| Description |
INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANT: BIOSPHERE RESERVE OFFICE - CAPACITY BUILDING CONSULTANT, BAA ATOLL, MALDIVES
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| Location : |
B. Eydhafushi, MALDIVES |
| Application Deadline : |
26-Jul-12 |
| Type of Contract : |
Individual Contract |
| Post Level : |
International Consultant |
Languages Required :
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English |
Starting Date :
(date when the selected candidate is expected to start) |
01-Sep-2012 |
| Duration of Initial Contract : |
2 Months |
| Expected Duration of Assignment : |
2 Months |
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Background
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The UNDP/GEF Atoll Ecosystem Conservation (AEC) project is supporting the Government of Maldives to establish a model environmental management system for Baa Atoll, which can be used as a basis for replication throughout the country. The project will end on 31 December 2012, and has reached a “tipping point” where it has the real potential to achieve a sustainable outcome.
In order to leave a lasting legacy, the project has pursued the goal of establishing Baa atoll as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. With strong endorsement of local communities and the tourism sector, this was achieved with the designation of Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO on 29 June 2011 – the first international (and UNESCO) designation for the Maldives. During the final year of the project, the key tasks are:
- To establish a Biosphere Reserve Office, with trained staff, to oversee the management of the Biosphere Reserve through three programmes covering Conservation, Livelihoods and Outreach.
- To establish a Baa Atoll Conservation Fund as a co-financing mechanism to support the long-term management of the Biosphere Reserve, including the Biosphere Reserve Office
Both of these tasks are making good progress. In June 2012 the Biosphere Reserve Office has been officially established in Eydhafushi (capital of Baa Atoll), and a Managing Director and Conservation Officer have been appointed to join an existing Outreach/Livelihoods Officer and a ranger. The Environment Protection Agency and Atoll Council are providing significant back-up. In addition, the Conservation Fund has been established in Male’, and work is progressing to develop the revenue streams.
A key need has been identified to build the capacity of the Biosphere Reserve team, so that they can take increasing responsibility from the AEC and EPA teams. For this reason we are seeking an experienced consultant to join the team at their Office on Baa atoll for a period of 2 months. The ideal candidate will have had senior experience in managing a marine / coastal protected area.
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Duties and Responsibilities
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The key responsibility of the consultant is to support the Biosphere Reserve Office, the EPA and the Baa Atoll Council to establish a fully effective Biosphere Reserve Office through hands-on capacity building support. This will require the following activities to be undertaken:
- Reviewing the training needs of each staff member, developing their training plan, providing (where possible) and organising the hands-on training (including the establishment of a mentoring scheme with the neighbouring resorts and dive schools.
- Building the capacity of the Biosphere Reserve Office in strategic programmatic and financial planning and effective management of its work through supporting development of a business plan, annual work plans for staff, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms and reporting.
- Supporting the Biosphere Reserve Office in the organisation of Biosphere Reserve Advisory Board meetings, and meetings of other task forces established by the Advisory Board.
- Supporting establishment of effective communications mechanisms, including web site, monthly e-newsletter, annual report, brochures, presentations
- Establishing a plan and supporting implementation for effective information management about the Biosphere Reserve.
Duration and location
- 2 months starting 1 September 2012
- Based in Eydhafushi, Baa atoll, Maldives with occasional visits to Male’
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Competencies
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- Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
- Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
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Required Skills and Experience
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Education:
- Higher level degree in natural resources management or sustainable development (MSc)
Experience:
- Experience in the management of protected areas, preferably marine and coastal
- Institutional management experience, strategic planning and project management skills
- Excellent inter-personal communication skills and cultural sensitivity
Language Requirements:
- Fluent spoken and written English; knowledge of Dhivehi an advantage
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UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
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