Expression of Interest – Technical Assistant Services – “Building Resilience and Adaptive Capacity on Fire Management and Control in the Village of Sarteneja in Corozal District and surrounding areas.”
Background:
As a low-lying developing state, Belize is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts such as sea level rise, erosion, storm surges, and flooding. A 2014 assessment categorized Belize’s vulnerability index to climate change as extremely high: ranking 9th on the list of 38 other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF, 2014). The assessment highlighted the country’s high risk to climate change based on its adaptive capacity linked to the vulnerability of the agriculture sector. Belize is seasonally affected by tropical storms and hurricanes, which on average, according to scientific reports, are becoming more intense each year because of human-induced global warming and higher sea surface temperatures. Belize is also highly exposed to other natural hazards such as flooding and drought, more pronounced in inland areas. These can lead to infrastructure and economic losses, especially in agricultural and human settlement during the hurricane season. There has also been evidence that the average annual temperature of Belize has been rising and is projected to rise further. Effectively addressing the threat of climate change requires a multidisciplinary approach involving policymakers, technical experts, the private and public sectors, and local communities. This collaborative effort is essential to seek solutions and implement changes that enable effective adaptation to climate change impacts. To reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience to future climate risks and hazards Belize must devise mechanisms to adapt to the imminent changes affecting economic sectors, livelihoods, and natural ecosystems.
The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) has received grant funding from the Adaptation Fund (AF) for the project “Building Community Resilience via Transformative Adaptation,” under the Enhanced Direct Access (EDA) funding window. The goal of this project is to improve Belize’s long-term capacity to protect communities from climate threats posed by drought, unpredictable water availability, floods and improper wildfire management. The Project is being executed by PACT and will function as an on-granting mechanism for climate finance in country, targeting five interlinked project components:
- Component One: Safeguarding Forest and Water Resources through Strategic Protection and Restoration Solutions.
- Component Two: Combating Wildfires through Adaptive Management.
- Component Three: Creating Opportunities to Support Alternative Livelihoods.
- Component Four: Building National Capacity to Access Adaptation Finance.
- Component Five: Community Disaster Risk Management.
Justification
The Sarteneja Village Council has received a grant under Component 2: “Combating Wildfires Through Adaptive Management.” In support of this initiative, PACT is seeking the services of a Technical Assistant to assist with the project’s implementation. The Technical Assistant will provide essential technical support to the project implementation team, focusing on monitoring and evaluation, reporting, and stakeholder engagement to ensure successful delivery of project outcomes. The Technical Assistant will also support with the procurement process of goods and services in-line with PACT’s internal policies and procedures.
Responsibilities
The Technical Assistant will be responsible for the following:
- Support Project Implementation – Assist the Sarteneja Village Council with the execution of project activities, ensuring alignment with project objectives.
- Monitor Project Progress – Track implementation against established indicators, targets, and milestones outlined in the project’s Logical Framework and budget.
- Document and Track Key Indicators – Ensure that gender, environmental, and social indicators are recorded and incorporated into all progress and final reports.
- Coordinate Project Activities – Facilitate the planning and execution of project activities in collaboration with the Sarteneja Village Council.
- Lead Monitoring & Evaluation – Oversee the monitoring and evaluation of the sub-grant, ensuring accurate reporting and implementation tracking using PACT’s Information Management System (IMS).
- Report and Communicate Progress – Prepare and submit work plans and progress reports to PACT’s EDA Project Manager, ensuring proper oversight and tracking of technical activities. Additionally, support the implementation and reporting of sub-grants as needed to ensure alignment with project objectives and compliance requirements.
- Engage with Stakeholders – Facilitate communication and coordination with project beneficiaries and stakeholders to ensure continued support for project implementation, in coordination with PACT and the Sarteneja Village Council.
- Collaborate with PACT’s PMU – Work closely with PACT’s EDA Project Management Team (PMT) to ensure effective project execution in the target area.
- Support Procurement Processes – Assist in the procurement of goods and services in accordance with project implementation guidelines, PACT procurement policies, and procedures.
Professional Qualifications and Experience Requirements
- Associate degree in Natural Resources Management or related discipline.
- A combination of academic qualifications in other related fields with work experience in project management.
- A minimum of 2 years’ professional experience in managing projects.
Skill Requirements
- Computing literacy (Microsoft Office applications preferred)
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Excellent organizational and planning skills
- Excellent analytical skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Excellent decision making and problem-solving skills
- Be Resident of Sarteneja Village is a plus.
Candidates should submit a signed expression of interest that responds to the requirements of this Terms of Reference, accompanied by Curriculum Vitae, copies of academic certificates, current police record and a list of two recent professional references (names and contact information only) no later than 5:00 pm. on March 28, 2025. The package should be addressed to:
Mr. Radin Santos
Procurement Officer
Protected Areas Conservation Trust
Re: Expression of Interest – Technical Assistant Services AF – EDA
Soft Copies should be sent via email to:
PACT is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against protected characteristics (gender, age, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, disability).
PACT is not liable for any costs incurred by applicants in submission of their application.