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 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.

JUSTIFICATION

The LADYVILLE FIRE STATION within the National Fire Service of Belize under the Ministry of Public Service, Governance and Disaster Risk Management has received funding under Component 2: Combating Wildfires through Adaptive Management for the implementation of the project “Strengthening Ladyville Fire Station’s Fire Response Capacity for Climate-Resilient Communities”  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.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Officer Responsibilities

1. 1. Project Administration and Coordination

• • • Assist in executing project activities for “Strengthening Ladyville Fire Station’s Fire Response Capacity for Climate-Resilient Communities,” ensuring alignment with objectives, timelines, and budget.
    • Maintain and organize all project documentation, including files, reports, and correspondence.
    • Coordinate logistical arrangements for meetings, workshops, and field activities.
    • Facilitate the planning of project components in collaboration with partners and the PACT Project Management Unit (PMU).
    • Provide support for procurement processes, ensuring compliance with the Government of Belize’s and PACT’s guidelines.
    • Maintain an inventory of project equipment and supplies.
    • Perform other duties as assigned.

1. 2. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• • • Track project progress against indicators, targets, and milestones outlined in the project’s Logical Framework.
    • Participate in field visits for data collection, entry, and verification to ensure accuracy and quality.
    • Prepare and submit detailed work plans, progress reports, and final reports to the Ladyville Fire Station and PACT’s PMU.
    • Document and report on gender, social, and environmental indicators within all reports.

1. 3. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• • • Facilitate communication and coordination with project beneficiaries and stakeholders.
    • Support community outreach and engagement activities, ensuring the inclusive participation of women, youth, and Indigenous groups.
    • Prepare and disseminate project updates, meeting agendas, and minutes.

1. 4. Financial and Administrative Support

• • • Assist in monitoring project expenses and budget utilization.
    • Support the preparation and processing of financial reports in coordination with PACT’s PMU.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• • • Associate degree in natural resources management, 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.

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 Ladyville.