Terms of Reference for Forest Officer

BACKGROUND

Established in 1992, ANSAB is a non-profit, non-governmental organization committed to biodiversity conservation and livelihood improvement in Nepal. It places community empowerment and economic incentives at the heart of its approach and generates knowledge and results through applied research and studies to implement innovative solutions. ANSAB has been consistently evolving, consolidating, institutionalizing and advancing the approaches and strategies for the promotion of community-based enterprises and value chains, natural resources management and biodiversity conservation, enabling policy environment and multi-stakeholders.

ANSAB is urgently seeking to recruit a qualified, dynamic, and results-oriented individual for the position of Forest Officer under a project entitled “Scaling Conservation of Himalayan Plants and Fungi through Sustainable Trade”.

SCOPE OF WORK

The forest officer, based in Darchula, will be responsible for the efficient and timely execution of project activities at Darchula and Bajhang districts. Under the overall supervision of Senior Manager- Biodiversity and with day-to-day reporting to Field Program Coordinator, the Forest Officer will oversee and coordinate project activities in these two districts. It is important to note that this position requires excellent coordination skills and need frequent visits in the project working areas.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Liaise with district line agencies viz: Division Forest Offices, Park Offices, FECOFUN district chapters, NTFPs traders, trade associations, harvesters etc. for effective implementation of activities;
Organize and facilitate different surveys, assessments, researches, workshops, trainings and meetings in the district/s, including the exposure visits. Conduct if necessary;
Support and mobilize experts while conducting resource inventory of identified NTFPs;
Collect district level trade studies of selected NTFPs;
Capacitate and mobilize social mobilizers and Local Resource Persons (LRPs) within the district/s;
Analyze the gaps in CFUGs with respect to FairWild Certification standards;
Coordinate with CFUGs to (i) deliver trainings on organizational governance, sustainable harvesting, sustainable forest management to meet FairWild certification requirements; (ii) support to prepare and implement different management plans; (iii) provide technical support to identify, asses and manage high mountain herbs; and (iv) form sub-committees as required;
Provide support to existing and potential entrepreneurs on enterprise development, business skills, marketing, FairWild certification and associated document-management.

QUALIFICATION AND SKILLS

M.Sc. in Forestry, or M.Sc. in Natural Resource Management with a B.Sc. in Forestry, and at least one year of experience working in Himalayan districts;
Knowledge on community forestry, resource inventory, NTFPs and certification;
Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills in English and Nepali;
Ability to plan and prioritize work under pressure and tight deadlines;
Good computer skills including MS Word and Excel. Knowledge on GIS mapping will add value;
Motorbike riding skill with valid driving license.

DURATION AND LEVEL OF EFFORT

The duration of the engagement will be for two years, with possibility of extension.
Full-time position based in Darchula.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Qualified candidates who meet the above requirements are requested to apply by completing the designated online form by Sept 20, 2026. Applicants should upload their latest curriculum vitae with at least two references and a cover letter in the form where indicated.

Click to apply for this position

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Residents from the project districts are strongly encouraged to apply. ANSAB is an equal opportunity employer and doesn’t discriminate any applicant with regards to gender, caste, race, color, or religion. Only short-listed candidates will be invited for written test and interview. No telephone enquiries will be entertained.