Faculty of Food and Agriculture

VACANCY : Natural Capital Strategist and Facilitator

Application Deadline: May 15, 2026, 11:59 p.m (GMT-4)

Job Description

The Faculty of Food and Agriculture invites suitably qualified candidates to apply for the position of Natural Capital Strategist and Facilitator: Bio Resilience: Nature based solutions for resilient landscapes in Trinidad and Tobago.

The project “Bio Resilience: Nature based solutions for resilient landscapes in Trinidad and Tobago” is a five-year project, funded by the GEF, implemented by the FAO, and executed by UWI. The project’s objective is “To have nature-positive development and increased food security in Trinidad and Tobago, including NbS, that halt current land degradation trends, increase biodiversity and provide resilience to climate change impacts in the long run.”

The Natural Capital Strategist and Facilitator (NCSF) will lead the strategic development and institutionalization of natural capital accounting within national planning and policy frameworks. The NCSF will also focus on translating the technical outputs produced by the Natural Capital Specialist into policy instruments, institutional frameworks and national planning mechanisms. The NCSF will coordinate stakeholder engagement, facilitate technical activities, support data collection, and ensure effective communication among project partners, national institutions, and communities. The NCSF will support operationalization of natural capital accounting within government decision-making systems, national development planning and sectoral policies. The Natural Capital Strategist and Facilitator will work closely with the Natural Capital Specialist, the GHG Inventory Specialist, the National Technical Project Coordinator, the Project Management Unit and other relevant national stakeholders.

 

Tenure of Contract:  210 Days

Duty Station: Trinidad & Tobago (UWI Project Management Unit), with travel as required. 

Eligibility: Applicants must be nationals of Trinidad and Tobago. 

Tasks

Under the direct supervision of NTPC and with the support of the UWI, the Natural Capital Strategist and Facilitator will be responsible for providing relevant technical guidance and support for Component 1. In particular, the incumbent will perform the following main tasks:

  • Review the project document and related materials to become familiar with the design and objectives of the Bio Resilience Project.
  • Provide strategic direction and coordination for the integration of Natural Capital Accounting (NCA) into national development planning frameworks
  • Support:
  • Output 1.1.1-Roadmap for National Natural Capital Accounting Developed
  • Output 1.1.2- Pilot Land Cover and Carbon Assessment, valuation and accounting completed at a selected project site
  • Output 1.1.3- Increase in Value Estimated for Intervention Areas under component 2
  • Output 1.1.4-Data Integrated into National Environmental Information Systems
  • Develop national policy guidance for integrating natural capital accounting into public sector planning and budgeting processes
  • Coordinate engagement and policy dialogue on natural capital accounting with national stakeholders including government agencies, research institutions, NGOs and community groups
  • Lead the organization of field visits, workshops, consultations and technical meetings related to natural capital accounting
  • Produce deliverables according to the project document under Component 1
  • Identify opportunities to integrate ecosystem valuation into economic planning, investment decision-making and national reporting frameworks
  • Develop institutional arrangements for long-term implementation of Natural Capital Accounting in Trinidad and Tobago
  • Support the translation of technical ecosystem accounting outputs into policy-relevant decision-support tools
  • Ensure the collection, compilation and organization of environmental and socioeconomic data required for natural capital accounting, led by the Natural Capital Specialist
  • Assist national institutions in participating in project activities related to ecosystem accounting and valuation
  • Maintain records of stakeholder consultations, meetings, training activities and contribute to project progress reports and monitoring documentation
  • Prepare coordination reports on environmental data management and collaboration
  • Perform other duties as required to support implementation of natural capital accounting activities.

Minimum Requirements

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Environmental Economics, Ecological Economics, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Forestry, Climate Science or a closely related field. A Doctorate will be considered an asset.

General technical skills and experience:

  • Minimum 5 years of proven professional experience in the agricultural and/or environmental sector.
  • Good knowledge of FAO and GEF environmental and social safeguards mechanisms.
  • Good knowledge of database management and information processing.
  • Specialized training or academic background in Natural Capital Accounting, ecosystem accounting or environmental-economic accounting (e.g. SEEA framework).
  • Good relations with national institutions.
  • Experience in preparation and/or execution of projects with international organizations.
  • Drafting of technical reports according to UN quality standards.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Knowledge of the other UN official working language is an asset.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with national and international organizations, Government authorities, academia, technical experts, field workers and civil society organizations.
  • Good command of MS Office tools and use of on-line information systems.
  • Demonstrated ability and experience in supporting and facilitating a GESI (Gender Equality and Social Inclusion) project environment

 

Other skills:

  • Knowledge of Natural Capital Accounting (NCA): Ability to apply NCA frameworks, including the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) and ecosystem accounting, to support project implementation and national-level integration
  • Ecosystem and Environmental Management Expertise: Ability to demonstrate strong understanding of ecosystem services valuation, land use systems, forestry, agriculture and environmental management in both technical and applied contexts
  • Data Integration and Analysis: Ability to integrate environmental, economic and spatial data into national accounting systems and decision-making processes, ensuring accuracy, consistency and policy relevance
  • Teamwork: Ability to build trust and respect among fellow team members and contribute to the resolution of workplace conflict.
  • Communications and interpersonal skills: Ability to expresses thoughts clearly, accurately and succinctly in verbal and in writing to different audiences, and ability to relate well with others and to maintain relations with cordiality and diplomacy.
  • Ability to work in a multi‐cultural setting and under pressure: Ability to interact effectively with people from different cultures, ability to multi-task and remain efficient and productive under pressure.
  • Effective problem-solving skills: Ability to use sound judgment and initiative, develop options and achieve outcomes.
  • Organizational awareness: Ability to align thinking and actions to organizational values.
  • Flexibility and adaptability: Ability to respond positively to change and new organizational practices, structures, procedures and technology; and
  • Personal credibility: Has high regards for self-discipline, good attendance record, respect punctuality and set example to others, show consistency in words and actions, has high integrity and is conscientious.

 

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply applicants are asked submit an Application form, a full curriculum vitae and a letter of motivation to the Project Management Unit,  Faculty of Food and Agriculture, Frank Stockdale Building, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago, W.I. via email at  STA-BioResProj@uwi.edu and cc STA-ntpc_BioResProj@uwi.edu.

Applications should be identified as Vacancy: Natural Capital Strategist and Facilitator

Three (3) references (one of which should be from your present organization) must be indicated. To expedite the appointment procedures, applicants are advised to ask their referees to send their signed references under CONFIDENTIAL cover DIRECTLY to the Dean, Faculty of Food and Agriculture at the above email address without waiting to be contacted by The University. Applications received after the deadline date will not be considered.

Click here for the application form.

Please note that unsuitable applications will not be acknowledged.