Raumoco Watershed Survey Technical Assistance (RWS-TA)

Hivos is a Dutch non-governmental organization inspired by humanist values. Together with local organisations in developing countries, Hivos seeks to contribute to a free, fair and sustainable world in which citizens - women and men - have equal access to the resources and opportunities for their development. And where they can actively and equally participate in decision-making processes that determine their lives, their society and their future.

Hivos believes in the creativity and capacity of individuals. Quality, co-operation and innovation form the core concepts in Hivos' philosophy. Hivos is committed to the poor and marginalized in Africa, Asia and Latin America. A sustainable improvement in their conditions is the ultimate measure for Hivos' work and efforts. The empowerment of women is an essential concern in all its programmes. Hivos supports more than 800 partners in 30 countries. Hivos provides financial resources, knowledge and advice as well as political support to these local private organizations

Hivos in Timor Leste

Hivos has been supporting civil society initiatives in Timor Leste since the late 1990s. At first, this was mostly done through Jakarta-based NGOs. After the Referendum for independence in 2000, Hivos started supporting local NGOs active on human rights, gender issues, microfinance and agriculture. From 2006, Hivos also extended support to its Alliance 2015 partner Concern, which has had an office and substantial programmes in Timor Leste since 2000. Hivos provided support to Concern's response to the 2006 IDP crisis and from 2008 for a civil society strengthening program in two districts, Lautem and Manufahi. In 2008, Hivos appointed a local program support consultant, who has been operating out of Concern's country office. Prior to Concern's decision to withdraw from Timor Leste, Hivos decided to continue part of the work started by Concern, with a focus on young NGOs working outside the capital Dili. Thus the earlier investments in the strengthening of civil society organizations in the districts, with a focus on agriculture-based livelihoods, will be safeguarded and deepened. With the support from the European Commission, Hivos implemented a food security program in the three eastern districts of the country with 3 staff responsible to manage the program. Hivos has now been registered as an International NGO with the Government of Timor

Leste.

Our Food Security Programme in Timor Leste is looking for:

Raumoco Watershed Survey Technical Assistance (RWS-TA)

To be based in Lospalos, Lautem District (with frequent travels to Luro and Lautem Sub-Districts).

CONTRACT PERIOD: 1 month (22 working days)

II. Objectives of the Technical Assistance:

The objective of the technical assistance is to conduct a watershed survey to inform the watershed management planning process of the Raumoco Watershed. Specific objectives of the survey include:

a) Undertake a holistic biophysical survey analyzing land & vegetation degradation, vegetation cover, topography, soil types, disturbed areas such as cultivated fields, road slopes, and stream banks of the watershed designed on a problem-solving basis.

b) Conduct a land use capacity assessment to determine the most intensive use of land inside the Raumoco watershed;

c) Develop a land use classification system that categorizes the intensity of use that can be accepted in an area without placing land productivity at risk.

d) Facilitate a training of key Raumoco stakeholders on improved watershed management practices in developing countries;

III. Methodology/Process:

The consultant will be provided with existing documentation (maps, vulnerability mapping report, 3D mapping training report and related information on the Raumoco watershed) for review prior to the training and watershed surveys.

To enable stakeholders to better understand watershed management, the consultant is expected to facilitate a short training on "Improved Watershed Management Practices in developing countries"

. The training will highlight the findings of an assessment of watershed management practices and projects in 10 developing countries. This training will also serve as venue for defining the involvement of stakeholders in the surveys.

The land degradation assessment will consist of the following components:

a) Detailed assessment of soil erosion

b) Assessing soil properties

c) Vegetation indicators and assessment

d) Water degradation assessment

e) Assessing the effects of land degradation on crop production

The land use capacity assessment aims to determine the carrying capacity of lands (agricultural land, pasture land, forests, common waterways and residential areas, etc.) inside the Raumoco Watershed. Using a classification system, the land use of Raumoco watershed will be developed with stakeholders. This land use system will categorize the intensity of use that can be accepted in an area without placing land productivity at risk through practices that contribute to land degradation. Potential classification of the watershed may include the following land use categories (Example from Vietnam):

· Annual cropland without limitations

· Annual cropland with improvements

· Agroforestry with annual crops

· Sylvo-pastoral systems

· Agroforestry with perennial crops

· Forestland for production

· Forestland for protection

The consultant will help develop a simple criteria with stakeholders by which they can determine the most intensive use of a land unit. Where possible, the agreed land use of the watershed will be integrated into the 3D map of the Raumoco watershed.

The above will be further fine-tuned in consultation with the Hivos TL Country Office and partners. The TA shall provide detailed plan of the activities in line with this methodology and will coordinate the supporting requirements/logistics to the Hivos Programme Manager. The consultant will report to the Hivos Programme Manager and liaise with the Hivos Regional Director.

IV. Expected Outputs:

Major outputs that the consultant shall produce:

* A training design and report on "Improving Watershed Management in developing countries".

* Land degradation survey report with detailed survey results, maps and recommendations on the survey components indicated in Section III.

* Land use capacity assessment report with detailed land use capacity assessment results, maps and recommendations;

* Draft land use classification system including a simple criteria for determining the most intensive use of categorized land unit;

* Mission reports (per input) discussing project progress, suggestion/recommendations and ways forward for Hivos, partners organizations and Watershed Management Council.

The Consultant will deliver all the outputs to the Hivos TL Project Team. The final version of all reports will be submitted the latest two weeks after completion of each field mission. Reporting language is English.

Person Specification:

Essential:

* A postgraduate qualification in Natural Resource Management or a similar graduate qualification with at least 10 years relevant experience

* Significant experience in participatory land degradation, land use capacity assessment and classification

* Experience in local level participatory planning processes

* Working knowledge of sustainable livelihood concepts and frameworks

* Excellent analytical, planning, training, mentoring and coaching skills and proven ability to transfer skills

* Excellent communication & report writing skills in English

* Flexibility

* Ability to work independently

* A reasonable level of fitness and can work in adverse situation.

Desirable:

* Previous experience within the region, in Timor Leste or Indonesia

* Language skills in Bahasa Indonesia, Tetun or Portuguese

* Previous experience in an organization implementing food security/natural resource management.

Female applicants are encouraged to apply.

Please email applications to:

Applications will require a full CV and a cover letter explaining how you would meet the Terms of Reference by 1700 (Timor Leste time) on June 15, 2011.

Office Tel: +62 (Regional Office Jakarta, Indonesia) +670 331 2578

Mobile Tel: +670 7305769 (Hivos Timor Leste Country Office)

Office address: Rua Cardoso Dias No.17, Bairro Central, Dili, Timor-Leste

Email Address: hrd@hivos.or.id

Please note that only short listed applicants will be notified.