Environmental Incentives is seeking a senior-level Biodiversity or Natural Resources Management Specialist to serve as Team Leader (TL) for the 118/119 analysis update. Environmental Incentives will manage this consultancy, and the TL will be the technical lead of a team of in-country experts to develop, update, and finalize the analysis and all client deliverables, with technical and management support from Environmental Incentives. The TL will provide high-level strategic planning and insights for the analysis, coordinate with the team, lead the development of a work plan, guide stakeholder consultations and collection of qualitative data, synthesize preliminary findings, develop the draft and final analysis reports in accordance with approved outlines and quality standards, and present the final findings and key takeaways to the Mission. The assignment will be for an estimated 30-40 working days. The period of performance will begin as early as September 2024 and conclude by the end of December 2024.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and lead planning, production, and submission of the following deliverables, in collaboration with local experts and the IDEAL team:
  • Draft and final agreed work plan.
  • A draft annotated outline of the 118/119 Update Report, adapted from USAID’s FAA 118/119 Analysis Report Annotated Outline, showing the anticipated presentation of background, methodology, findings, and conclusions.
  • A final, English-language, public-facing updated 118/119 report.
  • An English-language presentation relaying findings and key takeaways.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between the analysis team and external stakeholders, including counterparts from USAID/Washington, USAID/Ecuador, and IDEAL project leadership.
• Lead in-person and virtual consultations with in-country and U.S.-based stakeholders as needed.
• Coordinate analysis and synthesis of data from in-country consultations and secondary literature reviews, with support from IDEAL, to respond to 118/119 report objectives.
• Lead the development of the draft and final Analysis Reports, and any supplemental technical annexes, following an approved template and outline.
• Participate in regularly scheduled meetings throughout the project’s duration and maintain clear communication with the analysis team, IDEAL staff, and USAID counterparts, including reporting progress updates.
• Develop and deliver a presentation on findings and key takeaways to USAID/Ecuador staff.
• Coordinate with a separate IDEAL team conducting parallel analysis on landscapes with mitigation potential, with assistance from the IDEAL team.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in biology, ecology, zoology, forestry, ecosystem conservation, political ecology, environmental policy/planning, or a closely related field; 15+ years of relevant experience.
• Expertise in one or more of the following: USAID policy and planning, biodiversity, forestry, wildlife, environmental governance, inland, marine, and coastal ecosystems, Indigenous peoples, GIS, agriculture and land use, and livelihoods.
• Extensive knowledge of Ecuador’s biodiversity and ecosystems, including threats to the country’s biodiversity. Proven hands-on involvement in conservation, research, or related environmental projects in Ecuador.
• Strong network and established connections within Ecuador’s biodiversity conservation field, including with relevant government authorities.
• Familiarity with the current landscape of donor-funded conservation programming.
• Experience working with diverse populations in Ecuador, including Indigenous populations and local communities, with an understanding of cultural practices and integrating them into conservation efforts.
• Experience linking tropical forest and biodiversity conservation efforts with other key development sectors.
• Experience coordinating analyses and leading multicultural teams.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and presentation skills in English and proficiency in Spanish.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience conducting 118/119 analyses or similar analyses.
• Knowledge of deforestation trends and analysis.
• Broad understanding of geospatial perspectives to inform development priorities and planning.
• Familiarity with USAID’s Program Cycle and strategic planning process, particularly as it relates to tropical forests and biodiversity.

Additional Requirements:

• Permanent residence in Ecuador.
• Legally authorized to work in Ecuador with no restrictions.

Base Station:

• The position will be remotely based in Ecuador.