Project Coordinator: Strengthening access and benefit-sharing (ABS) policies and institutional frameworks through demonstrable models in Saint Lucia
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BACKGROUND
IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private, and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development, and nature conservation to take place together.
Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and some 18,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments, and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools, and international standards.
IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples’ organisations, and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.
Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems, and improve people’s well-being.
About the Project:
The Regional Office for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN-ORMACC), through the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), has been selected by the Government of Saint Lucia as Executing Agency for the Global Environment Facility (GEF) national project “Strengthening access and benefit-sharing (ABS) policies and institutional frameworks through demonstrable models in Saint Lucia”.
The primary goals of the project are to overcome the identified barriers to the creation of the needed enabling environment to pave the way for Saint Lucia’s to implement the Nagoya Protocol and create the avenues for effective stakeholder participation in decision making and realization of economic benefits, particularly associated with the value-added commercial applications from the use of native genetic resources.
To achieve these primary goals, the project is structured around four main Components:
• Component 1 will realize the outcome of a strengthened national policy and legislative institutional framework for operationalization of the Nagoya Protocol for access and benefit sharing (ABS).
• Component 2 will realize an effective permitting and monitoring framework and strengthened capacities for ABS regulatory operationalization in accordance with provisions of the Nagoya Protocol. This will be supported by an interactive data support platform for use by Competent National Authorities (CNAs) and clients that is part of an existing data management system that will provide functional capacity to serve clearinghouse mechanism (CHM) requirements for the ABS framework.
• Component 3 will contribute to commodity pilots to test operationalization of ABS protocols toward sustainable management of two indigenous genetic resources and scale-up for future commercial application. The two pilots will be based on (1) use of the venom of the endemic Saint Lucia Viper (Bothrops caribbaeus) for medical applications and (2) use of resinous extracts of the regionally endemic Lansan tree (Protium attenuatum) in the nutraceutical industry. This will be based on the formalization of ABS agreements with research and commercial entities that are developing value-added product applications from these biodiversity resources. Capacity enhancement and enterprise opportunities for local professional and local communities will be enhanced based on these cooperative ABS agreements with partners that will serve as demonstration models for replication.
• Component 4 will enhance overall knowledge management to support decision making, stakeholder engagement and buy-in to recognition of the potential opportunities for sustainable management and use of native genetic resources, and the need to ensure that benefits accrued are repatriated to the country and communities. The project will take advantage of the opportunity to demonstrate options for green recovery and building back better in the wake of the COVID19 pandemic, particularly in the context of socio-economic opportunities in development of commodities derived from native biodiversity that are underpinned by safeguards afforded by ABS agreements with partners that have the means to scale to larger enterprise levels, and where the benefits can be equitably repatriated to local communities.
Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and some 18,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments, and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools, and international standards.
IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples’ organisations, and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.
Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems, and improve people’s well-being.
About the Project:
The Regional Office for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN-ORMACC), through the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), has been selected by the Government of Saint Lucia as Executing Agency for the Global Environment Facility (GEF) national project “Strengthening access and benefit-sharing (ABS) policies and institutional frameworks through demonstrable models in Saint Lucia”.
The primary goals of the project are to overcome the identified barriers to the creation of the needed enabling environment to pave the way for Saint Lucia’s to implement the Nagoya Protocol and create the avenues for effective stakeholder participation in decision making and realization of economic benefits, particularly associated with the value-added commercial applications from the use of native genetic resources.
To achieve these primary goals, the project is structured around four main Components:
• Component 1 will realize the outcome of a strengthened national policy and legislative institutional framework for operationalization of the Nagoya Protocol for access and benefit sharing (ABS).
• Component 2 will realize an effective permitting and monitoring framework and strengthened capacities for ABS regulatory operationalization in accordance with provisions of the Nagoya Protocol. This will be supported by an interactive data support platform for use by Competent National Authorities (CNAs) and clients that is part of an existing data management system that will provide functional capacity to serve clearinghouse mechanism (CHM) requirements for the ABS framework.
