Bilingual Biodiversity Specialist, (English and Dutch)

Job Description

Position: Bilingual Biodiversity Specialist, (English and Dutch)
Project: Biodiversity Governance Innovation Programme (BioGov)
Location: Paramaribo, Suriname
Contract Type: Consultancy Contract (Deliverables-Based)
Duration: 12 Months (with possibility of extension)
Estimated Level of Effort (LOE): Up to 100 days total, with flexible monthly distribution (average 8-10 days/month)
Reports to: Project Field Manager, BioGov Project
Languages: English and Dutch (oral and written proficiency required)
Compensation: Fees payable upon satisfactory completion of deliverables
Application Deadline: September 4, 2025

Application Instructions:

1. A cover letter is mandatory to be considered. Cover letters should effectively align your skills and experiences with the specific job responsibilities outlined in the position’s description, demonstrating your aptitude and enthusiasm for the role and current availability.
2. Click the “Apply now” link to up load your cover letter and CV in English.
3. Only successful candidates will be contacted. No phone calls please.

Alinea is an international development consultancy providing technical and management expertise that helps people improve their lives. Alinea works with governments, investors, companies, and communities to create lasting change. In over 39 years, Alinea has successfully delivered more than 1,000 projects and assignments worldwide.

At Alinea International we value diversity, equity, inclusivity, accessibility and belonging in everything we do. We are an equal opportunity employer opposed to all forms of discrimination. We actively seek and encourage applications from people of diverse backgrounds recognizing that an inclusive workforce enriches our organization and achieves smarter, more innovative results.

Alinea is committed to the protection of children and vulnerable adults. Due to the nature of our work, all candidates will be subject to due diligence checks and extensive background checks where appropriate.

Background
The Biodiversity Governance Innovation Programme (BioGov) is a five-year initiative (2025-2029) funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Alinea International. The project supports the Government of Suriname to enhance inclusive, coordinated, and gender-responsive biodiversity governance with a focus on marine and coastal ecosystems. BioGov works closely with national ministries, Indigenous and Tribal Peoples (ITPs), and civil society to help operationalize Suriname’s 2024-2035 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP).

Field-level activities are concentrated in Suriname’s Young Coastal Plain, prioritizing biodiversity protection and improved livelihoods for women and ITPs through nature-positive strategies. BioGov also supports biodiversity policy reform, participatory monitoring, and alignment with international biodiversity finance and agreements.

Scope of Work and Deliverables
The Consultant will provide expert support to implement technical, coordination, and community engagement aspects of the BioGov project’s biodiversity governance workstream. Key deliverables are structured to align with the project’s Results-Based Management (RBM) framework and Work Plan.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance to support implementation of biodiversity-related activities under the BioGov project
• Contribute to biodiversity data planning, monitoring design, and integration of Traditional, Local and Indigenous Knowledge (TLIK)
• Support national policy and legal review processes related to biodiversity governance
• Facilitate inclusive biodiversity planning with ITPs, local communities, and government partners
• Collaborate closely with Gender Specialist
• Coordinate inputs to project-supported biodiversity committees and management plans
• Deliver capacity-building and technical training for government and community stakeholders

Deliverables Overview
A detailed list of deliverables and timelines will be included as an annex to the consultant’s contract. Key areas of focus are expected to include:

• Technical support for biodiversity policy reform and coordination
• Development of biodiversity monitoring and data management tools
• Contributions to inclusive biodiversity governance in coastal ecosystems (MUMAs)
• Capacity-building and outreach with communities and government
• Technical input into biodiversity finance
• Quality assurance of project data, including results monitoring and reporting

Payment Schedule
Payments will be issued upon submission and approval of deliverables according to detailed list of deliverables an timelines.
Other Provisions

• Workstation: Based in Paramaribo at the Ministry of Oil, Gas and Environment, with travel to project sites as needed.
• Safeguarding & Ethics: Consultant must sign and adhere to Alinea’s Safeguarding and Anti-Corruption Policies.
• Intellectual Property: All data and materials produced remain the property of Alinea and GAC.
• Flexibility Clause: Deliverables and LOE may be adjusted in agreement with the Project Field Manager based on evolving project needs.

Required Qualifications:

• Relevant higher academic qualification such as ecology, conservation biology, zoology, environmental science etc.
• At least four years of experience working with government, non-profits organisations and communities on biodiversity and conservation related projects in Suriname or the Region.
• Knowledge of local and regional biodiversity conservation strategies and policies.
• Proven experience in implementing biodiversity monitoring programs and conservation strategies with local communities including Indigenous and Tribal Peoples.
• Experience in gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches and collective rights in community field work.
• Ability to implement or support biodiversity monitoring programs and data analysis.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English and Dutch.
• Research and report writing skills.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding and experience working with Global Affairs Canada funded programs.
• Experience of international biodiversity agreements
• Experience of finance mechanisms and developing funding proposals
• Experience related to environmental challenges related to the oil and gas sector.
• Skills in result-based planning, tracking and reporting.