Rangeland and Natural Resource Management (RNRM) officer

February 21, 2026
Application ends: March 11, 2026
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Job Description

Job description

Location: Galkayo, Somalia
Position Status: Full-time, Regular
Reports to: Regional Livestock Programme Manager for Somalia
Supervisory Responsibility: Not applicable

Introduction

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization driven by the belief that a better world is possible. Working in more than 40 countries, Mercy Corps partners with communities to implement bold solutions that help people overcome adversity and build stronger, more resilient communities.

Mercy Corps has operated in Somalia since 2005, with programmes across Somaliland, Puntland, Hirshabelle, Galmudug, Jubaland, Southwest State, and Banadir. Its work focuses on resilience, peacebuilding, and inclusive socio-economic growth. The organization is launching the Regional Livestock Programme (RLP), implemented in ASAL areas of Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia to strengthen climate-resilient and sustainable livelihoods for pastoral and agro-pastoral communities.

Mercy Corps is seeking a qualified Rangeland and Natural Resource Management (RNRM) Officer to support programme implementation within the Galkayo trade corridor.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Somalia RLP Programme Manager and in coordination with the Galkayo Corridor Coordinator and RLP team, the RNRM Officer will lead programme activities and community and business engagement within the target trade corridor.

The Officer will strengthen community partnerships and participatory rangeland management (PRM) and natural resource management (NRM) systems. The role serves as the primary focal point for rangeland management activities in the field and works closely with communities, private sector actors, government institutions, and civil society stakeholders.

The Officer will also facilitate the formation and strengthening of rangeland and water resource committees, support stakeholder engagement, organize training events, contribute to research and learning, and document best practices in livestock sector resilience.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Vision

  • Contribute to programme strategy and vision to improve pastoralist and agro-pastoralist development
  • Support partnership development between target communities, private sector actors, and public institutions
  • Assist in designing and leading rangeland and natural resource interventions
  • Liaise with the Results Measurement (MRM) team to develop appropriate research tools and methods

Intervention Management – Galkayo Corridor

  • Develop strategies to strengthen rangeland and natural resource management actors
  • Lead participatory rangeland management (PRM) processes and support multi-purpose land use plans
  • Strengthen customary institutions such as rangeland councils and sub-councils
  • Develop participatory intervention and implementation procedures
  • Support planning, budgeting, sequencing, and integration of PRM interventions
  • Identify and test public and private investment schemes for sustainable resource management
  • Stay updated on climate change adaptation trends and technologies and recommend appropriate approaches
  • Collect baseline, midline, and endline data for programme interventions
  • Support livestock farmers to adopt resilient rangeland management practices
  • Prepare technical briefs on rangeland management techniques
  • Lead stakeholder mapping, capacity assessments, and analysis
  • Promote inclusive governance structures and gender equity
  • Facilitate joint governance approaches between communities and government
  • Ensure clear communication of intervention guidelines, timelines, and expected outcomes
  • Identify cross-border learning opportunities and conduct regular field visits
  • Increase women’s participation in customary institutions
  • Work with Results Measurement teams to monitor intervention progress
  • Develop concept notes to refine and adapt intervention strategies

Policy and Representation

  • Coordinate with local partners and stakeholders to advance rangeland and natural resource advocacy agendas
  • Represent the programme in key forums within the Galkayo Corridor
  • Manage and update stakeholder management plans

Security Management

  • Collaborate with security focal points to ensure staff safety and security
  • Ensure programme design reflects security analysis and risk awareness

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

  • Work with MEL teams to ensure effective data collection, analysis, and adaptive programme management
  • Support impact assessment and programme adjustments based on findings

Influence and Representation

  • Engage communities across the trade corridor in coordination with the Corridor Coordinator and IFSLS Team
  • Build and manage partnerships with communities, consortium partners, sub-grantees, donors, and local authorities
  • Ensure donor obligations and project targets are met

Gender, Equality, Diversity and Social Inclusion (GEDSI)

  • Contribute to country office gender and inclusion priorities
  • Promote an inclusive and equitable workplace culture

Organizational Learning and Accountability

  • Dedicate 5% of time to learning activities that support professional and organizational development
  • Promote accountability to programme participants and partners
  • Uphold professional conduct and comply with local laws and Mercy Corps policies

Qualifications and Experience

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in Community Development, Social Science, Development Studies, Dry-land Agriculture, Rangeland Management, or related field (MSc preferred)

Knowledge and Experience

  • Knowledge of natural resource and rangeland management systems in Somalia
  • Understanding of feed and fodder systems, livestock trade, and animal health systems
  • Minimum 4 years of relevant technical and practical experience
  • Experience in rural development and participatory approaches
  • Experience working with pastoral communities and addressing gender and conflict dynamics
  • Knowledge of institutional and administrative land governance systems in Somalia
  • Experience coordinating multiple activities and fostering collaboration
  • Strong stakeholder engagement and local capacity-building experience
  • Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English; competency in relevant local language beneficial
  • Experience working in Puntland State preferred

Success Factors

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong partnership-building skills, technical expertise in rangeland management, and the ability to mentor teams and stakeholders. The role requires adaptability, strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to operate effectively in evolving environments.

Living Conditions

The position is based in Galkayo and covers trade corridor areas. Team members represent Mercy Corps at all times and must maintain professional conduct in accordance with local laws and organizational policies.

Diversity, Equity and Safeguarding

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer and does not tolerate discrimination. The organization promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, safeguarding, and adherence to the Code of Conduct. All team members must complete mandatory Code of Conduct training.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

  • Cover letter
  • Updated CV
  • Contacts of five professional referees

Apply online at: https://www.mercycorps.org/careers/national

Please reference the job title: Rangeland and Natural Resource Management (RNRM) Officer.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Deadline for Applications: March 4, 2026 at 5:00 PM