Senior Forester

Job Description

About Ripple Africa

Ripple Africa is a nonprofit organization based in Malawi, established in 2003 by Geoff and Liz Furber. The organization is dedicated to empowering rural communities through sustainable development initiatives in education, healthcare, and environmental conservation. Ripple Africa follows a “hand up, not a hand out” philosophy, emphasizing local leadership and long-term community involvement. The organization implements various programs, including environmental conservation efforts that focus on forest protection, fish conservation, and clean cookstove initiatives. In education, Ripple Africa supports school infrastructure, teacher training, and scholarships to enhance access to quality education. Its healthcare initiatives improve medical services through clinic support and maternal health programs. Additionally, Ripple Africa engages in community development through agriculture training and women’s empowerment projects. Ripple Africa primarily serves rural communities in Malawi’s Nkhata Bay District, particularly around Mwaya. The organization collaborates with local stakeholders, international volunteers, and corporate partners to achieve its mission, focusing on vulnerable groups such as women, children, and small-scale farmers. With a strong grassroots presence, Ripple Africa employs over 2,000 Malawian staff and volunteers, ensuring community ownership of its projects.

Job Summary

Ripple Africa invites applications from candidates who meet the qualifications and experience stated below and have relevant experience to fill the following vacant position of Senior Forester.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Assisting with, and implementation of, Forest Management Plans and project Annual Plan of Operations
• Assisting with project budgeting activity
• Leading on Forest Management, Conservation and Sustainability activities, following carbon standard and FSC requirements
• Complying with National Forestry Laws, International Environmental Agreements and Pine Tree Project obligations
• Undertaking in-house forestry audits and risk assessments as required, always working in accordance with Ripple Africa Malawi Employee Handbook
• Supervision of Ripple Africa Junior Forester and mentoring project staff
• Research and Technical Support (remote and in-person), keeping up to date on all relevant regulations and best practise methodology

Educational Qualifications, Skills, & Experience Required

• Diploma in Forestry
• Practical experience in forest management and conservation
• Community engagement and training in forest management best practise
• Planning and development of forest management plans
• Forest Management policy and regulation input
• I.T. literacy in Microsoft Office tools and data collection and management