• Component 3 will contribute to commodity pilots to test operationalization of ABS protocols toward sustainable management of two indigenous genetic resources and scale-up for future commercial application. The two pilots will be based on (1) use of the venom of the endemic Saint Lucia Viper (Bothrops caribbaeus) for medical applications and (2) use of resinous extracts of the regionally endemic Lansan tree (Protium attenuatum) in the nutraceutical industry. This will be based on the formalization of ABS agreements with research and commercial entities that are developing value-added product applications from these biodiversity resources. Capacity enhancement and enterprise opportunities for local professional and local communities will be enhanced based on these cooperative ABS agreements with partners that will serve as demonstration models for replication.
• Component 4 will enhance overall knowledge management to support decision making, stakeholder engagement and buy-in to recognition of the potential opportunities for sustainable management and use of native genetic resources, and the need to ensure that benefits accrued are repatriated to the country and communities. The project will take advantage of the opportunity to demonstrate options for green recovery and building back better in the wake of the COVID19 pandemic, particularly in the context of socio-economic opportunities in development of commodities derived from native biodiversity that are underpinned by safeguards afforded by ABS agreements with partners that have the means to scale to larger enterprise levels, and where the benefits can be equitably repatriated to local communities.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Project Coordinator will be supervised and will report to IUCN-ORMACC’s Regional Project Portfolio Coordinator, based in San José, Costa Rica, and the Department of Sustainable Development (DSD) within the Ministry of Education, Sustainable Development, Science, Technology and Vocational Training of the Government of Saint Lucia.
The Project Coordinator will be in charge of the timely and proper execution of the “Strengthening access and benefit-sharing (ABS) policies and institutional frameworks through demonstrable models in Saint Lucia” Project.
The position will also liaise with the DSD, the IUCN ORMACC, international research institutions and stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, local communities, and the private sector; all in order to articulate, complement and monitor the project’s proper implementation.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Guarantee compliance with the objectives of the Project, ensuring efficient planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation in coordination with key stakeholders in Saint Lucia.
a) Control the efficient use of resources and be accountable for their technical and financial management, including implementation and impacts.
b) Guide and ensure timely and quality design and use of the Project’s reporting system with its various formats and feedback mechanisms in accordance with the guidelines defined by the donor and the IUCN.
c) Prepare, together with the Project’s National Coordinating Committee (NCC), the annual operational plans (POA) and its respective budget.
d) Contribute to the preparation and ensure the timely delivery of the project reports with the support of technical and financial staff.
e) Contribute to the preparation of dissemination materials and technical publications in accordance with the donor’s and the IUCN ORMACC’s communication guidelines.
f) Keep the Project’s information updated on the IUCN Portal and provide inputs for the different indicators of the IUCN ScoreCard that are relevant to it.
g) Coordinate, promote and follow up with the IUCN ORMACC, the Department of Sustainable Development, and the NCC in the implementation of the planned activities.
h) Synthesize and provide specific information related to the Project for periodic reports, plans and budgets that are institutionally required.
i) Assist IUCN, the UNEP-GEF Task Manager, and independent evaluators with the conduct of the project Mid-Term Review and the Final Evaluation in accordance with the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan.
2. Ensure the effective implementation of the Project in compliance with national laws and administrative-financial procedures of the IUCN and the donor.
a) Support project implementation agencies at start-up, including ensuring that execution arrangements are adequate to ensure success; all key stakeholders are adequately briefed on planned results and their roles; and the project team has all the skills and tools needed for a results-focused approach to execution.
b) Implement, coordinate, and perform quality control of technical and administrative activities.
c) Identify, guide, and budget the acquisition of goods and services during the life cycle of the project.
d) Formulate the Terms of Reference for consultancies and service providers, according to needs identified, and coordinate with the relevant parties (IUCN Human Resources and relevant technical parties) the corresponding recruitment processes.
e) Follow up on the processes of formulating / updating policies for operationalisation of the Nagoya Protocol on access and benefit sharing (ABS).
f) Organise the relevant actions of the Project on issues related to access and benefit sharing (ABS) policy and legislative institutional frameworks, permitting and monitoring frameworks, enhancement of capacities, commodity piloting, and knowledge management.
g) In coordination with the Department of Gender Affairs, ensure that gender sensitivity is mainstreamed in all project activities.
h) Guarantee the integration, harmony, and teamwork of the personnel, both IUCN staff and external stakeholders, involved in the Project’s implementation.
i) In accordance to UNEP’s Environmental, Social, and Sustainability Framework (ESSF) and IUCNʼs Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS), ensure that all social and environmental safeguards are observed and implemented in all Project activities and interventions.
j) Contribute to the development of a project Environmental and Social Management Plan (safeguards assurance) (ESMP).
k) Coordinate committed in-kind contributions for the Project.
