Position: Marine and Mangrove Specialist

Organization: UNDP

Location: Delhi

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Duties and Responsibilities

The Marine and Mangrove Specialist will support the three target states (Andhra Pradesh, Mahrashtra and Odisha) and respective State Project Management Unit (SPMUs) in the timely implementation of the conservation, restoration and maintenance strategy of coastal and marine ecosystems in the 24 target landscapes.  

• Provide technical support and  guidance towards strategy, planning and project implementation at national and state levels, particularly in coastal systems research, conservation models (including community livelihoods) across select states and ensure convergence among all components of the project to achieve desired outcomes.
• Plan, support and oversee the ecosystem restoration work implemented by the three target States pertaining to plans for mangrove, coral, sea grass, saltmarch and watershed restoration. Oversee and support the field activities that will be implemented by the respective line departments at state, district and sub-district levels, NGOs and CBOs, in coordination with the SPMUs.
• Support SPMUs to develop ecosystem and site specific restoration protocols which will outline community roles in co-management and will be based on global and national best practices – for restoration of the various ecosystem types (mangroves, saltmarshes, coral reefs, seagrass beds, dune vegetation, etc.) using an EbA approach.
•  Oversee the restoration work, which  will be undertaken by Eco Development Committees within protected areas, in coordination with the SPMUs.
• Support SPMUs to develop Target Landscape Integrated Management Plans (TLIMPs) that will be developed for each of the 24 target landscapes. Where appropriate, these Plans will include Biodiversity Conservation Action Plans.
• Support states in establishing co-management structures in target landscapes to foster community support for and participation in conservation and restoration activities, including pollution management to minimize impact on ecosystems.
• Developing and implementing community-based/participatory monitoring and maintenance programmes through the co-management structures to maintain restored ecosystems and capture lessons learned and best practices from the project sites.
•  Support SPMUs in training and supporting communities in 24 target landscapes – with a focus on local youth as well as NGOs/CBOs – to use the coastal adaptation Decision-Support Tool to track the restoration and conservation of coastal ecosystems in 3 target states, including extent of restored ecosystems and carbon sequestered.
• S/he will monitor the work assigned to different technical agencies and ensure efficiency, synergy and uniformity in the deliverables for alignment with project outcomes.
• Provide technical inputs on documentation (management plans, technical reports, scientific articles and any other publication materials) of programme activities.
• Help the project team on coordination between  Governments, Consultants, other relevant experts and agencies on matters related to ecological research and conservation management.
• Facilitate capacity building of team on ecological research, conservation models (including livelihoods) and communication.
• Any other task assigned by the Supervisor.

Competencies

Core Leadership:

• Generates commitment, excitement and excellence in others * Creates new opportunities for team, not just self to learn and take on new responsibilities * Actively shares knowledge

Core Communication and People Management

• Synthesizes information to communicate independent analysis * Communicates ideas and positions with command and confidence * Finds common ground to solve problems

Core innovation

• Adept with complex concepts and challenges convention purposefully * Critically assesses established methods * Contributes to prototyping, piloting, and evaluating lessons / feedback

Technical Knowledge and Expertise

• Ability to develop, coordinate and manage ecological research and livelihoods initiatives
• Ability to lead a team of professionals from diverse backgrounds and working with government and non-government agencies to manage national level project
• Familiarity on ecological conservation opportunities and challenges in the states
• Familiarity on history, culture, socio-economy and geo-politics in local communities
• Familiarity on functioning of state and national government agencies and non-government organizations
• High level knowledge of mangrove ecosystems & Climate change impacts on mangroves
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent strategy, planning and writing skills
• Willingness to travel extensively within India
• Result oriented and ability to convert challenges into opportunities
• Builds and maintains constructive relationships with colleagues; treats people with respect; is cooperative, supportive and helpful with a positive contribution to the working environment

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master’s Degree in Marine Biology /Marine Ecology/ Sustainable Coastal Management/ Mangrove Management
• MPhil /PhD in Marine Biology/Marine Ecology/ Sustainable Coastal Management/ Mangrove Management is desired

Experience:

• At least 7 years of experience in coastal systems and community based conservation management /coastal and marine biodiversity conservation/coastal resource management/ mangrove conservation, at the State or National levels;
• Experience of working with Central and / or State Governments on similar assignments will be preferred;
• Relevant experience of working in one of the target states (Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha) is desirable.

Language:

• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and Hindi is essential.
• Knowledge of local language of target states (Marathi/Odiya/Telugu) is desirable