Tetra Tech International Development is currently accepting expressions of interest from qualified candidates for potential Senior Technical Specialist positions on an MCC-funded program in the Solomon Islands.
The overall anticipated project seeks to build the government’s capacity to identify registered land parcels that have a high potential to attract tourism investment, assist investors to obtain secure access to registered land with landowners and neighboring communities (via social license), and facilitate investments on that land by outside tourism investors through financial close.
The program activity for which we are recruiting candidates involves the “community-facing” aspects of the overall project, namely engaging with communities adjacent to the planned investments to: ensure their genuine consent to the planned investment; assist in resolving any actual or potential land rights disputes in connection with the planned tourism investment; assist in negotiating potential benefit-sharing; support community governance; support capacity building and job training to take advantage of opportunities arising from the planned tourism investment; and other related tasks.
More specifically, the tasks of the Senior Technical Specialists will include: working with targeted communities to inform them of specific details of potential investments on nearby land; conducting public outreach and awareness activities at grassroots levels; providing advice to communities during negotiations with investors on social license issues; making community members and leaders aware of and/or facilitating needed training; and organizing and supporting selected communities to formalize their customary land rights.
For all positions, previous experience in the Pacific Islands, with a strong preference for experience in the Solomon Islands, will be a requirement. Solomon Islands nationals strongly encouraged to apply.
Positions:
Team Leader: will manage a diverse team of experts and integrate content from multiple disciplines and sectors, project management skills, ability to plan missions and coordinate logistics for team members, strong presentation skills, and strategic thinking skills.
*At least 5 years relevant experience working directly with indigenous communities on social license issues related to accessing land or natural resources, ideally in the Solomon Islands (or if not, then in the Pacific Islands region).
*University degree in Social Sciences (e.g., Sociology, Anthropology, Development Studies, Women’s Studies, Economics, Political Science, Community Development, etc.).
*Experience and skill in advising communities reach agreements with investors or other groups related to land use or access to natural resources.
*Knowledge and experience in inclusive governance approaches to community decision making – demonstrated ability and experience in promoting women and youth inclusion in local governance structures and community decision making bodies.
*Project management experience – managing multidisciplinary teams to achieve multiple objectives.
*Public outreach experience at a grass roots level – delivering messages to remote communities in language or other manner that facilitates understanding by rural citizens.
*Demonstrated awareness of and commitment to include social safeguards and inclusive consultation approaches in all project activities.
*Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Written and verbal skills in Pigin and local languages is a plus. The ability to interact constructively with both technical team members, consultants, the general public, and government officials is required.
Gender and Social Inclusion Specialist will provide technical assistance and support related to gender equity and social inclusion matters around access to land, community governance, and benefit-sharing.
*No less than 5 years of relevant experience working with indigenous communities on gender equality and social inclusion issues, ideally in the Solomon Islands (or if not, then in the Pacific Islands region).
*University degree in Social Science or related fields (e.g., Sociology, Anthropology, Development Studies, Women’s Studies, Economics, Political Science, Community Development, etc.).
*Demonstrated expertise in social and gender analysis and integration including the implementation of projects in a variety of sectors.
*Knowledge of gender-related policies, laws and regulations focused on women’s overall status and condition, and the policy and institutional environment in Solomon Islands is preferred.
*Knowledge of and experience working with key national women’s organizations, NGOs and relevant government institutions focusing on social and gender issues in Solomon Islands or the Pacific Region. Experience with major donor organizations, especially U.S. donors, is a plus.
*Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams and institutions and interact constructively with technical experts, government officials, people that could be affected by projects, and civil society.
*Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Written and verbal skills in Pigin and local languages is required. The ability to interact constructively with both technical team members, consultants, the general public, and government officials is required.
*Familiarity with the social safeguard policies and practices of the World Bank or other international organization is a plus.
Communications and Public Outreach Specialist: will work directly with indigenous communities designing communications materials that educate community members on (1) project activities, (2) legal issues that impact social license negotiations, and (3) gender and social inclusion matters.
Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, and Advisory Specialist will support indigenous communities in negotiations with private operators (e.g., tourism, mining, etc.) and documenting agreements related to land access and benefit-sharing.