CONSIDERACIONES:
- Los proponentes deberán asumir todos los costos asociados con la elaboración y la presentación de las propuestas que someterán a evaluación de MAR Fund en el marco de la/las presente(s) convocatoria(s), por lo que reconocen que no existe obligación alguna por parte de MAR Fund de cubrir dichos costos – ya sea total o parcialmente – ni de proporcionar ningún anticipo o compensación en caso de que su(s) propuesta(s) no resulte elegida(s).
- Los proponentes reconocen y aceptan que la elaboración de la/las propuesta(s) no constituye una obligación financiera por parte de MAR Fund, por lo que la responsabilidad económica y financiera de la elaboración de la(s) propuesta(s) es exclusivamente del/los proponente(s), independientemente del resultado del proceso de selección.
- El proceso de selección se desarrollará de acuerdo a los lineamientos internos de evaluación de MAR fund y el resultado que emane del mismo será inapelable.
- Solo los proponentes que pasen a la siguiente etapa del proceso de selección serán contactados.
Términos de Referencia del proyecto
Capacity Strengthening of the Reef Restoration Network and its Executive Committee
1. Introduction and Background
In 2012 Oceanus A.C. promoted and impulse the creation of the Mesoamerican Reef Restoration Network (RRN-MAR). The RRN-MAR is an important regional platform for coral reef conservation and restoration.
The main objective of the Network is to enable the exchange of knowledge, experiences, best practices, and methodologies regarding coral reef restoration and associated ecosystems (seagrass, mangroves, and beach vegetation, among others). The Network promotes the sharing of knowledge among experts, technicians, scientists, governmental and non-governmental organizations in the four MAR countries and the Greater Caribbean. More than fifty organizations from the four countries make up the Network.
The RRN-MAR, with the support of the Coordinator the Network will leverage funds to support the Network’s initiatives and coral restoration projects in the MAR. The coordinator will also increase the Network’s visibility through social media and the RRN-MAR website and distribute important information among members and stakeholders in the MAR region.
To this end, the Executive Committee (EC) of the Reef Restoration Network will collaborate with a MAR Region based organization to hire and supervise a Part Time Coordinator for the Network. Under the supervision of this organization, the coordinator will facilitate the processes, initiatives, and projects for the successful operation of the Mesoamerican Reef Restoration Network.
2. Objectives of the project
To assist the Mesoamerican Reef Restoration Network (RRN-MAR) in hiring and overseeing the Network’s Coordinator, who will be responsible of facilitating processes, initiatives, and projects for the successful operation of the Mesoamerican Reef Restoration Network.
3. Main activities of the project
Hire and supervise the Network´s Coordinator.
- Elaborate the terms of reference for the RRN-MAR Coordinator. These terms of references will be discussed with and approved by the Reef Restoration Network´s Executive Committee and MAR Fund. Please refer to Annex 1 of these document for the main objectives and profile of the Network´s coordinator.
- Launch an open call with the terms of reference and provide feedback to applicants. The selection process must be done in collaboration with the Network´s Executive Commit
- Select the candidate for the consultancy and carry out the interviews for the selecti The applicants’ evaluation will be shared with the Network´s Executive Committee and MAR Fund.
- Create a contract for the consultant in accordance with the procurement process approved.
- Review and approve in coordination with the Network´s Executive Committee, the consultants workplan and timeline.
- Supervise the completion of the products according to the consultant´s workplan approved.
- Revise and approve in coordination with the Network´s Executive Committee, the consultant’s products, and deliverables.
- Hold a monthly meeting with the consultant to discuss progress, challenges, and next steps according to the workplan, and to provide feedback on his/her performance.
- Hold regular meetings and maintain continuous communication with the Network´s Executive Committee, and MAR Fund.
4. Deliverables of this project
The organization elected must deliver the following final products:
- Terms of References for the consultant.
- Applicants’ evaluation process.
- Contract for the consultant.
- A quarterly update of the consultant´s workplan, showing the progress and challenges.
- Results of the monthly meeting minutes held with the consultant.
- Regular meetings held with the Reef Restoration Network Executive Committee and MAR Fund.
- Final products and deliverables, produced by the consultant.
- All documents and photographs must be submitted in editable format, and in zip file.
- Documents should be submitted in Word, Excel or PowerPoint format, as appropriate.
- Photographs should be submitted in JPEG or PNG format at 300 dpi.
