Consultant Team for Crocodile Spotlight Survey

Background

Timor-Leste is situated within the Lesser Sundas part of the Wallacea Biodiversity Hotspot which host several globally significant ecosystems and endemic species. Species from both Asia and Australasia colonized the islands within the region, but through long isolation have developed very high levels of endemism. The Wallacea Biodiversity Hotspot has a total of 560 species classified by IUCN as globally threatened.

Crocodile populations and crocodile-related human deaths have increased in recent years. Given the crocodile's cultural significance to the Timorese people, reducing the crocodile population is not a viable solution. Instead, alternative approaches are needed to address human–crocodile conflict (HCC), such as improved wetland management and strengthened sustainable livelihoods for surrounding communities.

Saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) are widely distributed across coastal and inland water systems in Timor-Leste. While culturally significant, increasing human–crocodile interactions have led to safety concerns and conflict incidents. Accurate population and distribution data are essential to inform evidence-based management, conservation planning, and conflict mitigation strategies.

The GEF-8 investment will support the first application of the crocodile spotlight survey technique in Timor-Leste. The project will also introduce camera traps in key terrestrial areas adjacent to wetlands for biodiversity assessment and, where relevant, to help monitor crocodile movements.

The project has identified four crocodile core habitat areas and seven wetlands (Hasan Foun, Onu Bot, Modomahut, Bikan Tidi, Raimea, Naankuru, Welenas), five of which are included in four protected areas that are important for conservation of ecosystems including habitats relied upon by key species.

Duration and Location

• Duration: 6 months
• Location: Based in Timor-Leste, travel to selected municipalities and target wetlands in Ainaro, Covalima, Manatuto, Manufahi, and other relevant sites as confirmed during the inception phase

Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in wildlife biology, ecology, conservation, or related field

Experience

• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in wildlife surveys, crocodile or large reptile monitoring, wetland ecology, or biodiversity assessments, preferably in Southeast Asia, Timor Island, or comparable tropical coastal and inland wetland systems
• Demonstrated experience with:
  • Crocodile or large reptile surveys
  • Spotlight survey techniques
  • Population assessment methods
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing field surveys in remote locations, including team safety procedures, community engagement, and coordination with government counterparts
• Experience preparing high-quality technical reports, survey protocols, maps, datasets, or publications related to crocodile monitoring, large reptile surveys, or wildlife survey methods
• Understanding local context, including cultural values, socio-economic conditions, environmental sensitivities, and human–wildlife coexistence issues in Timor-Leste or similar settings

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of survey design and statistical analysis
• GIS and spatial analysis skills
• Data management and reporting

How to Apply

Candidates should submit an application package in English by Thursday 23 July 2026 (17:00 Dili Time). Application should be emailed to [email protected]

The application package must include:

• Technical proposal (methodology and work plan)
• Financial proposal
• CV(s) highlighting relevant experience
• Examples of similar work (any report and article published)

Note: Only shortlisted potential consultants will be notified.

For full details, refer to the attached TOR-Crocodile Spotlight Survey document.

Contact:
Silvania da Piedade
Procurement, Grants and Contract Officer
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: +670 77403728
Office: +670 3310016