The overall purpose of the role:

The Environmental Assistant will support the implementation of environmental projects within URRI’s operational areas, focusing on community mobilization, awareness creation, and capacity building. This role aims to enhance community participation in ecosystem restoration, climate adaptation, and natural resource management initiatives, ensuring alignment with URRI’s environmental and sustainability goals.

Responsibilities;

Community Mobilization and Engagement

• Act as the primary liaison between URRI and community stakeholders, facilitating open communication and fostering trust.
• Mobilize refugee and host communities to actively participate in environmental restoration activities, such as tree planting, and soil conservation, while applying principles of Resilience Designs.
• Organize and facilitate community meetings, workshops, and awareness campaigns to promote environmental conservation and sustainable practices.
• Identify community needs, concerns, and priorities to inform project design and implementation.
• Strengthen community ownership of environmental initiatives through participatory approaches and co-design processes.

Environmental Awareness and Capacity Building

• Develop and deliver educational materials and training sessions on ecosystem restoration, climate-smart agriculture, and sustainable resource use.
• Promote environmentally friendly practices among communities, such as recycling, composting, and water conservation.
• Identify and mentor community-based environmental champions to lead localized conservation efforts.
• Collaborate with schools and local institutions to integrate environmental education into their activities.

Project Implementation Support

• Assist the Environmental Officer in planning and executing restoration activities, including tree planting, woodlot establishment, and soil erosion control.
• Liaise and work together with CSA partners during community sensitization meetings, group formation, and execution/supervision of activities.
• Support data collection and documentation during environmental assessments and project monitoring.
• Ensure timely delivery of materials and resources for community-based activities.
• Monitor and report on community participation and progress toward project goals.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Build and maintain relationships with local leaders, government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to strengthen project implementation.
• Work collaboratively with URRI partner staff to identify synergies and enhance the impact of environmental initiatives.
• Represent URRI in local forums and events related to environmental conservation

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Participate in the monitoring and evaluation of community-based environmental activities, ensuring alignment with project objectives.

• Collect and report data on project outcomes, community participation, and feedback.
• Prepare regular updates, success stories, and lessons learned for internal and external sharing.

Experience and technical competencies: (include years of experience)

• Experience in the mobilization of communities for participatory activities
• Experience in the implementation of ecosystem restoration, climate adaptation, and natural resource management projects using the labour-intensive approach
• Experience in managing the workforce and community member

Education: (include certificates, licenses, etc.): Bachelor’s degree/ Diploma in Environmental Science, Community Development, or related fields.

Experience: At least 3 years of practical field experience in the mobilization of communities and implementation of projects for bachelor degree holders and 5 years’ experience for diploma holders. – Experience working with refugees and host communities is an advantage.

Technical Skills: Basic understanding of environmental restoration practices and participatory community development approaches.

Languages: (indicate fluency level)

• English (must)
• Lugbara, Madi, Alur, Luo, Arabic,