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 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 Adaptation 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 co-management 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.

1. SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES: To design and implement Resource and Environmental Economics subcomponent of the PMI project, Mangrove EcoSystems for Climate Change Adaptation and Livelihood (MESCAL).

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

3. The REE will 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.

4. DUTIES:

Develop and Implement Resource and Environmental Economics Subcomponent under the MESCAL

5. More specifically, undertaking the key tasks, including:

6. • Liaise with the MESCAL Project Management Unit and National Coordinators (NCs) to develop and implement the economics subcomponent in each of the five countries, including those related to the demonstration site;

7. • Assume responsibility for economic considerations in all aspects of MESCAL, particularly in relation to the design and implementation of economic activities at the national level and at the demonstration sites, 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;

8. • 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;

9. • As required, provide support to National Coordinators in technical and administrative matters relating to economic and other MESCAL activities in country;

10. • 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, non-governmental organisations, key stakeholders and other individuals involved in Project implementation on economic issues associated with strengthening of mangrove ecosystem governance;

11. • 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;

12. • Assist with the preparation of progress reports, substantive and operational reports and reviews relating to MESCAL Project implementation;

13. • Assist with the preparation and oversight of Terms of Reference for consultants and contractors;

14. • Carry out other duties as required by the MESCAL Project Manager from time to time.

15. • Maintain linkages with and contribute to IUCN ORO’s other programmes as and when required.

16. 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.