3. Promote the integration of inter-institutional and multisectoral efforts to leverage funds, synergies, and joint activities with other IUCN projects in Saint Lucia.
a) Manage the coordination between IUCN members and national / regional institutions that are relevant to the Project’s objectives.
b) Represent the Project in specific events and activities carried out by the DSD and other relevant agencies, the IUCN and the donor.
c) Identify cooperation opportunities and promote the leverage of other funds and resources to strengthen the impact of the Project.
d) Support the search for opportunities and the development of new technical proposals to scale up the results of the Project.
e) Promote and implement work synergies with other IUCN initiatives, IUCN members, members of IUCN commissions and other partners that are executing actions in Saint Lucia.
4. Guarantee compliance with IUCN and donor regulations throughout the implementation of the project.
a) Comply with and enforce the provisions set out in the Donor Agreement between the IUCN and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
b) With support of the ORMACC Administrative and Finance Hub, timely plan for the financial audits that are stipulated in the donor contract and others that are required by IUCN.
c) Through IUCN’s system and in close coordination with the administrative and financial staff, guarantee compliance with the IUCN procurement and financial guidelines in administrative matters, travel reports and field trips.
d) Ensure the integration of IUCN’s gender approach and related institutional policies.
e) Ensure adequate communication, dissemination of activities and results of the Project in accordance with the policies, regulations and documents provided for this purpose.
Please note: These terms of reference contain the main responsibilities and duties of this position. However, in a constantly evolving organisation like IUCN, staff members are expected to show flexibility in their approach to work and be willing to undertake other tasks that are reasonably assigned to them but not part of their normal terms of reference. When a task becomes a regular part of the staff member's responsibilities, the terms of reference should be changed in consultation with the manager, the staff member, and the Human Resources Unit. Any of the beforementioned can initiate the consultation.
The Project Coordinator will be in charge of the timely and proper execution of the “Strengthening access and benefit-sharing (ABS) policies and institutional frameworks through demonstrable models in Saint Lucia” Project.
The position will also liaise with the DSD, the IUCN ORMACC, international research institutions and stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, local communities, and the private sector; all in order to articulate, complement and monitor the project’s proper implementation.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Guarantee compliance with the objectives of the Project, ensuring efficient planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation in coordination with key stakeholders in Saint Lucia.
a) Control the efficient use of resources and be accountable for their technical and financial management, including implementation and impacts.
b) Guide and ensure timely and quality design and use of the Project’s reporting system with its various formats and feedback mechanisms in accordance with the guidelines defined by the donor and the IUCN.
c) Prepare, together with the Project’s National Coordinating Committee (NCC), the annual operational plans (POA) and its respective budget.
d) Contribute to the preparation and ensure the timely delivery of the project reports with the support of technical and financial staff.
e) Contribute to the preparation of dissemination materials and technical publications in accordance with the donor’s and the IUCN ORMACC’s communication guidelines.
f) Keep the Project’s information updated on the IUCN Portal and provide inputs for the different indicators of the IUCN ScoreCard that are relevant to it.
g) Coordinate, promote and follow up with the IUCN ORMACC, the Department of Sustainable Development, and the NCC in the implementation of the planned activities.
h) Synthesize and provide specific information related to the Project for periodic reports, plans and budgets that are institutionally required.
i) Assist IUCN, the UNEP-GEF Task Manager, and independent evaluators with the conduct of the project Mid-Term Review and the Final Evaluation in accordance with the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan.
2. Ensure the effective implementation of the Project in compliance with national laws and administrative-financial procedures of the IUCN and the donor.
a) Support project implementation agencies at start-up, including ensuring that execution arrangements are adequate to ensure success; all key stakeholders are adequately briefed on planned results and their roles; and the project team has all the skills and tools needed for a results-focused approach to execution.
b) Implement, coordinate, and perform quality control of technical and administrative activities.
c) Identify, guide, and budget the acquisition of goods and services during the life cycle of the project.
d) Formulate the Terms of Reference for consultancies and service providers, according to needs identified, and coordinate with the relevant parties (IUCN Human Resources and relevant technical parties) the corresponding recruitment processes.
