MESCAL Coastal Ecosystem Management Officer (Governance)

BACKGROUND:

Mangrove ecosystems in the Pacific Islands have been gradually decreasing in area, despite the recognition that they provide many products and services of immeasurable value. They are the first line of defence against many of the effects of climate change and climate related extreme events. On average the Pacific has seen a loss of almost 13% of mangroves across the region over the fifty years. While the specifics may vary between countries, the underlying drivers of mangrove degradation are similar, according to regional mangrove managers and specialists in the Pacific.

In the light of importance of mangrove ecosystems for local livelihood their importance as natural insurance against climate change, IUCN has developed under its Pacific Centre for Environmental Governance (PCEG), a Pacific Mangrove Initiative (PMI). The primary goal of the PMI is to increase resilience to climate change by assisting Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs) implement sound evidence based policies, plans and practices and targeted capacity development in mangrove management.

Under this Initiative, IUCN has developed the Mangrove EcoSystems for Climate Change and Livelihood (MESCAL) Project, funded by the German Government. The primary goal of this € 2.3 million project is to increase resilience to climate change for the people of the Pacific Island countries through adaptive comanagemet of mangroves and associated ecosystems in Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Island, Samoa and Tonga.

This is an interdisciplinary applied research and development project aimed at helping countries invest in the management of mangroves and associated ecosystems for improved livelihoods and adaptation to climate change. MESCAL activities will include demonstration projects, governance, economics, carbon sequestration, knowledge and information, communication and learning. The Coastal Ecosystem Management Officer (Governance) (CEMO) will join IUCN’s MESCAL Project Management Unit. The CEMO will work closely with the other members of PMU and in-country National Coordinators.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

To help in-country National Coordinators strengthen mangrove co-management governance arrangements, policies, and plans in the context of coastal zone management and the presence of customary and introduced resource tenure arrangements, under PMI project, Mangrove EcoSystems for Climate Change and Livelihood (MESCAL).

DUTIES:

To facilitate the strengthening of mangrove co-management governance arrangements, policies, and plans in the 5 participating countries. Largely working in conjunction with the National Coordinators, key tasks will include:

• Liaise with the MESCAL Project Management Unit and National Coordinators (NCs) to strengthen mangrove co-management governance arrangements, policies, and plans in the context of coastal zone management and presence of customary and introduced resource tenure arrangements including those related to the demonstration site.
• Undertake situation analysis of the existing mangrove and associated ecosystem governance, including legislation, organisational arrangements, policies, plans and strategies, as well as stakeholder engagement.
• Guide the development of co-management of mangrove ecosystem at the national level and for the demonstration site. Using a participatory approach undertake problem-solution analysis where relevant, and include an identification and review of traditional knowledge related to mangrove management and customary governance, which could be adapted as relevant and integrated into the design of the comanagement strategy for mangroves.
• Review, adapt for Pacific use and adopt as appropriate internationally and regionally available tools and guidelines for climate change adaptation, including ecosystem based adaptation, and mitigation, such as CRiSTAL, CRA, RULES, and RiVAMP, as well those used in the IUCN’s Mangroves for Future project in Asia.
• Undertake local and regional capacity development in knowledge based mangrove management.
• Develop and assist with the preparation and oversight of Terms of Reference for consultants and contractors.
• Perform any other tasks that may be assigned by the MESCAL Project Manager. 

Please Note: The above TOR contains the main responsibilities and duties of this position. However in an ever evolving organization such as IUCN staff members are expected to show flexibility in their approach to work and be willing to undertake other tasks that are reasonably allocated to them but which are not part of their regular TOR. Where any task becomes a regular part of staff member’s responsibilities, the TOR should be changed in consultation between the manager, the staff member and the HR Unit. Any one of the three may initiate the consultation.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

Education

• Minimum of an undergraduate degree in geography, environmental management, marine studies or related fields, and preferably also post graduate qualification in one of these fields.

Work Experience

• At least 3 years experience in working with national government, non-government and/ or local communities on resource development and or environmental management projects, preferably involving coastal ecosystems in any one of the five island countries involved in the MESCAL project.
• Strong knowledge and familiarity with customary resource tenure and governance, preferably in any one of the Pacific island countries involved in the project.

Competencies

• Initiative, passion and commitment to help countries achieve their development goals.
• Strong interpersonal and networking skills and demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment, and establish effective working relationships both within and outside the organization.
• Strong communications and presentation skills; demonstrated ability to communicate to a wide range of audiences and cultures.
• Excellent English writing skills.
• Ability in at least one of the languages of the Pacific region.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines. 

The salary for this position is in accordance to the IUCN Regional Salary Range. 

APPLICATIONS:

Applicants are requested to email their application (indicating the Position title), Curriculum Vitae and the names of two referees no later than 18 January 2010 to mavis.yuen@iucn.org

Applications will not be accepted after the closing date.