Ministry of Natural Resources
Terms of Reference
Community Liaison Officer (CLO) for Implementation of Guyana’s Readiness Preparation Proposal (R-PP)
1.Background /Context
Guyana’s forest covers approximately 85% of the country and is estimated at 18.475 million hectares (Guyana MRVS Interim Measures Report, 27 January, 2015). It contains over 5GtCO2 in above ground biomass.
The second most important source of carbon dioxide emissions world-wide comes from deforestation and forest degradation, estimated at approximately 18% of global emissions. Guyana is committed to its international responsibility to address issues relating to climate change, more specifically, reductions of emissions from deforestation and forest degradation; conservation of forest carbon stock, sustainable forest management and the enhancement of forest carbon stock.
At the national level, the government of The Cooperative Republic of Guyana (CRG) has embarked on a programme to establish a Green Economy that aims to protect and maintain its forests in an effort to reduce global carbon emissions and at the same time attract resources to foster socio-economic growth and development.
The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) through the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), a State Agency with the mandate for the administration and management of the State Forest Estate in Guyana, has been charged with the responsibility of overseeing the national implementation of key technical aspects of REDD+ activities, including the readiness activities under Guyana’s R-PP under the FCPF.
In proceeding with the implementation of REDD+, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), through the Project Execution Unit (PEU), in collaboration with the Guyana Forestry Commission and a number of partners are tasked with conducting consultation and outreach activities under the guiding principle of sharing information to promote knowledge sharing, raise awareness, engage society and as a result develop a true participatory REDD+ preparation process. Oversight for these activities will be provided by the National REDD+ Working Group (NRWG).
The CRG is cognizant of the fact that the long-term success of REDD+ Readiness preparation activities will depend on broad-based, local participatory support. Furthermore the Government firmly upholds the principle of Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) as it relates to forest dependent communities; especially indigenous communities. The CRG is also committed to a participatory and inclusive R-PP preparatory process though the partnering with Indigenous Peoples, Forest Dependent Community Organisations, Civil Society, Private Sector, Youth, Women, Conservation groups, agencies within the natural resources sector and other NGOs to achieve readiness for REDD+.
The National Toshaos Council (NTC), Indigenous NGOs and Community Forestry Organisations are identified as a principle stakeholders involved in the implementation of REDD+. To help ensure the success of the consultation and engagement process, it is imperative that the Ministry of Natural Resources through the Project Execution Unit (PEU) maintain and clear communication channel and promote a healthy relationship with the identified stakeholders.
In this context the MNR is seeking the services of a Community Liaison Officer (CLO) to maintain and clear communication channel and promote a healthy relationship with the identified stakeholders.
2. Profile of Community Liaison Officer (CLO)
a. Qualifications:
Candidates are expected to have a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in forestry, Environmental Studies, Indigenous Studies, Social Sciences/Anthropology or related field (e.g. tropical forest ecology and conservation, mining, geography, economics), along with 10 years relevant work experience in forestry, mining, conservation, community engagements or related field.
b. Experience: Previous experience on climate change, forestry or mining related projects, REDD+ and or natural resources management. Familiarity with issues relating or relevant to forestry or mining in Guyana. Experience in working with Indigenous Peoples and communities, knowledge of Indigenous rights vested in the Constitution of Guyana and the Amerindian Act will be considered an asset
c. Skills and Abilities: Candidate must also possess excellent oral and written English communication skills and be able to articulate ideas and write reports in a clear and concise style. Preference will be given to persons being able to communicate in culturally appropriate way with indigenous and forest dependent communities of Guyana.
d. Availability: The Community Liaison Officer (CLO) is expected to make him/herself available full-time throughout the duration of the FCPF project.
3.Responsibilities and Job Description
The Community Liaison Officer (CLO) builds and maintains relationships with community members to better understand community concerns and perceptions. The CLO serves as the principal link, and thus also a critical communications channel, between the project operation and community members.
The Role of the Community Liaison Officer (CLO) for Implementation of Guyana’s Readiness Preparation Proposal (R-PP);
- Support the development of work plans for implementation of the Components of the R-PP (Components 1- Organise and Consult, 2- Prepare the REDD Strategy, and 6 – Design a Programme Monitoring & Evaluation Framework).
- Support capacity building initiatives to target the NTC and the four (4) Indigenous NGOs of Guyana (TAAMOG, APA, GOIP & NADF) and other identified stakeholder groups (SCPDA, SRDC, NRDDB, KMCRG, NPDC, NSCCFO) in preparation for their implementation of Stakeholder Awareness sessions on REDD+ readiness implementation.
- Maintain relationships with the NTC and the four (4) Indigenous NGOs of Guyana (TAAMOG, APA, GOIP & NADF) and other identified stakeholder groups (SCPDA, SRDC, NRDDB, KMCRG, NPDC, NSCCFO) and promote constructive partnerships and communication between the PEU and these stakeholders on issues relating to project development, implementation and monitoring, with the key responsibility for supporting community engagement activities.
- Provide information about the FCPF REDD+ Readiness Project to indigenous and forest dependent stakeholders.
- Recognize issues within the identified stakeholder groups that may result in heightened concern or unrest, and thus provide an early warning system on community issues.
- Support for the planning and logistics for /communication events which include training seminars, outreach meetings, workshops, and related activities.
- Assist the PEU in ensuring that implementation of all activities are in conformance with national Social & Environmental Safeguards, as well as those stipulated by the FPCF.
- Any other activities that promote the achievement of building and maintaining relationships with community members to better understand community concerns and perceptions that may be assigned by the Project Coordinator.
4. Schedule and Duration
The work of the Community Liaison Officer (CLO) is expected to be conducted over a 15 month period, commencing October, 2018. Contract will initially be issued for one year with possibility of renewal for the duration of the FCPF project period.
5.Remuneration
The fee for the implementation of activities and delivery of results for this contract will be negotiated between the MNR and the Community Liaison Officer (CLO).
