Consultant - Designing a Biodiversity Offset Mechanism for the coastal protected areas in Suriname

The Republic of Suriname is situated on the north east coast of South America. The country has a land area of 164,000 km2, a coastline of 386 km, and an economic zone extending over 300 kilometers out to sea. The “west” coast extends approximately 240 kilometers from Paramaribo to the border with Guyana. There are sixteen protected areas within the existing national protected area system. The current system covers 2.1 million hectares or nearly 13% of the country’s territory. The system captures examples of most ecosystems present. Suriname’s ten coastal protected areas cover approximately 373,000 hectares. Multiple Use Management Areas (MUMA’s) are designated to maintain biological productivity, ensure the health of globally significant wildlife, and protect resources for sustainable livelihoods. Although MUMA’s are intended to be multiple-use areas, the conservation of biodiversity and maintenance of ecosystem services is the ultimate management objective. MUMA’s may be commercially utilized within sustainable limits with permits required for both research and resource extraction. This consultancy is aiming at designing a Biodiversity Offset Mechanism for the coastal protected areas in Suriname by the Ministry of RGB to develop sustainable funding mechanism for conservation efforts. Project Title: Biodiversity Offset Specialist Period of assignment/services: 4 weeks (September 2012-February 2013) Proposal should be submitted at the below mentioned email address no later than: Monday 3rd September 2012 at 16:00hrs Suriname Time Procurement Unit United Nations Development Program (UNDP) UN House, 15/17 Heerenstraat, Paramaribo, Suriname Email: registry.sr @undp.org Any request for clarification must be sent in by Tuesday 28th August, 2012 in writing, or by standard electronic communication to the address or e-mail indicated above. UNDP will respond by standard electronic mail. Please note that you can access more details and the complete ToR and Annexures at the following link: http://undpsuriname.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17&Itemid=27

Duties and Responsibilities

A diverse funding portfolio, going beyond conventional mechanisms and including multiple funding sources; A Biodiversity offset model implemented for Bigi Pan MUMA; Managing and administering funds in a way that is efficient and effective, allowing for long-term planning and security, and that provides incentives and opportunities for managers to generate and retain funds at the PA level; An adequate institutional human capacity to use financial tools, as a key strategy for improving PA financial sustainability.

Competencies

Familiar with Management, Monitoring and Business Planning in coastal protected areas and integration of multidisciplinary aspects; Familiar with nature protection related issues in the national context; Experience in human and institutional capacity building for protected area management including the conduction of training programs; Initiative and strong team-building, communication and negotiation skills; Demonstrated ability to manage and motivate people in a complex political environment and achieve set goals under time pressure; Excellent knowledge of local language, written and oral skills; Fluency in English language.

Required Skills and Experience

Post Graduate Degree in Resource Economics or related fields; Minimum 10 years experience in conservation and business management At least five years experience with economic valuation, biodiversity offsets and or government budget earmarks;

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.

Consultant - Designing a Biodiversity Offset Mechanism for the coastal protected areas in Suriname