5. Funding for this grant and duration
The maximum amount for this grant is USD 18,000. The funds for this grant will be provided by MAR Fund through the Reef Rescue Initiative and will include the professional fees and travel expenses for the Network Coordinator. Taxes and bank fees are responsibility of the coordinator.
The duration of this project is for one year.
6. Requirements for this grant
- Non-governmental organization, active member of the Reef Restoration Network.
- Based in the MAR region. If based in Mexico, must be based in Quintana Roo.
- To have administrative mechanisms to receive and manage grant funding.
- To have streamlined administrative mechanisms to allocate funding in an effective way.
- To have a local bank account to be able to receive bank transfers.
- To be able to issue grant receipts.
- With capabilities and administrative procedures to hire individuals and pay wages.
- Elaborate a proposal and budget for the implementation of this project.
- To comply with the technical documents, administrative process, and due diligence requirements set by MAR Fund for an expeditious outlay of the funding.
- Bilingual (English and Spanish).
7. Required Documentation.
- Last annual report of your NGO.
- Submit a letter indicating your interest in applying to this grant.
- Proposal in MS Word that describes the methodology to carry out the consultancy and schedule of the activities (5 pages maximum).
- Quote or financial proposal.
- Send the required information to Andrea Godoy Mendoza at andrea.godoy@roatanmarinepark.org with a copy to Zara Guifarro at zguifarro@marfund.org, no later than February 19th, COB.
8. Considerations
- Proponents are responsible for all costs associated with the preparation and presentation of proposals submitted to MAR Fund for evaluation on the framework of this request for proposals, and therefore there is no obligation on behalf of MAR Fund to cover such costs – either in whole or in part – or to provide any advance or compensation if their proposal is not selected.
- Proponents acknowledge and accept that the preparation of the proposal(s) does not constitute a financial obligation on behalf of MAR Fund, and therefore the economic and financial responsibility for the preparation of the proposal(s) is exclusive of the proponent(s), regardless of the selection process outcome.
- The selection process will be carried out in accordance with MAR fund’s internal evaluation guidelines and the result will be final.
- Only proponents who advance to the next stage of the selection process will be contacted.
Annex 1
Main objectives of the Part Network Coordinator
The main objectives of the coordinator are:
- Leads and facilitates the processes, initiatives, and projects of the Reef Restoration Network to successfully achieve the objectives and results of the Network.
- Encourage communication and effective collaboration among the Network’s members and the Executive Committee.
- Manages and impulse the promotion of the Network through social media.
- Supervises, and communicates with the webmaster, and assures the successful operation of the Network s website (www.coralmar.org)
Note: MAR Fund will hire the Network´s webmaster separately.
Profile of the coordinator
The consultant (Network´s coordinator) must have the following profile:
- Professional with proven experience, at least three years in facilitating and leading regional processes.
- Expertise in natural resources management, marine resources, marine sciences, or similar.
- Proven experience working in the MAR region in similar projects.
- Well organized, action-oriented, highly proactive, and self-driven, with leadership and the ability to analyze information, follow instructions, and deliver tasks, even if limited information is available.
- Being able to interact with a variety of actors.
- Proven proficiency in both written and spoken English and Spanish.
- Proven ability in writing documents in English and Spanish
- Based in the MAR region. If in Mexico, must be based in Quintana Roo.
- Available to travel within the MAR (occasionally).
- Being able to work at least 20 hours weekly to achieve the results of the consultancy.
Términos de Referencia
Communications officer
1. Background
The Mesoamerican Reef Fund (MAR Fund) is a regional, private environmental fund with the objective of supporting the protection of the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) ecoregion, shared by Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. Its mission is to drive regional funding and partnerships for the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of the MAR.
The Fund carries out its mission through five programs, as follows:
- Saving our protected areas: a legacy of caring. Establishment and protection of an interconnected network of priority coastal and marine protected areas in the region.
- Fishing for the future: sustainable fisheries for a thriving reef. Community participation in co-management of their fisheries, establishment of fish replenishment zones and monitoring and protection of fish spawning aggregations.
- Climate change: the need is now. Supporting adaptation to climate change and its impacts on the reef.
- Belize marine fund: enhancing marine conservation in Belize with the participation of local stakeholders, for wider regional benefit.
- Clean water for the reef: improving sewage and solid waste management for a healthier ecoregion and its people.
