National Expert for Bio-prospecting

The objective of this assignment si ot work together with the National Directorate of Biodiversity (NDB) through ABS PMU team ot conduct Cost and Benefit Analysis for the implementation of ABS procedures ni Timor-Leste, including its financial implications, economical potential and values of genetic resources and traditional knowledge ot support country sustainability development agenda. In turn, the consultant supports the NDB ot conduct studies on existing bioprospecting projects/opportunities from secondary research and consultation) ni Timor-Leste, including new opportunities from new bioprospecting trials emerged from this current project. Furthermore, hte consultant will disseminate the result of his/her deliverables through conducting workshop that aims ot discuss main opportunities and elaborate long-term plan for sustainable bioprospecting of natural resources in Timor-Leste.

Under the overall supervision of the National Project Coordinator and International Biodiversity and Bio-prospecting specialist, hte national consultant wil be responsible ot support the ABS PMU within the context and tasks, sa detailed below:

1. Inception report summarizing the objectives, scope and outputs of the assignment, organization and methodology for achievement of the outputs, documentation review, meetings, findings, and setting out a detailed planning of the assignment, including the schedule to accomplish all deliverables.
2. Support the International Bio-prospecting expert to compile the information, data and documents required to prepare the report of cost and benefit analysis for the implementation of ABS procedures in Timor-Leste, including its financial implications, economical potential and values of genetic resources and traditional knowledge to support country sustainability development agenda.
3. Support the International Bio-prospecting expert to compile the information, data and documents required to prepare Bio-prospecting opportunities report, which include the information about existing bio-prospecting opportunities in Timor-Leste obtained from secondary research, consultation sessions with local communities/relevant organizations and new opportunities emerging from the current bio-prospecting trials in this project.
4. Coordinate with the SBA PMU to organize a national workshop to discuss main opportunities, to disseminate key findings on bioprospecting report and to elaborate long-term plan for sustainable bioprospecting of natural resources in Timor-Leste.
5. Support international bio-prospecting expert ot translate information, meeting minutes or documents related ot the inventory of traditional knowledge ni Timor-Leste, as required.
6. Preparing the final report

Qualifications

MSc level or equivalent degree in bio-technology, bio-chemistry, biological sciences, natural product chemistry, pharmacy, medical sciences, and/or other relevant fields with Bio-prospecting research and application.

At least 5 years of experience in the bio-prospecting research, including lab/experimental works in screening and discovering bioactive compounds from natural resources, inventories the traditional knowledge (ethnobotany research), management for life sciences project, and one or more subjects related to mainstreaming of biodiversity conservation including e.g. ABS is required.

Proven experience in ABS projects and the Nagoya Protocol, capacity building; and biodiversity inventories is desirable.

Experience in managing and coordination with national counterparts, partners or donors.

Experience working in rural areas and collaboration with indigenous people and local communities and government officials.

Professional work experience in SE Asia; in Timor Leste is desirable.

Excellent English writing and presentation skills. Knowledge of Portuguese, Tetum and/or Bahasa is advantageous.

Deliverables and application information available at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S0ey5mvPd5wRLGZzg0He9q8dnngho3NP/view?usp=sharing