I. NATURE AND GENERAL OBJECTIVE OF THE WORK:
SERVIR is a joint initiative of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), along with leading geospatial organizations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, that partners with countries and organizations in these regions to address critical challenges related to agriculture and food security, air quality and health, ecosystem and carbon management, water security, and weather and climate resilience. SERVIR, meaning “to serve,” was established in 2005 to address these challenges and make geospatial information available and useful to decision makers in developing countries. Using satellite data and geospatial technology, SERVIR co-develops innovative solutions through a network of regional hubs to improve decision making at regional, national, and local scales. The information provided by SERVIR is publicly available and intended for civilian applications only. While SERVIR draws heavily from the latest in science and technology, the program is ultimately focused on development impact.
The purpose of this activity is to establish a SERVIR hub for the Central American region. The goal of SERVIR Central America (SERVIR-CA) is to improve climate resilience, sustainable resource management, and biodiversity conservation across the Central American region through early action and increased use of satellite-based data and geospatial technology in development decision making, thus contributing to overall regional security and prosperity and reducing the drivers of irregular migration.
II. MAIN TASKS
The Capacity Development Lead is primarily responsible for hub activities that develop and increase the capabilities of regional governmental, other stakeholders and users.
• S/he will have primary operational responsibility for building and institutionalizing the technical capacity of decision-makers and sharing information about products and services.
• S/he will be responsible to conduct consultations and needs assessments, including stakeholder mapping activities, for specific service areas and countries
• S/he will be responsible for the design and development of knowledge-sharing events and ensuring appropriate tailoring of communications products.
• S/he will be responsible for monitoring and evaluating progress in capacity building over time.
• Co-develop strategic plans, annual and quarterly work plans, and overall management of the program in line with USAID guidelines to achieve project objectives.
• Support the development of strong M&E mechanisms, program monitoring tools and efficient systems to ensure high quality implementation.
• Direct transparent communications with partners, including negotiating scopes of work, addressing requisite revisions in programmatic work, and troubleshooting issues that may arise.
• Represent CATIE with partners and key stakeholders, maintaining positive relationships with USAID and local and regional authorities.
• Establish effective communication and coordination with personnel from the government to implement interventions and incorporate regional and country-wide priorities.
• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where the project team strives to achieve excellence.
• Incorporate CATIE’s vision and values and full adherence to Code of Conduct principles
III. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Academic level:
A graduate degree (master’s degree or higher) in international development, sustainable development, environmental science, natural resources management, GIS/ geography/ remote sensing, adult education, or other field related to this position is, or equivalent verifiable experience.
Experience:
• A minimum of five years of experience in international development approaches relevant to this position, including development of training or capacity building programs, assessment and strengthening of institutional capacities, and/or development of multi-stakeholder knowledge sharing platforms.
• Experience delivering capacity building activities related to GIS, remote sensing, geography, and natural resources.
IV. OTHER CHARACTERISTICS
Proven record of productive engagement with government institutions, NGOs, and scientists.
Strong written and verbal communication skills in both English and Spanish.
Knowledge of the political, social, cultural, environmental, and development context of Central America preferred.
For more information go to: www.catie.ac.cr.
Interested persons should send an application letter (at their personal discretion), curriculum summary and salary claim, Email: vacante@catie.ac.cr
