Legal and Policy Framework Review on Community Rights and Conservation Areas in Ecuador

Reference number: 2423
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Consultancy
Duty station: Ecuador
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CIFOR-ICRAF
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

Overview

The Consultant will support CIFOR-ICRAF’s project on fostering collaborative relationships in conservation areas across the Amazon region of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The project will examine the complex dynamics – in a range between collaboration and conflict – between Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and Afro-descendent people, and the implementers of conservation areas to understand the enabling conditions necessary to promote collaboration. The Researcher will conduct a review of legal and policy frameworks in Ecuador and participate in a Science-Policy Dialogue to validate findings and suggest pathways for enhanced collaboration.

Key result areas

• Conduct a review of legal and policy frameworks regarding community rights and conservation areas in Ecuador.
• Identify legal opportunities, challenges, and gaps that support or hinder the enabling conditions necessary to transform conflicts and promote collaboration.
• Analyze four case studies illustrating how legal frameworks are applied in practice in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
• Facilitate a Science-Policy Dialogue in Quito to validate findings and engage stakeholders.

Duties and responsibilities

1.Research and analysis

• Conduct a review of legal and policy frameworks at the intersection of community rights and conservation areas in Ecuador.
• Identify opportunities, challenges, and gaps that influence collaboration and conflict transformation in conservation areas.
• Examine four case studies in the Ecuadorian Amazon to demonstrate how these legal and policy frameworks are applied in practice.
  

2.Facilitation and coordination

• Facilitate one national-level Science-Policy Dialogue in Quito to present research findings.
• Coordinate with the project team to design and implement dialogue methodologies, ensuring effective stakeholder participation.
  

3.Reporting and dissemination

• Prepare and submit a draft analytical report based on the review of legal and policy frameworks.
• Submit a final validated analytical report, incorporating feedback from the dialogue.
  

4.Supervision and reporting

• Report to the project’s Principal Investigator and collaborate with CIFOR-ICRAF’s team, including other consultants.
• Ensure alignment with project objectives and timelines through regular check-ins.

Education, knowledge and experience

• Postgraduate degree in Law, Public Policy, Environmental Studies, or a related field.
• Proven experience in reviewing legal and policy frameworks related to conservation, protected areas, and community rights.
• Familiarity with the legal and political contexts of community rights and conservation in Ecuador and Latin America.

Personal attributes and competencies

• Strong research, analytical, facilitation, and writing skills.
• Effective communication and presentation skills for sharing findings in national dialogues.
• Proficiency in Spanish.

Terms and conditions

• This is a consultancy position.
• Period of the consultancy: October to December 2024.
• Work location: Ecuador.
To apply, please visit our career site at: https://www.cifor-icraf.org/about/work-with-us/
To learn more about CIFOR-ICRAF, please visit our websites at: https://www.cifor-icraf.org
CIFOR-ICRAF promotes Gender Diversity – Applications from women professionals are encouraged.
CIFOR-ICRAF is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.

Application process

The application deadline is 20 Sep 2024
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.