NOTE: Any requests for clarification or questions regarding this Terms of Reference (ToR) should be submitted in writing to [email protected], and [email protected]
Click here to download complete ToR in pdf: Consultancy - NVVCA Framework
TERMS OF REFERENCE
GENERAL OBJECTIVE: To support the development and operationalization of Belize’s National Voluntary Community Conservation Areas (NVCCA) Framework, strengthening biodiversity conservation, ecosystem resilience, and community-led stewardship in coordination with key national and international stakeholders.
DURATION: 8 months
BUDGET: $60,000 BZD
1. Background
Belize is highly vulnerable to climate change due to its low-lying geography and exposure to sea-level rise, flooding, erosion, drought, storm surges, hurricanes, and increasing temperatures. These climate and natural hazards pose significant risks to communities, agriculture, infrastructure, livelihoods, and natural ecosystems, highlighting the need for stronger adaptation and resilience measures. In response, the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) received funding from the Adaptation Fund under the “Building Community Resilience via Transformative Adaptation” project through the Enhanced Direct Access (EDA) funding window. The project serves as a national mechanism for climate finance and aims to strengthen Belize’s long-term capacity to address climate threats through five interconnected areas: safeguarding forest and water resources, improving wildfire management, supporting alternative livelihoods, building national capacity to access adaptation finance, and strengthening community disaster risk management.
2. Objectives and Responsibilities
The National Biodiversity Office within the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management (MSDCCSWM) through the Adaptation Fund’s “Building Community Resilience via Transformative Adaptation” project is implementing the sub-project entitled “Safeguarding Forest and Water Resources through Strategic Protection and Restoration Solutions in the Macal and Mopan River Watersheds.” To advance the objectives of this initiative, a specialized consultant is engaged
in supporting key technical and community-level deliverables.
This consultancy forms part of Belize's broader strategy to strengthen biodiversity conservation, ecosystem resilience, and community-led stewardship through the development of National Voluntary Community Conservation Areas (NVCCAs).
3. Scope of Work
The selected consultant will be responsible for the following:
4. Expected Results
Work must be carried out within (8) eight months upon signing the contract. The following products will be provided by the consultant:
All reports and associated outputs shall be submitted in editable electronic format and shall incorporate feedback provided by NBIO, IUCN, PACT, and other designated stakeholders. The consultant shall make reasonable revisions to the deliverables based on consolidated feedback.
5. Qualifications and Experience Requirements
The consultant should possess the following qualifications:
Academic Qualification:
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or higher) in conservation biology, environmental management, natural resource management, environmental law, protected area management, geography, ecology, public policy, sustainable development, or another closely related field.
Experience:
6. Coordination
The consultant will report to the Director of the National Biodiversity Office (NBIO) and work closely with the NBIO project team, Forest Department, IUCN technical team, and other relevant stakeholders. Regular coordination with IUCN experts will ensure alignment of technical inputs and framework development.
7. Application Procedures
**Application deadline is 16 October 2026. **
Job details are sourced from the employer's original posting.
Open job postingAbout the company
PACT Belize is a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainable development in Belize.