National Consultant to Work on the Community of Strategies for Mitigating Impacts of the Protected Areas on Local Livelihoods in the Buffer Zone of Saola Nature Reserve, Thua Thien Hue Province

WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and w asteful consumption.
WWF Vietnam Country Programme is one country component of the WWF Greater Mekong and is the implementing arm for projects in Vietnam mainly in Central Annamites, Southern Annamites and the Mekong Delta. Our major activities focus on Freshwater, Forestry, Marine and Aquaculture, Agriculture and Agroforestry, Policy and Advocacy.
They are currently seeking for a qualified and experienced national consultant to work on the community of strategies for mitigating impacts of the protected areas on local livelihoods in the buffer zone of Saola Nature Reserve, Thua Thien Hue province.

Main objectives:
Determine, through participatory negotiation, whether, and under what conditions, affected local people will consent to the enforcement of protected area regulations. Identify villages, groups and individuals impacted by activities to enforce the Protected Area management regulations. In consultation with, and with the consent of, local people, develop an intervention program for these affected villages, groups and/or individuals.

Expected outcomes:
- Agreements signed by representatives of each village, accepting the enforcement of protected area law with a list of impacts and other issues relating to enforcement of Protected Aare regulations for each village
- A clear and succinct set of guidelines for village meetings, including a protocol for gathering information about the village and the impacts of the protected areas. Characterization of most affected groups or individuals within villages and criteria for identifying recipients of benefits for livelihood activities, agreed with all villages. Revised list of significantly affected villages (based on list produced by community mapping project)
- Sufficient livelihood benefits package for each village accordance with signed agreements. List of suggestions from local people, village and commune authorities in each village. Report, with discussion, of all possible livelihood interventions suggested in the course of the participatory process
Period: 2 months from Nov 2011

Qualifications and Experience:
- Thorough understanding of socio-economic, conservation and development issues in Vietnam
- University degree (Master or Doctor are preferable) in forestry, biology, economy or related sectors who has at least 10 years practical experiences in the community and conservation regards.
- Good experience in working with community in terms of research, participatory approach and planning;
- Consultant chosen must has a team to support for the large areas of field work and also ensure the timeline given;
- Well understand the three field sites of Nature Reserves Saola Hue, Saola Quang Nam and extension Saola in Bach Ma NP

Interested candidates should email a cover letter, CV and available degrees and qualifications in English to Mr. Thai Minh Bao, Project Officer, WWF Vietnam at email: [email protected], or post to WWF Hue Office at 18 Doan Huu Trung, Hue, Vietnam.
Closing date for applications: Monday, 31 Oct 2011 with interviews afterward.
Only short-listed consultant will be notified. No telephone contact
Detailed job description is posted on www.panda.org/greatermekong