e) Follow up on the processes of formulating / updating policies for operationalisation of the Nagoya Protocol on access and benefit sharing (ABS).
f) Organise the relevant actions of the Project on issues related to access and benefit sharing (ABS) policy and legislative institutional frameworks, permitting and monitoring frameworks, enhancement of capacities, commodity piloting, and knowledge management.
g) In coordination with the Department of Gender Affairs, ensure that gender sensitivity is mainstreamed in all project activities.
h) Guarantee the integration, harmony, and teamwork of the personnel, both IUCN staff and external stakeholders, involved in the Project’s implementation.
i) In accordance to UNEP’s Environmental, Social, and Sustainability Framework (ESSF) and IUCNʼs Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS), ensure that all social and environmental safeguards are observed and implemented in all Project activities and interventions.
j) Contribute to the development of a project Environmental and Social Management Plan (safeguards assurance) (ESMP).
k) Coordinate committed in-kind contributions for the Project.
3. Promote the integration of inter-institutional and multisectoral efforts to leverage funds, synergies, and joint activities with other IUCN projects in Saint Lucia.
a) Manage the coordination between IUCN members and national / regional institutions that are relevant to the Project’s objectives.
b) Represent the Project in specific events and activities carried out by the DSD and other relevant agencies, the IUCN and the donor.
c) Identify cooperation opportunities and promote the leverage of other funds and resources to strengthen the impact of the Project.
d) Support the search for opportunities and the development of new technical proposals to scale up the results of the Project.
e) Promote and implement work synergies with other IUCN initiatives, IUCN members, members of IUCN commissions and other partners that are executing actions in Saint Lucia.
4. Guarantee compliance with IUCN and donor regulations throughout the implementation of the project.
a) Comply with and enforce the provisions set out in the Donor Agreement between the IUCN and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
b) With support of the ORMACC Administrative and Finance Hub, timely plan for the financial audits that are stipulated in the donor contract and others that are required by IUCN.
c) Through IUCN’s system and in close coordination with the administrative and financial staff, guarantee compliance with the IUCN procurement and financial guidelines in administrative matters, travel reports and field trips.
d) Ensure the integration of IUCN’s gender approach and related institutional policies.
e) Ensure adequate communication, dissemination of activities and results of the Project in accordance with the policies, regulations and documents provided for this purpose.
Please note: These terms of reference contain the main responsibilities and duties of this position. However, in a constantly evolving organisation like IUCN, staff members are expected to show flexibility in their approach to work and be willing to undertake other tasks that are reasonably assigned to them but not part of their normal terms of reference. When a task becomes a regular part of the staff member's responsibilities, the terms of reference should be changed in consultation with the manager, the staff member, and the Human Resources Unit. Any of the beforementioned can initiate the consultation.
REQUIREMENTS
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• University Degree (or equivalent) in project management, sustainable development, natural resource management, or related field. • At least five years of general project management experience and at least two years of specific work experience in sustainable development planning and the implementation of initiatives related to the Convention of Biological Diversity, specifically the Nagoya Protocol. • Knowledge of public administration is necessary, work experience in public offices is considered a plus. • Ability to provide strategic direction and decision making. • Experience managing international cooperation projects, public investment projects and budget planning. • Experience in supervising and managing personnel. • Experience in facilitating stakeholder meetings or discussions and in working with regional and international partners. • Ability to engage with multidisciplinary teams, regional entities, and government organisations. • Experience working with senior government officials, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), local communities, and the private sector. • Management of computer tools (online administrative systems, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Drives, Dropbox, Wetransfer). • Ability and excellence in English written and oral expression. Candidates who are selected for an interview will be required a written test to assess their comprehension skills and written communication. • Reside in Saint Lucia (preferable). • Willingness to travel within and outside the country covered by the project, as required. • COMPETENCIES Problem solving skills, creativity, initiative, and innovation. • Ability for interpersonal relationships, management of interdisciplinary and multicultural personnel and teamwork. • Demonstrate ease in carrying out tasks in an organised manner and adherence to procedures. • Ability to work with people of various characteristics, social, personal, and professional. • Sensitivity towards the cultural, social, and economic practices of local communities. • Sensitivity and willingness to work under the gender approach. |
APPLICATIONS
Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button.
Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.
Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: https://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/
About IUCN
IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together.
Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and around 16,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards.
IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples organisations and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.
Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve people’s well-being.
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