CTG overview:
CTG staff and support humanitarian projects in fragile and conflict-affected countries around the world, providing a rapid and cost-effective service for development and humanitarian missions. With past performance in 17 countries – from the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia, we have placed more than 20,000 staff all over the world since operations began in 2006.
CTG recruits, deploys and manages the right people with the right skills to implement humanitarian and development projects, from cleaners to obstetricians, and mechanics to infection specialists, we’re skilled in emergency response to crises such as the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. Key to successful project delivery is the ability to mobilise at speed; CTG can source and deploy anyone, anywhere, in less than 2 weeks and have done so in 48 hours on a number of occasions.
Through our efficient and agile HR, logistical and operational services, CTG saves multilateral organisations time and money. We handle all our clients’ HR related issues, so they are free to focus on their core services.
Visit www.ctg.org to find out more
Project description:
In support of the realization of the ambitious Saudi Arabia & Middle East green initiative under the Saudi Vision 2030, the National Center for Vegetation Cover & Combating Desertification (NCVC) has been tasked with combating desertification, rehabilitating forest vegetation cover, protecting local endangered plant species & managing national parks. This project is designed to support NCVC in increasing necessary institutional, technical, & technological capacities to realize its mandate more effectively & efficiently. The enhanced NCVC capacity will be achieved through transforming information technology & digital capabilities, establishing cooperation & strengthening its network internationally & promoting forest conservation practices & increasing environmental awareness to ensure the long term sustainability of NCVC activities at the policy level & on the ground. The project will support the achievement of the ambitious Saudi green initiative by designing a model of a tree nursery & seed bank with a road map for establishing a large scale nursery facility to meet the Kingdom’s afforestation goals, along with by aligning policy & standards of tree planting & creating a mechanism to coordinate the afforestation work among different actors. These objectives will be achieved through a whole of society approach, in close partnership with the private sector, academia, youth & other relevant stakeholders to ensure the long term sustainability of the activities across the project lifecycle & beyond. This project will build upon the long standing Standard Basic Framework Agreement (SBBA) which was agreed upon between the Kingdom & our client in 1975.
The project expected outputs are:
Output 1: Strengthening international cooperation & network.
Output 2: Promoting conservation practices & strengthening environmental awareness via advocacy & outreach.
Output 3: Model tree nursery design & ecosystem conservation.
Output 4: Transformation of information technology & digital infrastructure.
Output 5: Strengthening institutional & technical capacity.
The Forest Monitoring Specialist will be responsible for the following:
Monitoring system development:
Participate in the creation of a comprehensive forest inventory, monitoring, assessment & reporting system at NCVC.
Support the design & rollout of a digital forest monitoring system tailored for Saudi Arabia.
Utilize emerging tech & methodologies to enhance the monitoring processes & ensure accurate data collection.
Collaborate with IT & GIS teams to integrate digital monitoring systems with existing infrastructure.
Data collection & field work:
Compile, gather & analyze existing satellite imagery & other relevant data to feed into the digital monitoring system.
Recommend & propose cost effective data collection methods for near real time monitoring of priority forest areas.
Assist in the design, execution, processing & reporting of field surveys related to forests & their ecosystems.
Conduct inventories in areas deemed a priority.
Leverage modern remote sensing technologies & tools to enhance data accuracy & coverage.
Reporting & representation:
Regularly produce detailed forest assessment reports to aid planning, decision making & both national & international reporting about Saudi Arabian forests.
Serve as the primary contact point for all matters related to forest monitoring & assessment at NCVC.
Represent the centre in relevant discussions, meetings & events when necessary.
Develop visual representations, such as maps & charts, to present forest data in a comprehensible manner to stakeholders.
Stay up to date with global forest monitoring standards and ensure NCVC’s alignment with these benchmarks.
Capacity building & other responsibilities:
Offer training sessions & guidance to NCVC staff based on the specialist’s area of expertise.
Carry out any other related duties that fall under the specialist’s area of expertise.
Identify skill gaps within the NCVC team & tailor training sessions to address these areas.
Stay up to date with the latest trends & advancements in forest monitoring & introduce them to the team as appropriate.
The Forest Monitoring Specialist will be responsible for delivering the following:
Monitoring system development:
A comprehensive report detailing the inception, design & establishment of the forest inventory & monitoring system at NCVC.
A technical documentation of the digital forest monitoring system, emphasizing the use of emerging tech & its integration with IT & GIS teams at NCVC.
