Biodiversity Assessment Consultant

  Lebanon Reforestation Initiative Terms of Reference Consultant for biodiversity assessment   I. INTRODUCTION Project Background Information The Lebanon Reforestation Initiative (LRI) is a Lebanese NGO registered at the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities under no. 1186 on 18 June 2014 and had started as a project launched in 2010 by the United States Forest Service (USFS) Office of International Programs (IP) through the support and funding of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).  With administrative offices in Beirut, LRI technical experts manage a multi-year program of activities throughout Lebanon in collaboration with grassroots organizations and local communities. One of the components of this project works on increasing local community resilience to climate change on sites at high risk of erosion and land sliding, following a participatory approach. Consultant for biodiversity assessment Considering the increased risk of soil erosion and landslides in Lebanon due to afforestation, changes  in precipitation intensity, land use patterns, geomorphological aspects and its impact on local communities’ assets and well-being under current and future climatic conditions, LRI is launching new activities to strengthen local communities resilience to such hazards by conducting studies on the current and future risks of landslides and soil erosion and designing and implementing adequate adaptation measures in sites identified at high risk. As part of the implementation, planting of native species will be conducted to stabilize the soil. To avoid introducing new alien species to the site, a basic biodiversity assessment is needed to guide the choice of species to be planted.   II. PURPOSE OF THE JOB LRI seeks a consultant for 2 days specialized in biodiversity and native species to identify the species present on site and the potential species to be planted that would only positively affect the dynamics of the ecosystem. The Consultant is expected to perform the following duties: Conduct one visit to the Mhaidseh site to identify species of plants/shrubs and trees present and conduct few meetings with people around the site to develop the full list of recommended species. Conduct literature research and inquire with local nurseries on species’ availability at local nurseries  III. EXPECTED DELIVERABLES TIMEFRAME In close coordination with the LRI’s Senior Manager on Governance and Social Stability, the expert is expected to conduct and deliver the tasks mentioned above during the first half of October 2016.  IV. REQUIREMENTS The Consultant for biodiversity assessment should possess the following competencies, and experience: Degree in plant sciences, biodiversity, ecology, or similar field; Demonstrated experience in conducting assessments for biodiversity Demonstrated experience in native species of Lebanon Ability to drive alone to site if needed  V. Contact Information   For further information or to submit curriculum vitae and cover letter, preferably by Thursday, September 29, 2016, please contact:  Lebanon Reforestation Initiative      info@lri-lb.org