Restoration Design Associate

The Restoration Design Associate (RDA) supports the planning, design, and implementation of Kijani Restoration’s landscape restoration activities. The role focuses on site identification, data collection and systems design support, carbon compliance support, and strengthening performance monitoring across all restoration sites in Northern Uganda.The RDA ensures that all field operations are aligned with recognized carbon accreditation standards (such as Verra and Equitable Earth) and contribute to high-quality restoration outcomes that meet both ecological and community objectives.

A. Project Area Identification & Pre-Site Establishment

• Lead and support field surveys for site selection, mapping, and subdivision of restoration plots.
  

• Conduct pre-establishment environmental and social due diligence in collaboration with community stakeholders.
  

• Customize site establishment protocols to guide restoration teams on site layout, access routes, and resource planning.
  

B. Carbon Standards Compliance & Data Management

• Support the Restoration Operations Manager and Carbon Department in aligning all restoration activities with Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) standards.
  

• Provide technical backstopping to field teams to ensure compliance with selected certification frameworks (Verra, Equitable Earth, or other applicable standards).
  

• Gather field data and conduct surveys required by the Carbon Team Lead.
  

C. Restoration Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

• Identify Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for restoration sites and establish regular data collection protocols.
  

• Support field-based M&E activities, including survival counts, growth tracking, and community participation assessments.
  

• Coordinate quarterly review sessions and learning meetings to analyze progress and recommend adjustments with (ROCs) Restoration Operations Coordinators per district.
  

• Document lessons learned and prepare dissemination materials for shared learning and best practices across the Restoration Department.
  

D. Data, GIS & Systems Development

• Serve as the liaison for restoration data architecture and information systems with the tech team.
  

• Work with the Technology and Engineering Teams to develop an integrated GIS database linking restoration sites and activities like nursery, planting, post-planting care, survival, and sampling data.
  

• Ensure data accuracy, spatial integrity, and timely updates across all project sites.
  

• In collaboration with the Tech team, generate maps, dashboards, and analytical reports for internal use and investor reporting.
  

E. Design & Training

• Support the design of restoration modules, data collection tools, and capacity-building materials.
  

• Facilitate training sessions for field teams on restoration principles, data collection, and carbon compliance procedures.
  

• Contribute to the development of technical manuals and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  

F. Compliance & Partner Relations

• Periodically conduct audits on adherence to internal restoration policies, environmental and social safeguards, and relevant national laws in collaboration with HR, Legal, Carbon and Restoration team leads.
  

• Engage with community leaders, local authorities, and partner organizations to ensure transparent communication and participatory restoration planning.
  

• Represent the Restoration Department in field coordination and stakeholder meetings as assigned.
  

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, GIS, or a related field.
  

• At least 2–3 years of experience in landscape restoration, carbon project design, or related conservation work.
  

• Demonstrated understanding of forest carbon standards (e.g., Verra, Gold Standard, Equitable Earth) and MRV frameworks.
  

• Hands-on experience with GIS mapping, data management systems, and mobile data collection tools (e.g., KoboToolbox, ArcGIS, QGIS).
  

• Strong analytical and report-writing skills.
  

• Experience working with local communities, NGOs, or government programs in rural contexts.
  

Key Competencies and Attributes

• Excellent field coordination and team leadership skills.
  

• Strong understanding of restoration ecology, forestry operations, and carbon accounting.
  

• High attention to detail, accuracy, and data integrity.
  

• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical field tools and training.
  

• Good communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
  

• Willingness to travel frequently to remote restoration sites.
  

Performance Indicators

• Number and quality of restoration sites that are compliant to the set design and mapped according to standards.
  

• Timeliness and accuracy of data submitted for MRV and reporting.
  

• Level of compliance with carbon certification standards.
  

• Capacity of field teams strengthened through training.
  

• Quality and usability of GIS and monitoring systems.
  

Working Relationships

• Internal: Restoration Operations Manager, Carbon Department, MEL Team, Tech & Engineering Teams, Restoration Field Teams.
  

• External: Local communities, local government authorities, and partner organizations.