Submitted: 2011-10-21 01:29:21
Contact: Hiring manager ffi@cablenet.com.ni & info@hawksbill.org
WWW Link: www.hawksbill.org
Period
Start date: 01 February 2012
Duration of contract: 12 months with potential to extend
Probation period: 2 months
Location
The majority of functions will be carried out in the office of FFI in Managua,Nicaragua, with programmed visits to the two project sites where the tourism program will be implemented in Nicaragua (Estero Padre Ramos) and El Salvador (Bahia Jiqulisco).
Background Information
The hawksbill turtle is listed as Critically Endangered (CR) by the IUCN and while the species once common in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, from Mexico to Ecuador, it is currently extremely rare. Despite its dire status, for several decades the population received little attention from the scientific community, with nesting and foraging data being almost non-existent.
With the objective to initiate biological data collection on the species, in July 2008 individuals and organizations working throughout the Eastern Pacific convened an international meeting called the ‘First Workshop of the Hawksbill Turtle in the Eastern Pacific’ in Los Cóbanos, El Salvador. Turing the Workshops, in addition to generating unique information on the species, the participants established an International working Group known as the Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative (ICAPO in Spanish), with the objective to continue consolidating information, promoting projects and raising awareness of the species. Among the many needs identified by ICAPO, the immediate protection of hawksbills nest at their nesting beaches was considered crucial to recovery of the population.
Since that time, ICAPO, FFI and their Partners have identified the Estero Padre Ramos Natural Reserve in Nicaragua and the Bahia Jiquilisco Biosphere Reserve in El Salvador as the most important nesting beaches in the Eastern Pacific, hosing approximately 90% of the known nesting by the species in the entire region. ICAPO, FFI and various other local and International organizations have been managing hawksbill monitoring and conservation projects in Bahia Jiquilisco and Estero Padre Ramos since 2008 and 2010, respectively. These projects have been tremendously effective, with a nest protection rate of over 90% and strong support from local communities. These achievements have converted our projects into international models for sea turtle conservation.
Duties
I. Objectives
General Objective:
Initiate an international conservation tourism program in conjunction with our two hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) turtle conservation projects in Nicaragua and El Salvador.
Specific Objectives:
•Establish a permanent tourism program to assist with hawksbill conservation efforts in Nicaragua and El Salvador.
•Create a sustainable source of funding to ensure continuity of the projects.
•Generate income for coastal community members in the areas surrounding our project sites.
•Increase local and International awareness in hawksbill conservation.
II. General Description of the Position
We are looking for an independent, responsible and highly organized individual to lead the creation of an international conservation tourism program that will be conducted in conjunction with our two ongoing hawksbill conservation projects in Nicaragua and El Salvador. These two sites are the only major hawksbill nesting rookeries known to exist in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Tourists (i.e. participants) will pay a fee to work with the program and will be provided room and board at the project sites with the objective to provide unique volunteer opportunities, while generating crucial funding for the project and locals. The Conservation Tourism Director will oversee all aspects of the program. Staff from ICAPO and FFI staff will provide supervision and help with the overall vision of the tourism program, but the Program Director will be expected carry out most activities independently and proactively.
III. Duration and location
This position will begin in February 2012 and will have an undefined duration (minimum one year). The majority of functions will be carried out in the office of FFI in Managua, Nicaragua, with programmed visits to the two project sites where the tourism program will be implemented in Nicaragua (Estero Padre Ramos) and El Salvador (Bahia Jiqulisco).
IV. Coordination and supervision
The conservation tourism program Director will report to and coordinate with with FFI’s National Director in Nicaragua and ICAPO’s Regional Director. The selected applicant will also be expected to coordinate directly with FFI and ICAPO’s Nesting Beach Program Directors in Nicaragua and El Salvador.
V. Primary Responsibilities Include (but not limited to):
• Design program formats and procedures
• Volunteer correspondence (sending necessary forms, responding to questions, ensuring preparation, analyzing program evaluations, etc.).
• Coordinate volunteer travel (in-country) and establishing transportation/lodging network to handle volunteer pickup, project site delivery, etc., with a specific focus on benefitting small/local communities/establishments.
• Develop/maintain volunteer recruitment tools, including webpage, university announcements, volunteer recruiting agencies, etc.
• Develop documents to facilitate program function as deemed necessary.
• Supervision of volunteers.
• Working with project biologists and field staff to coordinate volunteer activities.
• Develop additional activities for volunteers other than turtle work (e.g. beach cleanups, activities in schools, etc.).
• Identify necessary improvements to volunteer infrastructure, meals and/or other program aspects.
• Organize and moderate workshops with project communities and program committee members to prepare/improve sites for volunteers.
• Arrange housing/facilities/food with local community members at project sites.
• Charge and attain fees from volunteers.
• Close communication with community members and local Hawksbill Program Committee regarding advancement of the program.
• Oversee and manage all volunteer program finances.
• Prepare and provide reports on meetings, events, finances and general program advances when solicited by either FFI and/or ICAPO.
• Other duties as necessary
VI. Quarterly Products
In addition to providing monthly financial reports on operative expenses (materials, food and transport while in the field, etc.) submitted in the administrative format of FFI, the Conservation Tourism Director should turn in the following to the FFI National Director and the ICAPO Regional Director:
1.Technical report (in corresponding format) highlighting program advances.
2.Financial report documenting funds generated and spent on behalf of the Program.
3.Digital copies of photos documenting the diverse field activities undertaken by the tourism program and its participants.
VII. Final Products
After the end of the primary program Season (which corresponds to the hawksbill nesting Season between May and October), the Conservation Tourism Director should elaborate and submit the following products to FFIs National Director:
1. Final Technical Report highlighting the conservation tourism project’s activities and achievements
2. Final financial report documenting funds generated and spent on behalf of the Program.
3. File with all digital photos taken during the operation of the program.
Requirements
Preference will be given to potential applicants that meet the following requirements:
• Long term interest (minimum one year) in the position
• Bilingual or very strong ability in both English and Spanish
• Recent graduate in tourism, eco-tourism, biological sciences, environmental studies, social studies or related fields
• Valid driver’s license
• Prior experience working:
o Overseeing tourism programs
o With sea turtles
• Prior leadership experience with an NGO
• Able to work an unorthodox schedule (hours/days/weeks)
• Be physically fit and able to undertake physical labor
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Independent, reliable and responsible
• Motivated, positive and adaptable to unexpected situations
Benefits/Costs
Dependent on qualifications and experience, but not more that $800 USD per month.
Additional Contact Information
To Apply: Send an email with the following information/documents:
1. Cover letter (include reasons you consider yourself a strong candidate)
2. Curriculum Vitae highlighting pertinent experience (no more than 3 pages)
3. Information of two personal references, including email addresses.
Send to both of the following addresses: ffi@cablenet.com.ni and info@hawksbill.org
Subject line: ‘Insert last name’_Conservation Tourism Program Director