[Hiring] Consultancy to Support the Development of the National Voluntary Community Conservation Framework @PACT Belize

Role Description

The consultant will 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.

Qualifications

• 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.
• 10+ years of professional experience in biodiversity conservation, protected areas, natural resource governance, environmental policy, or related fields.
• Experience developing national policies, strategies, frameworks, guidelines, or governance mechanisms for biodiversity conservation, protected areas, or OECMs.
• Strong knowledge of the CBD, Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and IUCN guidance on OECMs and protected/conserved areas.
• Proven experience conducting multi-stakeholder consultations, workshops, and participatory processes with government, IPLCs, CSOs, private sector, and communities.
• Experience in Belize or the wider Caribbean is an asset.

Requirements

• Conduct a rapid desk review of relevant international guidance, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Decision 14/8 (2018), IUCN frameworks, and Belize’s national policies and legal structures.
• Provide technical support for the development and refinement of the NVCCA Framework through consultations and technical discussions with NBIO, IUCN, PACT, and relevant stakeholders.
• Identify and assess existing community, Indigenous, private, and locally led conservation initiatives in Belize to identify relevant examples, lessons learned, and potential models.
• Develop practical, user-friendly implementation tools, including guidelines, assessment templates, and toolkits, ensuring they are gender-responsive, culturally appropriate, and rights-based.
• Identify and assess five potential NVCCA pilot sites within the Macal and Mopan River Watersheds using the criteria established under the NVCCA Framework.
• Document pilot experiences, including successes, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations to inform the refinement and implementation of the NVCCA Framework.
• Conduct targeted capacity-building and awareness activities to support understanding and rollout of the NVCCA Framework.

Benefits

• Budget: $60,000 BZD
• Duration: 8 months

Expected Results

• Deliverable 1: Inception Report with Literature Review - 2 weeks after contract signing (Payment: 10%)
• Deliverable 2: Stakeholder Consultation Report - 2 months after contract signing (Payment: 15%)
• Deliverable 3: Draft NVCCA Framework - 3 months after contract signing (Payment: 25%)
• Deliverable 4: NVCCA Pilot Site Assessment - 5 months after contract signing (Payment: 20%)
• Deliverable 5: Capacity Building - 6 months after contract signing (Payment: 10%)
• Deliverable 6: NVCCA Implementation Recommendations Report - 8 months after contract signing (Payment: 20%)

Application Procedures

• Cover Letter: State interest, suitability, availability, and commitment for the consultancy.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlight academic qualifications, professional experience, and relevant expertise in biodiversity conservation, environmental policy, community-based conservation, governance, and stakeholder engagement.
• Technical Proposal: Include the proposed methodology, stakeholder engagement approach, NVCCA Framework development approach, governance and implementation mechanisms, and detailed work plan and timeline.
• Financial Proposal: Provide a detailed breakdown of consultancy fees and associated costs. Community engagement costs, including venue, transportation, food, and printing, should be excluded.
• Application deadline is 16 October 2026.