[Coral-List] Technical Advisor for conservation project, Eritrea

[Anders Knudby]

Dear coral listers, please find below the terms of reference for the
post of Technical Advisor for the Eritrean Coastal, Marine and Island
Biodiversity Project, implemented by UNDP/GEF and the Ministry of
Fisheries in Eritrea.
 
Please direct queries regarding the project to Anders Knudby
anders.knudby at undp.org, and submission of applications (CV and letter of
motivation) to Philipp von Waechter philippvw at unops.org.
 
Deadline for submission of applications is 15 June 2004.
Expected start of employment is 1 August 2004.
 
*****
 
Position:          Technical Advisor (TA) 
Project:             Conservation Management of Eritrea's Coastal,
Marine and Island Biodiversity (Project ERI/97/G31)
Duration:          Two year full-time position
Contract type:   Appointment of Limited Duration (ALD) (One year
contract to start, extendable for second year based on performance)
Duty Station:   Massawa, Eritrea
 
Project Background
 
The objective of the project is to ensure the conservation and
sustainable use of the globally significant biodiversity of Eritrea's
coastal, marine and island (CMI) ecosystems. These are currently
threatened by the rapid development of fisheries, tourism and oil
exploration. The project will facilitate sustainable development of the
CMI resources, through a participatory management framework,
establishment of conservation areas and species programs, an operational
information system, and increased public awareness of the needs and
benefits of CMI biodiversity.
 
Technical Advisor qualifications
 
The TA will be a senior international technical expert with at least a
second degree in Biological or Natural Resources Sciences. The TA will
have a strong record of scholarly publications and extensive experience
in the acquisition, assimilation and synthesis of information relevant
to CMI biodiversity assessment and management, preferably in the Red Sea
region. A good working knowledge in the application of RS/GIS techniques
in tropical ICZM, computer skills, a valid driving license and SCUBA
certification are essential attributes. The person will have a
demonstrative ability to network and work in close collaboration with
others, and proven scientific leadership skills.
 
Terms of Reference
 
Under the overall supervision of the National Project Manager (NPM), the
TA will be responsible for providing technical oversight, guidance,
leadership and supervision to the project. The TA will serve full-time
for a period of two years, with the option of discontinuation after the
first year. The Duty Station will be Massawa, Eritrea. The schedule of
duties for the TA is as follows:
 
1. Lead responsibility for providing oversight, guidance and supervision
for technical components of the overall CMI Framework Objective.
2. Act as the technical focal point for national, regional and
international integration and coordination in this project, and as
requested by the NPM, the Designated Institution (the Ministry of
Fisheries) and the PCC, represent the project at the technical level and
provide expert advice.
3. Performe training needs assessments through routine evaluations and
appraisals of the technical capacity of project staff and national
partners to implement project activities. Based upon these assessments,
identify and coordinate with relevant national and international
institutions in the development of appropriate in-situ and ex-situ
training programmes (seminars, short courses, study tours and
fellowships) in consultation with the NPM and the Designated
Institution.
4. In consultation with the NPM, Designated Institution, PCC, UNDP and
UNOPS, draft detailed clear TORs for activities to be undertaken by the
collaborating institutions and individual consultants and trainers, and
monitor and supervise the fulfilment of contractual obligations. 
5. Provide backstopping and overall supervision for the practical
implementation of technical components of the project's field
responsibilities, including logistical and safety considerations, and
providing oversight for the technical teams (conservation, social, GIS
and information). 
6. Lead creation and maintenance technical linkages and partnerships
with relevant national, regional and international groups. 
7. Provide guidance in the search for technical information, reference
literature and data relevant to the project, coordinating the
establishment of a metadata base of this information.
8. Advise the NPM with the organization of national workshops and other
fora to promote coordination for biodiversity protection.
9. Advise the NPM with the procurement, maintenance and upgrading of
technical items of project equipment.
10. Assist the NPM with the preparation of Annual Work Plans and
corresponding budget reviews, and the preparation of project reports
(PIRs, APRs etc.)
11. Lead responsibility and oversight for compilation of technical
reports and publications, including reviewing those submitted by
contracted individual consultants and collaborating institutions.
12. Advise relevant stakeholders on issues relating to the project and
their regional and international significance.
13. Undertake other relevant duties as directed by the NPM, Designated
Instiution and the PCC.