1. BACKGROUND

As a low-lying developing state, Belize is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts such as sea level rise, erosion, storm surges, and flooding. A 2014 assessment categorized Belize’s vulnerability index to climate change as extremely high: ranking 9th on the list of 38 other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF, 2014). The assessment highlighted the country’s high risk to climate change based on its adaptive capacity linked to the vulnerability of the agriculture sector. Belize is seasonally affected by tropical storms and hurricanes, which on average, according to scientific reports, are becoming more intense each year because of human-induced global warming and higher sea surface temperatures. Belize is also highly exposed to other natural hazards such as flooding and drought, more pronounced in inland areas.  These can lead to infrastructure and economic losses, especially in agricultural and human settlement during the hurricane season. There has also been evidence that the average annual temperature of Belize has been rising and is projected to rise further. Effectively addressing the threat of climate change requires a multidisciplinary approach involving policymakers, technical experts, the private and public sectors, and local communities. This collaborative effort is essential to seek solutions and implement changes that enable effective adaptation to climate change impacts. To reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience to future climate risks and hazards Belize must devise mechanisms to adapt to the imminent changes affecting economic sectors, livelihoods, and natural ecosystems.

The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) has received grant funding from the Adaptation Fund (AF) for the project “Building Community Resilience via Transformative Adaptation,” under the Enhanced Direct Access (EDA) funding window. The goal of this project is to improve Belize’s long-term capacity to protect communities from climate threats posed by drought, unpredictable water availability, floods and improper wildfire management. The Project is being executed by PACT and will function as an on-granting mechanism for climate finance in country, targeting five interlinked project components:

• • • Component One: Safeguarding Forest and Water Resources through Strategic Protection and Restoration Solutions.
    • Component Two: Combating Wildfires through Adaptive Management.
    • Component Three: Creating Opportunities to Support Alternative Livelihoods.
    • Component Four: Building National Capacity to Access Adaptation Finance.
    • Component Five: Community Disaster Risk Management.

2. JUSTIFICATION

The Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local Government (MRTCDLLG) has received funding under Component 5: Community Disaster Risk Management for the implementation of the project “Flood Disaster Mitigation and Management for Vulnerable Communities in the Orange Walk and Toledo Districts.” In support of this initiative, PACT is seeking a Project Officer to assist with the project’s implementation. The Project Officer will provide essential administrative and technical support to the project implementation team to ensure successful delivery of project outcomes. This Officer will also provide cross cutting support to the Policy and Planning Unit contributing to the monitoring and reporting of other Ministry projects and programs.

3. Responsibilities

The Project Officer will be responsible for the following:

1. Project Administration and Coordination

• • • Assist in executing project (Flood Disaster Mitigation and Management for Vulnerable Communities in the Orange Walk and Toledo Districts) activities, ensuring alignment with objectives and timelines.
    • Maintain and organize project documentation, including files, reports, and correspondences.
    • Coordinate logistical arrangements for meetings, workshops, community engagements and field activities.
    • Facilitate the planning and execution of project components in collaboration with partners.

2. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• • • Track implementation and project progress against established indicators, targets, and milestones outlined in the project’s Logical Framework and budget.
    • Support data collection, entry, and verification, ensuring accuracy and quality.
    • Document and monitor gender, social, and environmental indicators into all progress and final reports.
    • Prepare and submit detailed work plans and progress reports to the MRTCDLLG ensuring proper oversight and accountability of project activities.

• • • Work closely with PACT’s Project Management Unit (PMU) to ensure effective project execution.

3. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• • • Facilitate communication and coordination with project beneficiaries and stakeholders.

• • • Prepare and disseminate project updates, meeting agendas, and minutes.
    • Support community outreach and ensure inclusive participation of women, youth, and Indigenous groups.

4. Financial and Administrative Support

• • • Assist in monitoring project expenses and budget utilization.
    • Support the processing of payments and financial reporting in coordination with the Ministry’s finance unit.
    • Maintain an inventory of project equipment and supplies.
    • Provide support for procurement processes and ensure compliance with the Government of Belize’s and PACT’s guidelines.

5. Field Activity Support

• • • Participate in field visits, data collection, and community engagement activities.

6. Support to the Policy and Planning Unit

• • • Collaborate with the Policy and Planning Unit in coordinating activities for other Ministry projects ensuring timelines, deliverables and work plans are adhered to.
    • Assist with the preparation of reports and presentations on Ministry projects and initiatives.
    • Provide logistical support for the coordination of meetings, workshops, training sessions, and Ministry events, including venue coordination, materials preparation, and travel arrangements.
    • Provide general administrative assistance to the Policy and Planning Unit as required.
    • Support the collection, entry, and management of data relevant to projects and policy initiatives.
    • Perform other duties assigned from time to time.

4. PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• • • Associate degree in sociology, anthropology, management, or related field.
    • Experience in project administration, data management, stakeholder engagement and logistics.
    • Familiarity with financial tracking and reporting.
    • A minimum of 2 years’ professional experience in managing projects.

5. SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• • • Strong computer literacy skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
    • Excellent written and oral communication skills
    • Excellent organizational and planning skills
    • Excellent analytical skills
    • Excellent interpersonal skills
    • Excellent decision making and problem-solving skills.
    • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
    • Familiarity with database management is an asset.
    • Experience in the environmental field is an asset.
    • Ability to work collaboratively and engage diverse stakeholders.
    • Ability to speak Spanish is an asset.
    • Position to be based in Belmopan.