Data collection & field work:
A comprehensive data repository, including analyzed satellite imagery & other pertinent data that feeds the digital monitoring system.
Documentation on recommended cost effective methods for near real time monitoring of priority forest areas.
Field survey reports related to forests & their ecosystems, accompanied by findings from the conducted inventories.
A summary report showcasing the application of modern remote sensing technologies to enhance data accuracy & coverage.
Reporting & representation:
Regularly published forest assessment reports, complete with planning, decision making insights & alignment with both national & international standards for Saudi Arabian forests.
A representation log capturing the centre’s involvement in relevant discussions, meetings & events.
Visual assets, including maps & charts, illustrating forest data in an easily understandable format for stakeholders.
An alignment report showcasing NCVC’s adherence to global forest monitoring standards.
Capacity building & other responsibilities:
Training modules, schedules & feedback reports from sessions held for NCVC staff, focused on the specialist’s area of expertise.
An assessment report identifying skill gaps within the NCVC team & highlighting tailored training initiatives.
A periodic review capturing the latest trends & advancements in forest monitoring & their introduction to the NCVC team.
It’s important to note that the expected outputs & deliverables may be subject to adjustment & refinement during the project based on evolving needs & priorities.
Project reporting:
The Forest Monitoring Specialist will work at the General Manager of Forests Department & General Manager of Technical Services Department NCVC under the direct supervision of the National Project Coordinator & indirectly supervision of the National Project Officer.
This advisor consultancy will be implemented under the total supervision of NCVC, which is according to the NCVC act no. (8) by law, is responsible for the design, establishment, operation & supervision of national parks, whether terrestrial or geologic parks, including but not limited to infrastructure, services, mapping, signposting, education services & the imposition of fines for violations of national law or its regulations.
Key competencies:
Master’s degree (or higher) in conservation & sustainable use of natural resources, with a specialization in natural resources monitoring & assessment
At least 5 – 7 years of experience in forest conservation, natural resources monitoring & assessment.
Previous experience in using remote sensing tools for forest, land use & vegetation cover monitoring is essential.
Prior involvement in forest inventory & field surveys is crucial.
Proficiency in using remote sensing tools for monitoring & assessment reporting on forests, land use & other vegetation cover.
Expertise in forest inventory methods & conducting field surveys.
Strong data collection & analysis skills.
Excellent written & verbal communication skills.
Ability to lead stakeholder meetings & educational programs.
Ability to work collaboratively with teams.
Familiarity with digital tools & platforms relevant to forest monitoring.
Adaptability to emerging technologies in the field of forest monitoring.
Fluency in Arabic & English is required.
Scale up solutions & simplifies processes, balances speed & accuracy in doing work.
Offer new ideas / open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic / integrated thinking.
Go outside comfort zone, learn from others & support their learning.
Adapt processes / approaches to new situations, involve others in change process.
Able to persevere & deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously.
Is facilitator / integrator, bring people together, build / maintain coalitions / partnerships.
Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making.
Knowledge of intergovernmental bodies (general assembly, ECOSOC, UNDESA, etc.), including respective mandates, ways of working & negotiation processes.
Ability to take decisions in a timely & efficient manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise & resources.
Knowledge on conservation & sustainable use of biodiversity, land, forests & oceans
Knowledge on reduced emissions from deforestation & forest degradation.
Knowledge on green economy & green growth.
Knowledge on economic transformation, policy & planning.
Effective & efficient delivery & implementation of programs & projects.
Team management:
This role does not have any team management responsibility.
Further information:
Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply for this role.
The expected duration of the work is 12 months.
The post is anticipated to start on 1st December 2023 & end on 30th November 2024.
The completion of deliverables & milestones will be spread out throughout the duration of the project, with specific timelines provided in the deliverables table.
The timeline for review & feedback on deliverables will be communicated by the Project Manager at the NCVC.
Any adjustments or extensions to the duration of the work will be mutually agreed upon by the Senior Advisor & the NCVC, considering the project’s progress & requirements.
This assignment will be based in NCVC Riyadh.
Our client will cover the around ticket to / from the duty station.
If unforeseen travel outside the consultant’s duty station city is requested by our client & not required by the Terms of References (ToR), such travel shall be covered by our client in line with applicable rules & regulations & upon prior written agreement. In such cases, the consultant shall receive living allowances not exceeding the United Nations (UN) Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) rate for such other location(s).
A written approval from our client & relevant authorities will be required to facilitate the consultant’s travel to any locations than stated on this TOR on official missions where necessary.