Seed Bank Expert

CTG overview:
CTG staff and support humanitarian projects in fragile and conflict-affected countries around the world, providing a rapid and cost-effective service for development and humanitarian missions. With past performance in 17 countries – from the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia, we have placed more than 20,000 staff all over the world since operations began in 2006.
CTG recruits, deploys and manages the right people with the right skills to implement humanitarian and development projects, from cleaners to obstetricians, and mechanics to infection specialists, we’re skilled in emergency response to crises such as the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. Key to successful project delivery is the ability to mobilise at speed; CTG can source and deploy anyone, anywhere, in less than 2 weeks and have done so in 48 hours on a number of occasions.
Through our efficient and agile HR, logistical and operational services, CTG saves multilateral organisations time and money. We handle all our clients’ HR related issues, so they are free to focus on their core services.
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Project description:
In support of the realization of the ambitious Saudi Arabia & Middle East green initiative under the Saudi Vision 2030, the National Center for Vegetation Cover & Combating Desertification (NCVC) has been tasked with combating desertification, rehabilitating forest vegetation cover, protecting local endangered plant species & managing national parks. This project is designed to support NCVC in increasing necessary institutional, technical & technological capacities to realize its mandate more effectively & efficiently. The enhanced NCVC capacity will be achieved through transforming information technology & digital capabilities, establishing cooperation & strengthening its network internationally & promoting forest conservation practices & increasing environmental awareness to ensure the long term sustainability of NCVC activities at the policy level & on the ground. The project will support the achievement of the ambitious Saudi green initiative by designing a model of a tree nursery & seed bank with a road map for establishing a large scale nursery facility to meet the Kingdom’s afforestation goals, along with by aligning policy & standards of tree planting & creating a mechanism to coordinate the afforestation work among different actors. These objectives will be achieved through a whole of society approach, in close partnership with the private sector, academia, youth & other relevant stakeholders to ensure the long term sustainability of the activities across the project lifecycle & beyond. This project will build upon the long standing Standard Basic Framework Agreement (SBBA) which was agreed upon between the Kingdom & our client in 1975.

The project expected outputs are:
Output 1: Strengthening international cooperation & network.
Output 2: Promoting conservation practices & strengthening environmental awareness via advocacy & outreach.
Output 3: Model tree nursery design & ecosystem conservation.
Output 4: Transformation of information technology & digital infrastructure.
Output 5: Strengthening institutional & technical capacity.

The Seed Bank Expert will be responsible for the following:

Seed bank strategy:
Develop a comprehensive seed bank strategy, considering local environmental challenges, biodiversity preservation & sustainable land management practices.
Establishment of seed bank.
Provide technical expertise & guidance on seed bank & conservation initiatives.
Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to implement conservation projects & monitor their progress.

Tree nursery design & operations:
Lead the design & establishment of sustainable tree nurseries, incorporating best practices in seedling production, irrigation systems & pest management.
Develop nursery management protocols & standard operating procedures for optimal tree growth & health.
Oversee the implementation of tree nursery operations, including seed collection, germination, transplantation & maintenance.

Project management:
Develop project work plans, including timelines, milestones & deliverables.
Monitor project progress & ensure timely implementation of activities.
Prepare regular progress reports & presentations for project stakeholders.
Collaborate with project teams & stakeholders to address any challenges or risks & propose appropriate solutions.

The Seed Bank Expert will be responsible for delivering the following:

Seed bank strategy:
Comprehensive seed bank strategy document, including objectives, targets & action plans.
Reports on seed bank establishment progress, including infrastructure setup & operational guidelines.

Project management:
Project work plans, including timelines, milestones & deliverables.
Progress reports, presentations & updates on project activities.
Risk assessments & mitigation plans for project implementation.
It’s important to note that the expected outputs & deliverables may be subject to adjustment & refinement during the project based on evolving needs & priorities.

Project reporting:
The Seed Bank Expert will work under the direct supervision of National Project Coordinator at NCVC & indirectly to the National Project Officer.

Key competencies:
Master degree in environmental science, forestry, horticulture, or a related field.
Minimum of 15 years of professional experience in seed bank, tree nursery design & related activities, including experience in project management & team leadership.
Certification or training in ecosystem conservation, tree nursery management, or related fields would be advantageous or any additional relevant professional certificates or training programs demonstrating expertise in ecosystem conservation and tree nursery design would be considered a plus.
In depth knowledge of seed bank & conservation principles, practices & strategies.
Proven expertise in tree nursery design, including knowledge of nursery infrastructure, equipment & operational requirements.
Strong understanding of biodiversity conservation & restoration techniques.
Experience in developing & implementing ecosystem conservation projects, including monitoring & evaluation.
Excellent project management skills, including the ability to plan, organize & coordinate complex initiatives.
Strong analytical & problem solving abilities, with the capacity to develop innovative solutions.
Effective communication & interpersonal skills to engage with stakeholders at various levels.
Proficiency in using relevant software & tools for data analysis & project management.
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the competencies section.
Experience working in the Middle East region or similar arid environments.
Knowledge of sustainable land management practices & climate change adaptation strategies.
Familiarity with international standards & best practices in ecosystem conservation & tree nursery design.
Experience in working with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs & local communities.
Ability to provide technical guidance & capacity building support to project teams.
Proficiency in English (both written & spoken) is required.
Knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable.
Set & align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, that have a lasting impact.
Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems.
Create & act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences.
Proactively initiate & champion change, manage multiple competing demands.
Think beyond immediate task / barriers & take action to achieve greater results.
Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter agency collaboration.
Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce & champion inclusivity.
Ability to manage programs & projects with a focus at improved performance & demonstrable results.
Ability to take decisions in a timely & efficient manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise & resources.
Ability to reach an understanding, persuade others, resolve points of difference, gain advantage in the outcome of dialogue, negotiates mutually acceptable solutions through compromise & creates win win situations.
Ability to engage with a wide range of public & private partners, build, sustain & / or strengthen working relations, trust & mutual understanding.
Ability to allocate & use resources in a strategic or tactical way in line with principles of accountability & integrity.
Effective & efficient delivery & implementation of urban programs & projects.

Team management:
This role does not have any team management responsibility.

Further information:
Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply for his role.
The expected duration of the work is 12 months.
The completion of deliverables & milestones will be spread out throughout the duration of the project, with specific timelines provided in the deliverables table.
The timeline for review & feedback on deliverables will be communicated by the Project Manager at the NCVC.
Any adjustments or extensions to the duration of the work will be mutually agreed upon by the Senior Advisor for Ecosystem Conservation & Tree Nursery Design & the NCVC, considering the project’s progress & requirements.
This assignment will be office based.
A written approval from our client & relevant authorities will be required to facilitate the consultant’s travel to any locations than stated on this TOR on official missions where necessary.