MESCAL Resource and Environmental Economist

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 comanagement 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 Resource and Environmental Economist (REE) will join IUCN’s MESCAL Project Management Unit.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

To design and implement Resource and Environmental Economics subcomponent of the PMI project, Mangrove EcoSystems for Climate Change and Livelihood (MESCAL). The REE will, in collaboration with the Chief Technical Advisor, be responsible for design and implementation of the economics subcomponent of the MESCAL project, including undertaking baseline assessment of uses, users and valuation of mangrove ecosystems and associated ecosystem services, the cost and benefit assessment of alternative management strategies, including payment for ecosystem services and rehabilitation of mangrove ecosystems.

DUTIES:

To Develop and Implement Resource and Environmental Economics Subcomponent under the MESCAL, more specifically, undertaking the key tasks, including:

• Liaise with the Chief Technical Advisor and National Coordinators (NCs) to develop the economics subcomponent in each of the five countries, including those related to the demonstration site, including baseline assessment of uses, users and valuation of mangrove ecosystems and associated ecosystem services, the cost and benefit assessment of alternative management strategies, payment for ecosystem services and rehabilitation of mangrove ecosystems.
• Liaise with the MESCAL Project Manager and the National Coordinators to implement the economics subcomponent activities in country.
• Provide support to the MESCAL Project Management Unit and National Coordinators as required, including in the development of Annual Work Plan for the MESCAL Project Management Unit, including annual country work plans in each of the five countries.
• As required, provide support to National Coordinators in technical and administrative matters relating to economics and related MESCAL activities in country.
• Facilitate liaison and networking between and among the five country participants, in particular the communities involved in demonstration sites, the private sector, partners, other relevant organisations, nongovernmental organisations, key stakeholders and other individuals involved in Project implementation on economic issues associated with strengthening of mangrove ecosystem governance.
• Promote public awareness of economic values associated with mangrove ecosystems and the relevance of economic approaches to resource allocation necessary for encouraging the use of ecosystem based adaptation to climate change and improved livelihood.
• Contribute towards the preparation of progress reports, substantive and operational reports, and MESCAL reviews related to the economics subcomponents.
• Assist with the preparation and oversight of Terms of Reference for consultants and contractors for economics subcomponent.
• 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 a post graduate qualification in resource and environmental economics or an undergraduate degree in microeconomics, resource economics or related field of economics and relevant experience in resource and environmental economic analysis.

Work Experience

• At least 3 years experience in undertaking economic analysis related to natural resources and environment management, preferably in the Pacific.
• Strong knowledge, qualifications and experience in resource and environmental economics.

Competencies

• Initiative, passion and commitment to help countries achieve their development goals.
• Demonstrated strong analytical skills and logical mind.
• Demonstrated project planning and project management experience and time management skills.
• Strong communications and presentation skills; demonstrated ability to communicate to a wide range of audiences and cultures.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
• 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.

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.