Individual Consultant for Livelihood

Background

Atauro Island is located within the Coral Triangle and hosts globally significant marine biodiversity that supports food security, livelihoods, and eco-tourism potential for local communities. Community-Based Marine Protected Areas (CB-MPAs), locally known as Tarabandu, have been established to conserve marine resources through customary governance systems.

Under this UNEP-funded SSFA project, CI-TL aims to strengthen biodiversity conservation while improving climate-resilient, gender-equitable livelihoods through community-led approaches. This activity will strengthen economic security and autonomy through conducting baseline studies to identify community needs and opportunities for eco-friendly livelihoods; training community members on sustainable livelihood options such as seaweed farming, eco-tourism, or artisanal products with a focus on women and youth participation; and providing small grants to CCGs to pilot eco-innovation livelihood initiatives.

Objective

The objective of this consultancy is to:

• Assess the structure, legal status, and financial capacity of Community Conservation Groups (CCGs) and provide targeted training on governance, financial literacy, and registration under Tarabandu Associations (Activity 1).
• Strengthening economic security and autonomy through baseline studies, training sustainable livelihoods, and providing small grants to CCGs to pilot eco-innovation initiatives (Activity 3)

Scope of Work

The consultant will produce and deliver high-quality activities outcomes under activities-1 & 3 under CITL-UNEP funded SSFA project as listed below:

• Inception and Work Planning
• Baseline Assessment of CCGs Capacity and Livelihood Opportunities in Beloi
• Implementation Guidelines and Business Planning
• Capacity Building Training
• Eco-Innovation Livelihood Grant Implementation Support
• Coordination, Reporting, and Quality Assurance

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Degree in Economics, Rural Development, Livelihoods, Social Science, Environmental Management, or related fields
• Minimum Seven (7) years of experience in community-based livelihood development
• Proven experience working with coastal communities of Timor-Leste
• Strong understanding of gender-responsive and climate-resilient livelihoods
• Experience managing or supporting small grant schemes is an asset

Application Requirements

Interested applicants are requested to submit:

• Letter of Interest
• Technical Proposal
• Financial Proposal
• At least 2 samples of Previous relevant works
• CV(s) and contact details two professional referees

How to Apply

Application should be submitted via email to: [email protected]. Application package in English by Friday, 18 September 2026 (17pm Dili Time).

Subject of the email: "Application – UNEP - Livelihood Consultant"

For details, please refer to TOR in this link: Terms of Reference

Please Note: Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted, and applications received beyond the cut off business day will not be considered.

Duration: 7 Months