Payment for Ecosystems (PES) & Rural Livelihoods Specialist
The World at Abt
Solving the world’s most pressing issues and improving the quality of life for people worldwide is what we do every day at Abt. Creating a more equitable world is no small task, but we are driven by big challenges.
We are a team of 3,000+ people in over 50 countries working in unison and focused on the bigger picture. Only by sharing our commitment, energy, and innovation do we affect change and push the boundaries of what’s possible. We welcome diverse ideas, backgrounds, and viewpoints – joining Abt means access to exceptional thinkers at the top of their game.
Our team includes experts in policy, science, finance and natural resource management. We also work with colleagues in economic analysis, engineering, agriculture, finance and public health. Our work on climate change seeks to construct the building blocks of low-emission, climate-resilient communities. We work throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East for chiefly governmental clients, including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), US Agency for International Development (USAID), the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, among others.
To thrive at Abt is to embrace flexibility and collaboration. Our open culture allows you to balance your work and personal life as needed to optimize personal well-being. Creating a more equitable world starts from within – we look after people around the world, and we’ll do the same for you.
Ready to embrace rewarding and meaningful work? Now’s your chance.
The Opportunity
Abt Global is seeking a qualified PES & Rural Livelihoods Specialist to support the anticipated Congo Basin Forestry Action Programme (CBFAP), funded by the FCDO. The CBFAP aims to improve forest governance, enhance livelihoods for forest-dependent communities, and promote sustainable land use across the Congo Basin. The PES & Rural Livelihoods Specialist will ensure that Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) mechanisms are effectively implemented and that rural livelihoods are strengthened in ways that align with forest conservation and sustainable development goals.
The PES & Rural Livelihoods Specialist will lead efforts to integrate Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) and sustainable rural livelihood strategies into the Congo Basin Forestry Action Programme. The role involves designing and implementing PES mechanisms that create financial incentives for local communities to conserve and manage forest ecosystems while ensuring that sustainable livelihoods are strengthened. The specialist will collaborate closely with local communities, governments, private sector partners, and other stakeholders to enhance rural development and promote sustainable forest use.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in natural resource economics, rural livelihoods development, and PES systems, with a focus on integrating these approaches in forest management and conservation programs.
Core Responsibilities
PES System Design and Implementation
Lead the design and rollout of Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) mechanisms, ensuring that these systems provide financial incentives to communities for forest conservation and sustainable land use. Develop and implement context-specific PES frameworks that align with global best practices and the local socioeconomic landscape of the Congo Basin. Ensure that PES mechanisms are structured to provide clear benefits to forest-dependent communities, balancing ecological conservation with economic empowerment and ensuring that mechanisms are sustainable and will continue beyond the life of the programme.Rural Livelihoods Strengthening
Identify and promote sustainable livelihoods for rural communities that reduce reliance on forest resources and support sustainable development. Provide technical guidance on rural economic activities such as sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, non-timber forest product (NTFP) value chains, and eco-tourism. Support capacity-building efforts to improve community access to markets, finance, and technical support for sustainable livelihood development.Capacity Building and Community Engagement
Build capacity of local communities and stakeholders to engage in PES schemes and manage their forest resources sustainably. Lead the development of training materials and workshops focused on sustainable livelihood practices and forest management that promotes and enhances ecosystem services. Ensure the active participation of marginalised groups, including women and indigenous populations, in PES and livelihood activities.Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Development
Engage with governments, private sector actors, NGOs, and local communities to develop partnerships that support PES and rural livelihoods initiatives. Collaborate with financial institutions to develop innovative financing mechanisms for PES, including carbon markets, climate finance, and conservation credits. Advocate for supportive policies and regulations that enhance the sustainability and scalability of PES systems and rural livelihood programs.Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)
Work closely with the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) team to develop PES-related indicators and track the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of PES and livelihood activities. Ensure that lessons learned from PES and rural livelihoods programs are documented and shared to inform future program improvements. Contribute to the production of reports, case studies, and knowledge products related to PES and rural livelihoods outcomes.What We Value
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Natural Resource Economics, Environmental Science, Rural Development, Agricultural Economics, or a related field. At least 5-7 years of experience in designing and implementing Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) mechanisms and rural livelihoods programs, preferably within forest conservation or natural resource management contexts. Proven track record in working with rural communities to develop sustainable livelihoods, particularly in areas of agriculture, agroforestry, NTFPs, or eco-tourism. Experience working on international development projects, particularly in the Congo Basin or similar regions, is highly desirable. Familiarity with carbon markets, climate finance, or conservation finance mechanisms linked to PES. Strong understanding of PES principles and methodologies, including financial mechanisms for ecosystem services and REDD+. Excellent project management and problem-solving skills, with a focus on sustainable livelihoods and natural resource management. Fluency in English and French (required); knowledge of local languages in the Congo Basin is an advantage. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders including governments, the private sector, and local communities. Passionate about rural development and sustainable forest management. Collaborative and team-oriented, with strong leadership and interpersonal skills. Innovative and adaptable, with the ability to navigate complex environments and manage competing priorities. Strategic thinker, with the ability to integrate ecosystem service management into broader development goals.What We Offer
We foster an environment where you can Thrive Your Way. Our innovative total rewards programs are designed to help balance your work and personal life. The approach toward your wellbeing centers around comprehensive benefits and professional development.
Abt Global Inc. is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply.
Disclaimer: Abt will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.
Abt is committed to creating a safe and inclusive work environment. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate background checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. Abt also participates in the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.