The Communications Officer will play a key role in enhancing the visibility of the organization regionally and internationally. The primary focus will be on developing and implementing a communication strategy and comprehensive project communication plans, maintaining positive media relations, and ensuring consistency in messaging across various platforms.
2. Position overview
The Communications Officer will be responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies to promote the MAR Fund’s objectives, activities, and achievements. The role requires a strong focus on creating compelling content, managing digital platforms, engaging stakeholders, and maintaining a positive public image.
3. Key responsibilities
a. Strategy Development
- Develop and implement a yearly comprehensive and creative communication strategy aligned with MAR Fund’s goals.
- Identify target audiences and tailor communication approaches to effectively reach and engage them.
- Ensure consistency in messaging across various communication channels.
- Coordinate the implementation of the different specific project communication plans or donor communication requirements
b. Media Relations
- Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with media outlets.
- Prepare and distribute press releases, media kits, and other materials.
- Facilitate interviews and media interactions for organizational representatives.
c. Content Creation
- Develop compelling content for various platforms, including press releases, articles, and social media posts.
- Coordinate the creation of multimedia content, such as videos and infographics.
- Develop and distribute the corporate newsletter.
- Coordinate development of project updates.
- Coordinate MAR Fund Webinars.
- Assist in the development of the annual report.
- Outsourcing and follow-up of consultants (designers, videographers, or others) as needed.
- Ensure compliance with MAR Fund’s Graphic Identity and Brand Manual in all communication documents.
d. Digital Media and Social Networking
- Manage and update MAR Fund’s website and social media platforms.
- Monitor online conversations and respond to inquiries.
- Propose and develop and implement social media campaigns to enhance engagement and awareness.
d. Internal Communication
- Develop and implement internal communication strategies to keep staff and specific project partner organizations informed.
- Stay engaged in projects and with the MAR Fund team to identify communication needs and suggest communication materials and / or actions.
e. Event Management
- Collaborate in the organization of events (e.g. workshops) to plan for press conferences and awareness campaigns.
- Ensure effective communication before, during, and after events.
f. Collaboration and Partnerships
- Collaborate with external partners, NGOs, and government agencies on joint communication initiatives.
- Identify opportunities for cross-promotion and mutual support.
g. Monitoring and Evaluation
- Monitor the impact of communication activities and adjust strategies as needed.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of communication campaigns and report on key performance indicators.
h. Safeguards
- Monitor the compliance of the MAR Fund environmental and social safeguards related to communication.
4. Oversight
The Communications Officer will report directly to the Assistant to the Executive Director.
5. Duration of contract
The position is potentially part-time. The contract will be for a 12-month period, subject to renewal, with a trial period of three months. During the last month of the contractual period, a contract review will be conducted by the supervisor, who will provide guidance on the decision regarding the offer of a subsequent contract. Any new contract will specify the upcoming projects and responsibilities for the following period.
For individuals residing in Guatemala, the hiring will be conducted on an indefinite basis, in accordance with terms regulated by Guatemalan law.
6. Place of work
The position may be based in any of the Mesoamerican Reef countries. The communication officer will work from her/his place of residence.
7. Compensation
Fees will be determined according to the candidate’s experience. Payments will be disbursed on a monthly basis, and the consultant or employee is required to submit an invoice for each payment, inclusive of taxes.
Travel expenses associated with essential activities related to MAR Fund business will be reimbursed.
8. Qualifications and attributes
- Resourcefulness, adaptability, creativity, innovation, and ability to work proactively.
- Excellent verbal, writing and editing skills for various formats, such as press releases, speeches, articles, and other digital communication materials in English and Spanish.
- Educational background in Communications, Public Relations, or a related field.
- Proven experience in a communications role, preferably in a non-profit or similar sector. Minimum 3 years of writing and editorial experience.
For more information, please download the ToR at the link below.
9. Application process
Qualified individuals should submit the following documents to recursoshumanos@marfund.org by January 31 st, 2024.
- Curriculum Vitae
- One-page essay (maximum) indicating the reason she/he is interested in this position and why they are the best person for the job, in English and Spanish.
- Portfolio showcasing relevant work.
- Three references, at least two of them from existing or former direct supervisors.
Note: The terms of reference are subject to revision based on the evolving needs of MAR Fund.
The successful candidate will be expected to adapt to changing circumstances and contribute to the growth and success of MAR Fund’s communication efforts.