The National Directorate for Biodiversity under the State Secretary for Environment is seeking to hire an International Expert for Access and Benefit-Sharing to support the development of national regulatory, policy and institutional framework for implementation of Nagoya Protocol in Timor-Leste and conduct an analysis of existing legislative, a briefing for government officials on preparing regulatory and institutional framework including developing model agreement, and designing or drafting the bio-prospecting opportunities of Timor-Leste. 

Summary of Key Functions: 

The international ABS expert will lead the development of the national regulatory, policy and institutional framework for implementation of the Nagoya Protocol, including providing analysis of national regulation, drafting government brief, preparing National Operational Guideline as a reference document, support and host a consultative process towards establishing of ABS national framework through the development and facilitation of ABS National Task Force, preparing report on the bio-prospecting opportunities in Timor-Leste in collaboration with International Biodiversity and Bio-prospecting specialist, support the establishment of Task Force, Competent National Authority (CNA) and support the Government of Timor-Leste with the consolidation of information required for the formal accession to the Nagoya Protocol, including the compilation of documents, data, and conducting training and briefing sessions where useful to enable the process. 

Duration of Assignment: 

The assignment will be for a period of 64 days between 1 April – 31 December 2023 remotely and in duty station Dili, Timor-Leste.

The consultant must be available for meetings with the Project team, SSE and counterparts in the respective ministries and partners for discussion, consultations and validation of content and products. Arrangement for such consultations/visits will be communicated to the consultant so that team members can prepare and schedule time accordingly. 

Education:

MSc level or equivalent degree in biology, agronomy, botany, bio-chemistry/bio-technology, and/or other relevant environmental sciences training, involving biodiversity inventories, chemistry or pharmacology research analysis and applications; and/or applied biology, natural resources management, or equivalent fields is required. 

Experience:

At least 10 years of working experience in: natural resources management, botany, biochemistry/biotechnology and one or more subjects related to mainstreaming of biodiversity conservation through bioprospecting campaigns, including e.g. ABS is required. 

Proven significant experience in ABS projects and the Nagoya Protocol, capacity building; and biodiversity inventories is required. 

Experience in managing and coordination with national counterparts, partners or donors. 

Language Requirements:

Excellent English writing and presentation skills. Knowledge of Portuguese, Tetum and/or Bahasa is advantageous.

Submission of the application: 

Please submit your application letter together with your curriculum vitae including a list of references and, financial proposal (inclusive) to ABS Office, National Directorate of Biodiversity, Secretary of State for the Environment, Rua Dom Boa Ventura, No. 16 Mandarin Dili, email: [email protected]

The deadline for submitting applications is 27 March 2023. Only short-listed candidates will be notified. Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

The full ToR can be downloaded here!