of stakeholders in the field related to the implementation of the NbS program in Lampung.
• Establish effective communication with local stakeholders (e.g., BPDAS, Forestry Agency, Forest Management Unit (KPH), local farmers groups, village communities, etc.) to support program implementation.
• Build strong relationships with local communities to monitor the implementation of mangrove restoration and conservation activities at site locations in Lampung.
• Bridge communication between local communities (e.g., KTH) and local stakeholders in Lampung (e.g., KPH, Forestry Agency, BPDAS, Village Office) to enhance engagement and ensure the sustainability of mangrove restoration and conservation efforts.

2. Planning and Reporting

• Prepare monthly activity plans and reports for fieldwork at the sub-district and village levels, aligned with the Annual Work Plan.
• Submit timely and comprehensive reports to the FINCAPES NbS Program Officer.
• In coordination with FINCAPES Data Management Specialists, assist in data collection related to NbS activities, as needed.
• In coordination with the Communication & KM Specialist, support knowledge management activities, including documentation of field activities that involve identifying and sharing key insights, dynamics, and notable field developments, as needed.

3. Field Coordination & Implementation

• In coordination with the IPB/I-CAN expert team, assist in planning and executing the implementation of the NbS program in Lampung, including technical assessments, surveys, and training sessions.
• Support the expert team in adapting technical recommendations to local contexts and ensuring community and stakeholder understanding.
• In coordination with the IPB/I-CAN expert team, facilitate capacity-building activities, including training sessions and workshops for local communities and stakeholders.
• In coordination with the IPB/I-CAN expert team, monitor and provide on-site support for mangrove restoration and conservation efforts in target locations.

4. Admin & Finance Support

• Provide administrative support for financial reporting and logistical support for district and provincial-level activities related to the implementation of the NbS program, such as field activities, workshops, meetings, and FGDs organized by the project. This includes:
• Providing logistical support at the district and provincial levels.
• Documenting events, including photographs, attendance lists, and required paperwork.
• Managing cash advances and, in coordination with the FINCAPES Finance team, preparing financial reports for activities at the district and provincial levels.
• Providing local vendor information for NbS events and activities to be followed up by the FINCAPES Jakarta Office.
• Ensuring proper maintenance of office equipment, such as printers, laptops, and motorcycle rentals, in coordination with the FINCAPES Jakarta Office.

5. Assist in other duties as required

Qualifications

1. A minimum of a bachelor's degree in Forestry, Agriculture, or a related field.
2. 2 to 5 years of working experience with government-related forestry and/or agriculture agencies (e.g., BPDAS, Dinas Kehutanan) and non-governmental organizations in the selected area.
3. Experience working in a rural community setting, particularly in Lampung. Being based in the targeted district and having the ability to speak the local language is an added value.
4. Proven skills in project cycle management, community development and mobilization, and working closely with key stakeholders, especially at the village and sub-district levels of local government.
5. Experienced, capable, and comfortable working at the sub-district and village levels.
6. Ability to respond to requests and queries in a timely manner.
7. Good communication and facilitation skills, especially with local communities and related stakeholder groups. Experience engaging with people from different sociocultural backgrounds.
8. Basic skills in report writing; familiarity with Office 365 is advantageous.
9. Experience in and willingness to implement program management and prepare financial administration reports related to program activities.
10. Attention to detail, particularly with implementation and monitoring activity progress.
11. Demonstrated abilities in problem-solving, taking initiative, being proactive, and working independently and within a team.
12. Time flexibility and the ability to travel to different regencies/provinces as agreed upon for program implementation.

Nature and Scope

1. Contacts: Internally, the Field Coordinator will communicate and liaise with the Canada-based uWaterloo FINCAPES team, as well as Indonesia-based FINCAPES employees, consultants, and service providers to facilitate efficient planning and implementation of FINCAPES work plans. Externally, the Field Coordinator will communicate and liaise with a wide range of local government entities, universities, civil society organizations, and consultants/service providers to ensure the smooth implementation of activities and optimize project results.
2. Level of Responsibility: As the key project representative in Lampung, the Field Coordinator plays a critical role in planning, supporting, and monitoring NbS-related field activities, while keeping the FINCAPES NbS Program Officer consistently updated on progress. The Field Coordinator assumes multiple critical coordination and liaison roles, including assisting with progress monitoring and supporting timely and accurate financial reporting for Lampung-based project collaborators.
3. Decision-Making Authority: As the project's "eyes and ears" for NbS field activities, the Field Coordinator will be expected to seek advice and input from the FINCAPES NbS Program Officer and FINCAPES Field Director as needed.
4. Working Environment:

• Field Locations: Working in remote locations may be mentally and physically demanding, with more basic amenities than those in urban centers of Indonesia.
• Travel: Frequent domestic travel to other locations is required.
• Working Hours: The position may occasionally involve working outside normal hours and managing stress to meet tight planning or reporting deadlines. Last-minute requests with short delivery deadlines (e.g., progress updates) may also arise.
• Risks - Physical and Psychological: The role involves technically and administratively challenging tasks and responsibilities, with ample opportunities for learning and professional growth.
• Risks - Physical and Psychological While Traveling: In Jakarta: Typical demands and challenges of working and traveling in a large, crowded tropical city, including traffic jams, pollution, and occasional inclement weather.
• Physical and Sensory Demands: Typical demands of living and working in rural or isolated areas, including potentially more physically challenging conditions.

Application Deadline: 30 January 2025

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