The Local Biodiversity Associate (LBA – EC) will work closely with the Field Manager to support the efficient implementation of biodiversity conservation activities in Ecuador. This role includes project coordination, research, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building while ensuring gender-sensitive and participatory approaches.

Job Responsibilities

1. Project Coordination and Leadership:

• Assist in project management and execution, ensuring compliance with established policies.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance on biodiversity conservation and local environmental issues.
• Act as the primary liaison between the project’s beneficiaries and stakeholders in Ecuador.
• Work with multidisciplinary teams to integrate biodiversity objectives into broader project goals.
• Develop and implement conservation strategies aligned with national and global biodiversity policies.
• Foster collaboration with local and regional biodiversity experts, conservation organizations, and government agencies.
• Advocate for biodiversity conservation and motivate local partners to achieve project objectives.
• Ensure compliance with national environmental regulations and guidelines.
• Participate in community outreach and education programs on biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation.
• Support logistical coordination for workshops, training, and project events.

2. Technical Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement biodiversity monitoring protocols with local communities.
• Integrate climate change adaptation strategies to mitigate environmental risks.
• Provide expertise on Andean biodiversity, endemic species, and wetland conservation.
• Contribute to conservation planning and ensure alignment with biodiversity frameworks.
• Promote sustainable land and water management practices supporting conservation and local livelihoods.
• Conduct or support Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) related to project activities.
• Assist in designing and implementing environmental education initiatives.
• Execute surveys and collect technical data for project evaluation and planning.
• Prepare and review project reports.
• Facilitate training workshops on biodiversity and climate adaptation.

3. Gender Equality, Social Inclusion, and Human Rights:

• Ensure biodiversity conservation initiatives integrate gender equality and social inclusion.
• Develop strategies to include human rights principles in conservation activities, particularly for marginalized and Indigenous communities.
• Collaborate with gender specialists to promote the active participation of women and Indigenous people in biodiversity projects.

4. Project Administration:

• Collect, manage, and analyze biodiversity data for project reporting and decision-making.
• Provide leadership and input in biodiversity assessments and impact evaluations.
• Collaborate administratively with local and regional biodiversity organizations.
• Support the preparation of key project documents, including Annual Work Plans (AWP) and Operational Reports.
• Assist in managing the local Field Office, including financial administration and expenditure tracking.
• Ensure compliance with budgetary guidelines and financial reporting standards.
• Implement corrective actions as necessary in consultation with the Field Manager.
• Apply Results-Based Management (RBM) principles to project activities.
• Maintain the project’s Risk Register.

5. Communication:

• Serve as a key liaison for biodiversity stakeholders, including government agencies, universities, and NGOs.
• Effectively communicate biodiversity issues to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Foster collaboration with international conservation bodies to share best practices.
• Maintain timely and transparent communication with project leadership teams in Canada and Ecuador.
• Build effective relationships with national, regional, and local government officials.

6. Capacity Building and Community Engagement:

• Lead biodiversity conservation capacity-building efforts for community members, government officials, and project staff.
• Develop community engagement strategies that promote conservation awareness with gender-sensitive and culturally appropriate approaches.
• Deliver training and workshops on biodiversity, climate adaptation, and sustainable natural resource management.

Job Requirements

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Anthropology, Geography, Animal Science, Agronomy, or a related field.
• Master’s degree in Conservation, Biodiversity Management, or a related field is an asset.
• Minimum of five years of experience in participatory biodiversity conservation or natural resource management, preferably in the Andes or similar ecosystems.
• Experience implementing biodiversity monitoring programs and conservation strategies with local communities.
• Strong technical knowledge of Andean biodiversity and socio-environmental challenges.
• Familiarity with biodiversity policies and ability to engage with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders.
• Proven experience in gender-sensitive conservation and community engagement.
• Previous experience working on climate change adaptation or mitigation projects is an asset.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and understanding conservation rights.

Technical Skills:

• Strong research and report-writing abilities.
• Proficiency in biodiversity data collection, monitoring, and analysis.
• Knowledge of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs).
• Proficiency in data analysis software (R, GIS, etc.).
• Strong project management and leadership skills.
• Experience securing funding and managing budgets.
• Ability to communicate biodiversity issues effectively to different audiences.

Competencies:

• Excellent problem-solving and leadership abilities.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work in remote settings and multicultural environments.

Languages:

• Fluency in Spanish (oral and written) is essential.
• Advanced English is an asset.