ThaiNGO

USAID End Wildlife Crime

Consultant Job Description

November 15, 2024

Project Description 

USAID End Wildlife Crime (EWC) is a five-year regional program of the U.S. Agency for International Development that will conserve biodiversity and strengthen rules-based order by building on the long history of USAID Regional Development Mission for Asia (RDMA) in countering wildlife trafficking (CWT) through partnerships with regional organizations, governments, the private sector, and civil society. The program covers the ASEAN region and China and aligns with USAID/RDMA's strategic objectives of reducing transnational environmental crime and bolstering regional civil society networks.

Position Description 

RTI is seeking a consultant to support the USAID End Wildlife Crime team implement activities under Objective 2 and 3 outlined as follows:

Objective 2: Law enforcement, adjudication, and policymaking systems across the region improved with shared vision and collaboration to combat wildlife crime.

Objective 3: Collective efforts and actions at the regional level among civil society, government, private sector, and development partners to counter wildlife trafficking and other wildlife crimes are improved.

The Consultant’s main areas of support will include assistance with Objective 2’s mapping and needs assessment of criminal justice stakeholders across ASEAN and for Objective 3 the organization of the USAID End Wildlife Crime’s third Counter Wildlife Trafficking Partnership Forum as well as helping to coordinate the process of establishing the CWT Partnership Platform. The successful candidate will work in close collaboration with the USAID EWC team and other consultants, partners, and stakeholders to fulfil the tasks outlined below. The Consultant will report overall to the Chief of Party and on a daily basis to the Criminal Justice Sector Lead.

Roles and Responsibilities

The consultant is expected to undertake the following specific tasks:

Objective 2: Regional Criminal Justice Stakeholders Mapping and Needs Assessment

• Assist with desktop and literature research to support the mapping and needs assessment.
• Help develop, review and field the mapping and needs assessment questionnaire.
• Help develop a list of potential partners and stakeholders to interview and assist or lead interviews and consultation as needed.
• Help analyze responses to the questionnaire and the outcomes of meetings and consultations with partners and stakeholders.
• Assist with the preparation, drafting and review of the final report.
• Help prepare a PPT presentation of the key findings of the assessment to share at the CWT Partnership Forum III.

Objective 3: Forum Organization and Platform Establishment

• Initiate the process of establishing and operationalization the Counter Wildlife Trafficking (CWT) Partnership Coordination Platform, building on the foundations set under the previous USAID Wildlife Asia (UWA) and USAID Reducing Demand for Wildlife (RDW) initiatives. This will include:
  • Collaborating with partners to draft by-laws for the CWT Partnership Coordination Platform based on democratic principles and aligned with regional goals, while also coordinating the creation of a proposed operational budget, fundraising mechanisms, and strategies for long-term sustainability, including capacity building and governance structures.
  • Coordinating with team members to identify and promote opportunities for local leadership.
• Assist with the planning, implementation, and review of third CWT Partner Coordination Forum including developing an engaging and interactive agenda.
• Help ensure that the agenda aligns with cross-cutting plans such as the Gender and Inclusive Development Action, Localization, and Private Sector Engagement plans.
• Help identify speakers, panelists, moderators, facilitators, and keynote presenters for the event.
• Help develop talking points for presenters and session guidance notes as needed.
• Help provide content as needed for event sessions e.g. PPT presentations or similar.
• Support the recruitment of the event organizer including working closely with and guiding the successful firm/agency in organizing the event.
• Help develop the participant list, as well as promote and raise the profile of the event.
• Undertake research including reaching out to partners and other stakeholders to support the preparation and design of the event.
• Facilitate, present, or help moderate sessions as needed.
• Update event Agenda and distribute as requested.
• Provide summary one-page lessons learned after the event.

Education and Experience:

• Advanced degree in environmental science, conservation, international relations, or a related field.
• 10 years professional experience in establishing partnerships, coalition building, multi-stakeholder coordination, or program management in conservation, wildlife trafficking, or related fields.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and motivate diverse stakeholders at national, regional, and international levels.
• Experience supporting donor-funded or led projects (especially USAID).
• Knowledge of the challenges working in Southeast Asian countries, and an ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary team and to adapt to the changing needs and conditions of donor, partner, and counterpart agencies.
• Skills in organizing regional events that bring multiple stakeholders together.
• Ability to work independently and capacity to work in high pressure environments including meeting tight deadlines.
• Fluent in English including strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to work effectively with the Microsoft office suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

Level of Effort and Period of Performance:

The level of effort for the consultant is expected to be approximately 20 percent time for a period of six months with a ceiling of up to 30 days overall.

Qualified candidates are invited to apply by submitting their CV and covering letter to Ms. Orraphan Sanonork at ewc_procurement@ewcasia.org. The deadline for applications is Friday November 22, 2024, 5:00 p.m. – Bangkok time. RTI is an equal opportunities employer and female candidates and representatives from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.