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Project Associate - Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity in the Dalmatian Coast through Greening Coastal Development (COAST)

The Dalmatian Coast constitutes a unique patchwork of marine, coastal, island, terrestrial and agricultural ecosystems with great variations regularly occurring over small distances. The bio- and landscape diversity have been in rather good shape compared to some other Mediterranean countries. However, recently this globally significant diversity is generally threatened by unsustainable elements in the main economic activities in the area, which include firstly real estate development and tourism but also agriculture, fisheries and mariculture. The aim of the “COAST” Project is to help Croatia seize a unique and short-lived opportunity to improve bio- and landscape diversity conservation in the Dalmatian coastal region before current unsustainable development trends cause irreversible damage to the ecosystems. The Project focuses on the problem of biodiversity and landscape protection and conservation in Dalmatia within a context of sustainable development. In particular, it aims at promotion of sustainable development through identifying and raising awareness about the main driving forces of unsustainable development trends as well as the possible remedies, demonstrating responsible (i.e. “biodiversity-friendly”) use of natural resources, greening of businesses (in particular tourism, agriculture, fisheries, mariculture and banking/investments sectors) and mainstreaming care for biodiversity into national and local policies, regulation and practices. Although there will be some trade-offs, economic development will continue and globally important ecosystems will be protected. The Project is being implemented at several levels: (i) national – by promoting reform of the enabling environment; (ii) regional - by integrating biodiversity concerns into development planning; (iii) local – by developing and implementing, at 4 demonstration sites, best practices for protection and conservation of bio- and landscape diversity through its sustainable use; (iv) sectoral – by working directly with the private sector and by making key economic sectors biodiversity friendly; and (v) protected area system in coastal/marine areas - by its better integration in the context of overall regional development through application of conflict resolution activities. (Deadline: 7th March 2009)

Outputs of the activity:

1.         The overall goal of the project is to ensure that the development path of the Croatian coast is environmentally friendly, with the conservation of biological diversity firmly mainstreamed into that development path.
2.         The project objective is to effectively transform the actions, practices and approaches of private operators in the tourism, agriculture and fisheries sectors in the four coastal counties, in part by influencing the banking sector, and thereby to mainstream biodiversity conservation into these sectors.

Qualifications and Requirements:


Overall, the Project Associate will be will be responsible for working closely with the Project team, and with direct supervision of Project Manager (PM), to technically support activities taking place in the project area. Specific duties and responsibilities include:
-          Together with Deputy Project Manager (DPM) and PM work on preparation of draft workplans, TORs and progress reports, recruiting, identifying and supervising the work of experts for project activities related to nature protection (such as management of areas under national ecological network) and    sustainable use of natural resources as well as project communication strategy;
-          Work with the DPM on activities in the project area related to the green business development and work with county development agencies;
-          Work with and provide technical backstopping/assistance to Secondees in their work at county development agencies;
-          Work with the DPM in designing and organising trainings, communication and other activities/meetings to be implemented in the project area;
-          Communicate and exchange information with partners, beneficiaries and stakeholders in the project area;
-          Work with national partners, in particular related to her/his field of expertise;
-          Provide services, within respective field of responsibility and competence, on ad-hoc basis if needed and requested by the PM.


Required Skills and Experience:


Qualifications required for the position of Project Associate include:
-          University degree in relevant field and at least 3 years of experience;
-          Project Work experience, including ability to synthesize knowledge from various disciplines and to generate, develop and evaluate ideas, options and outcomes;
-          Good independent learning, analytical and reporting skills;
-          Experience relevant for work in coastal area (Dalmatia);
-          Experience in working with media;
-          Ability to work in team;
-          Full-time availability;
-          Excellent English language skills, both written and verbal;
-          Familiarity with the procedures of international organisations would be an asset;
-          Skills in using information technology (MS Office, Internet);
-          Ability and willingness to travel (driving license).

Application Deadline:


7th March 2009


For more details, please visit: http://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?job_id=8791
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